Carbamide (urea), which is excreted with sweat and urine in the final stage of the protein metabolism, is the body’s own mechanism for retaining natural moisture. The high proportion of carbamide in Episal^® softens the epidermis, moisturizes the skin and has a bacteriostatic, wound-healing effect. Carbamide increases the permeability of the skin, soothes itching and successfully reduces reddening of the skin. Carbamide’s significant moisture-binding effect has been proven in numerous tests. In the end, it also restores the elasticity and softness of the skin and ensures a fine acid- alkaline balance.

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. Its surface lies at around 400 m below sea level. The Dead Sea is fed by underground sources which provide the sea water with especially high mineral levels and contains more than 20 different minerals. The geographical location and the climate lead to a very high concentration of minerals, allowing the mineral and salt content to climb to more than 29%, which is virtually ten times the amount found in other seas (up to 3%). The high concentration of salts and minerals is also the reason why there are hardly any living organisms and why the sea is called ‘dead’. However, healing forces have rightly been attributed to the Dead Sea with its high salt concentration for thousands of years.

 

To begin with, it is the high proportions of minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium and bromide, which are thought to contribute to successful treatment of rheumatism and chronic skin conditions such as neurodermitis and psoriasis. The composition of both the salt and mud from the Dead Sea is unique and they represent important constituents of the Episal^® skin care series.

 

The high sodium and potassium concentrations in Dead Sea salt have the effect of catalysts for membrane transport, the transport of minerals and other nutrients through the cell membrane and on into the cytoplasm.

 

Calcium and magnesium have a soothing effect on the skin, stimulate the circulation and cell renewal and are important regulators in the homeostasis of the epidermal barrier. Magnesium is also known for its anti-inflammatory effect. The salt has an astringent effect, supplies the skin with moisture and loosens flakes of skin. The skin becomes smooth and moist and the natural coating of moisture is restored. The mineral mud in the form found in the hair pack has a soothing effect on skin irritations and inflamed scalps and stabilises the skin.

 

Panthenol, also known as dexpanthenol, is a more stable form of the B vitamin pantothenic acid. Panthenol is converted into pantothenic acid in the skin. Pantothenic acid is often called the ‘beauty vitamin’ or ‘queen of the skin vitamins’. It ensures improved levels of skin moisture by penetrating deep into the lower skin layers and binding water there. Dry and sensitive skin thus remains healthy, beautiful and supple for longer. Dexpanthenol promotes the energy metabolism of the skin cells and their optimum nutrition and stimulates the division of skin cells. As panthenol soothes the skin and has a healing effect, it also helps in cases of acute sunburn and severe reddening. Panthenol is of significance in another respect: its water-binding capacity means that it is particularly effective for treating damaged, split and dry hair.

Every day, our skin is exposed to harmful environmental influences such as the sun, clothing, friction or inner stress. The skin can become washed out and dry as the result of excessive pathological flaking (e. g. psoriasis), or due to frequent washing and over-aggressive soaps (detergents) and may lose its natural protection, the lipid and moisture content. In addition, the skin can also be particularly sensitive – a phenomenon which is becoming ever more frequent in today’s society. As the skin ages, it naturally becomes drier and less greasy and therefore requires special care so that it can continue to maintain its protective barrier function. Dry skin is less elastic, susceptible to infections and more prone to eczema.

Jojoba oil comes from jojoba nuts which grow on jojoba bushes. The oil, which is actually similar to a liquid wax, is the best-tolerated hypoallergenic means of skin care. It penetrates rapidly deep into the skin and is not greasy. Jojoba oil has been used as a means of skin care for centuries and has achieved positive results in the treatment of psoriasis patients.

Magnesium promotes relaxation, has a hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory effect and is a cofactor in many enzymes necessary for healthy cell activity.

The high mineral content contained in all Episal^® products successfully promotes rapid peeling of the skin and reactivates the natural restoration process of the epidermis and thus the regeneration of the skin. Episal^® contains important minerals and salts such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and bromide.

The high lipid content and antioxidant vitamin E restore the skin’s hydro-lipid protective coating (the skin is hydrated) and help to neutralise the ageing effect on the skin caused by the sun. Lipids and vitamin E nourish and protect the skin from external influences and make it naturally more resistant. The skin simultaneously becomes smooth and soft again, and thus less fragile.