Rika Skincare – Where Science Meets Nature

Radiation dermatitis is skin inflammation resulting from external beam radiation. It is unpleasant, uncomfortable and the most common side effect of radiation therapy.  It generally occurs on the area of skin through which radiation is used to treat cancer cells inside the body.  It may appear as red, itchy or peeling skin. In mild cases, it can be similar to a light sunburn. But in extreme cases, the skin may be blistered and oozing. Symptoms may not arise until half way through treatment.  Worse, it can interrupt and delay treatment which can increase the risk local recurrence of cancer. We need a better way to fight it.  

There is no standard treatment for radiation dermatitis.  Doctors may recommend a number of moisturizing agents to apply to the skin.  What most people don’t consider is, ingredients in most moisturizers contain potentially toxic ingredients.  When creating Rika Skincare, we prioritized seamlessly blending science, practical expertise, and the quintessence of nature.  This commitment is firmly grounded in our adherence to three foundational principles:  a strong focus on functionality, the pursuit of simplicity, and an unwavering dedication to utilizing only the purest ingredients.

OUR PREMIER INGREDIENTS

Shea butter:
Shea butter is a seed fat that comes from the shea tree. The shea tree is found in East and West tropical Africa. The National Center for Biotechnology Information published a study indicating that shea nuts and shea fat (shea butter) constitute a significant source of anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce redness and swelling. Its fatty acid components may also soothe the skin by retaining moisture.  Another study from the American Journal of Life Sciences claims that shea butter boosts collagen production, demonstrating some anti-aging potential.

Calendula Extract:
Derived from the flower of the marigold plant, calendula is used topically for wound healing. Major constituents of the leaves and stems include lutein and beta-carotene. Preclinical studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects. Other studies suggest benefit with prophylactic topical calendula for radiation-induced dermatitis.

Sea Buckthorn Extract:
Sea buckthorn oil comes from the seeds and fruit of the sea buckthorn plant. People have used the oil for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions.  In a 2017 article, sea buckthorn oil was shown to contain lipids that can help moisturize and soften a person’s skin, improving elasticity. One of sea buckthorn oil’s lipids can also speed up cell regeneration and renewal. It also contains sterols, which reduce water loss and improve firmness in a person’s skin.   According to a 2021 review of previous studies, sea buckthorn oil possesses several medicinal properties too. It is antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory

Manuka Honey:
Manuka honey is collected from beehives around the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) that is indigenous to Australia and New Zealand. It has been used both as food and as a topical treatment for wounds, burns, and ulcers. Studies show that manuka has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer effects. The constituent methylglyoxal is the major bactericidal factor. Small studies in humans suggest potential utility of manuka honey preparations for atopic dermatitis. The results, from a phase 2 study reported at the 2011 European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress (EMCC), suggests that manuka honey may also decrease the severity and duration of radiation-induced dermatitis.

Coconut oil:
Coconut oil is extracted from harvested, mature coconuts. Around half of the fat content in coconut oil comes from lauric acid.  Coconut oil has the natural ability to penetrate the skin quickly and efficiently, which can boost hydration, improve skin elasticity, fight itch and reduce the chances of infection.  Out of all the natural ingredients used to treat eczema, a form of dermatitis, coconut oil has the most scientific research to back up its legitimacy.   A 2018 study also found that coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the skin.

Blue Tansy Oil:
Blue Tansy has two other names – Moroccan Tansy and Moroccan Chamomile. The plant, which scientific name is Tanacetum annuum, is a tiny flower that has become more popular in recent years. The herbaceous Blue Tansy is now native to Morocco, but the plant originally came from the Mediterranean wild.  Although more research is needed to confirm its properties and effects, blue tansy, or its components, including Sabinene and Camphor, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and skin-calming effects.  There are real-world and clinical applications of the Blue Tansy oil that suggest that it is effective in protecting the skin and remedying skin irritations.  Some radiation oncologists have employed spritzer bottles containing water and Blue Tansy oil to help treat skin for radiation burns. 

Rose Hip Extract:    
Rosehip oil is obtained by cold pressing the seeds of the wild rose (Rosa affinis rubiginosa) that grows in Chile.  Rosehip oil is a concentrated solution in linoleic (41%) and linolenic acid (39 %), two essential fatty acids that are found in the structural lipids of the cell but humans cannot make them. Rosehip oil also contains tocopherols and carotenoids. In clinical studies with humans, rosehip oil promoted tissue regeneration in surgical wounds and improved the appearance of keloids.                                    

Carrot Seed Oil:                            
This oil is made by extracting the oil from the seeds of the wild carrot plant through a cold-pressing process.  It is rich in antioxidants which help it fight free radicals and repair dry and damaged skin. Carrot seed oil is known to stimulate cell regeneration, which can make skin more supple.  Evidence suggests that using carrot seed oil for skin can help treat various skin conditions such as vitiligo, eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.  A recent study found that carrot seed oil is effective at combating several strains of bacteria.

Avocado Fruit Oil:      
The absorbent oil is thought to have numerous benefits for your skin. It is an excellent source of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.  The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in avocado oil help your skin stay smooth, strong, and elastic.  Researchers have documented how natural oils like avocado oil can be beneficial for your skin. The beta carotene, protein, lecithin, fatty acids, and vitamins found in avocado oil help moisturize and protect your skin.  Avocado oil may also help heal wounds. A 2013 study found that the linoleic acid, oleic acid, and other monounsaturated fatty acids in avocado oil can speed up wound healing.

Beeswax:
Simply put, beeswax is a wax that comes from bees. The worker bees produce a honeycomb of this wax to store the colony’s honey.  It has been used topically on the skin since ancient Egyptian times.   Due to its antibacterial agents, beeswax has a long history of being used for certain skin issues. Historically, this has included treating burns and wounds. Nowadays, it’s often used in ointments and creams to soothe symptoms of certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, boils, wounds, diaper rash.

A 2018 study even found that natural products, such as beeswax, were far superior in managing sensitive skin compared with skin care products with synthetic ingredients. A 2018 review notes the following benefits of beeswax when used in skin care:

• softens and lubricates skin
• prevents water loss
• has antiseptic properties, which may help protect the skin from pathogenic microorganisms
• provides a protective barrier to the skin

Zinc Oxide:  
For more than 2,000 years, zinc has been used to help deal with burns and wounds.  Plenty of research shows that zinc oxide helps aid in new tissue growth, skin healing, repairing wounds and prevention of inflammation.  It works by forming a barrier on the skin to protect it from irritants/moisture.  Accordingly, zinc oxide is very suitable for dermatitis therapy.

PhytoCide Elderberry OS:   
PhytoCide Elderberry OS is derived from the fruit of the Elderberry tree. It is an efficacious, multi-functional natural alternative to the traditionally used preservatives in cosmetics and personal care applications.  Elderberries are an excellent source of undecylenic acid, an organic fatty acid that provides broad antimicrobial benefits.  Phytocide Elderberry OS is ECOCert/COSMOS approved and Whole Foods compliant.