Opès Natural Skin Care

OPÈS ORIS

Visage” Argan Oil Serum for Her and Him

Argan oil comes from the nuts of the Argan tree (Argania spinosa). For centuries, Berber women of this region produce argan oil which is used for their consumption and traditional Moroccan medicine.

With help from the Targanine Project that unites women cooperatives to help develop modern extraction to produce high quality oil, women in Morocco can now earn enough to take care of their family and protect their resources. OPÈS is proud to practice fair trade and makes sure that its suppliers respect the Charter of Children’s Rights.

Our Argan Oil is 100% pure and certified Organic by par Qualité-France.

OPÈS “ORIS” “Visage” Argan Oil Serum for Her and Him is the last phase for an ideal three steps spa therapy protocol. For the first step we recommend using OPÈS “TERSUM” Egyptian Loofah product of your choice in tandem with our Exfoliating Cream with Dead Sea Minerals, Loofah & Essential Oils or any of our OPÈS “TERSUM” exfoliating products to gently exfoliate the skin. After rinsing, gently towel dry your skin and apply OPÈS “ORIS” Wild
Canadian Seaweed Cream or Dry Mask and Body Wrap. Finish the treatment with OPÈS “ORIS” “Visage” Argan Oil Serum for Her and Him and Moisturizing Body Milk depending on the treated area.

Recent studies have shown that argan oil and its principal benefits are:

· Neutralizes free radicals
· Reduces skin blemishes
· Helps the skin defend itself effectively against UVB and UVA rays
· Remineralises and hydrates your skin
· Slows down skin aging process and reduces the depth of wrinkles
· Helps diminish stretch marks
· Reduces scarring from juvenile acne and chicken pox
· Protects, softens and enhances hair
· Strengthens brittle nails
· Also useful for energizing and relaxing body massages

Composition:

· This beauty elixir contains about 80% unsaturated essential fatty acids
· Rich in vitamine E
· It’s very rich in antioxidants and unsaponifiables
· Argan oil’s fatty acids restore the skin and help maintain both tone and elasticity

Direction :

Use morning and night on clean skin. Apply a small quantity on the tip of your fingers, massage the neck first in upwards movement starting at the base of the neck. Spread a thin layer of oil on the center of the face spreading with light movement towards the ears and temples, do not forget lip contours. End by the forehead and the arcade of the eyes
making sure not to apply on the part of the eyelid that covers the eye.

Argan Oil is a beauty serum that is 100% natural, organic, lightly enriched with Lavender oil and does not cause allergic reactions. Not tested on animals and respects our environment.

For external use.

Distinctive advantage of the Manicouagan Sea Mud

Manicouaga Clay offers a product unique in the world. After several years of research and development, we can affirm that our product offers many advantages in nature.

The deposits is protected by a peat bog; its sea mud is , therefore, exempt from environmental pollutants. Specialized, studies have been undertaken by BODYCOTE Canada, an external environmental laboratory.

Our sea mud contains humic acids. These acids activate the micro-circulation. They come from the peat bog and, therefore, are unique to this product.

Our sea mud contains mica. By ionic activation, the mica particles stay on the skin and give the impression of a tan.

There is an extraordinary and unique meeting of our waters in the Manicouagan Sea Mud:
 Sea water (from Goldthwaite Sea)
 Glacial water
 River water (Outardes rivers and Manicouagan river)
 Peat bog water

A meteorite fell on the Manicouagan some 214 million years ago. The force of the impact was equivalent to more than 200 volcanoes and the steams of lava reached the Goldthwaite Sea. With the years and period of glaciations, the Manicouagan Peninsula was formed, among others, by the deposit of the spatial sediments to create an exceptional sea mud.

The scientists estimate that there were between five and eight periods of glaciations since the fall of the meteorite. In the course of the thawing that occurred during this periods, water eroded the particles of sea mud. In fact, more than 50% of the particles had less than five microns, and 100% less than 150 microns. the sea mud had the texture of cream in its natural state. A match head contains five million particles.

The deposit extend more than 15 squares kilometres. The abundances of this material can be measured in millions of tons.

The Sea Mud contain 42 natural chemical element of the 102 in existence on earth. The synergy of these elements is such than no other mud or clay is comparable. Most of competitors’ products have only between 12 and 20 chemical elements.

Our sea mud does not contain iodine. The application of the marine mud in spas or at home has no contra-indication for individuals allergic of iodine.

Manicouagan Sea Mud is not affected by heat or light. The unique procedure of sterilization utilizes vapor so as to conserve the maximum of the natural properties of the sea mud.

Contrary to the other clays and muds, Manicouagan sea mud does not dry the skin. It acs more as a neutralizer. For individuals who have dry skins, in the interstitial water of the sea mud penetrates the skin to nourish the tissues. And for those who on the contrary have oily skin, the Manicouagan Sea mud brings to the surface the greasy particles, by ionic activity. That is why we call it the intelligent clay

The sea mud contains organic elements, such as:

 Micro-algae
 Chlorophyll
 Phytoplankton
 Proteins
 Other micro-organisms of marine origin

The use of the Body Wrap method (bandages soaked in Manicouagan Sea Mud or covering with a plastic film) permits the widespread loss of corporal mass !

Technical data sheet

The analyses carried out on the sea Mud from Manicouagan have mainly
covered the determination of the nature of the sediments (geomorphology), the types of
minerals, the type of Elements as well as the physical characteristics (hydroscopy,
plasticity, particle sizes, colour, etc).

Such analyses made it possible to identify the variety of Minerals and Elements
of this sea Mud (clay) shaped by interstitial waters from the Manicouagan area. Such
waters are actively participating to the geochemical exchanges which enhance
microbiological activities.

The sea mud from Manicouagan is a silty clay which mainly contains illite,
albite and quartz. It is characterized by its high content of silica, alumina, iron oxide
and sodium oxide, and by a great level of magnesium and calcium oxides. The
mechanism of oxidation induced by iron oxide confers to the clay its unique colour
(grey to green).

Indeed, the analyses have confirmed the great variety of Elements such as:
Silica, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, chromium and zinc, etc.

The combination of its very pleasant skin feel with its unique composition
makes the Sea Mud of Manicouagan the ideal candidate to formulate all types of
efficient cosmetic products.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION:

Components SiO2 Al2O3 Fe2O3 MgO CaO Na2O K2O TiO2 P2O5 MnO Cr2O3 PAF Ctotal Others
% 59.8 16.2 6.25 3.34 3.92 3.8 2.81 0.66 0.21 0.09 0.02 1.78 0.22

Wild Canadian Seaweed

Marine Seaweeds are used in a multitude of cosmetic and therapeutic applications.

Our Seaweeds live and are nourished by the sea. They are gorged with nutritional and regenerative properties that correspond to the essence of our lives. Scientific analysis demonstrates that the composition of sea water is almost identical to that of the fluids of the human body (serum, lymphatic system, conjunctive tissue, etc.). Our range of Wild Canadian Seaweed products restores life to our cells.

The seaweeds used in OPÈS products grow in the pristine water of the Wild Canadian Atlantic Coast. This zone is home to a biomass, extremely rich in quantity and quality. They draw their nutrients in seawater. The solar energy, snared by the chlorophyll, turns into sugars. This photosynthesis produces algae rich in proteins, minerals, iodine and calcium.

Our seaweeds are harvested, cleaned and dried according to the tried and true tradition of the craftsmen, respecting the environment and the preservation of our natural resources. They are dried where at the harvest site, using the warmth of the sun and the sea breeze. This traditional method allows for the conservation of the seaweed’s integrity, as well as obtaining the finest of powders, rendering its maximum regenerative and stimulating qualities.

Our seaweed products are 100 % natural, not tested on animals and respect our environment.

Principle properties of our Wild Canadian Seaweed:

• Toning • Slimming • Remineralizing • Stimulating – Excellent Anti-cellulite agent

Types of Seaweed :

OPÈS’ prime quality products are based on 3 types of Marine Seaweed which belong to the Pheophycees class of algae: Laminaria Digitata, Ascophyllum Nodosum and the Fucus Vesiculosus.

Seaweed Products offered by OPÈS:

Wild Canadian Seaweed and Loofah Soap
Wild Canadian Seaweed and Dead Sea Minerals Shower Gel
Wild Canadian Seaweed and Dead Sea Minerals Shampoo
Dead Sea Minerals & Wild Canadian Seaweed Bath Tea
Dead Sea Minerals & Wild Canadian Seaweed Bath Soak
Manicouagan Clay, Wild Canadian Seaweed and Dead Sea Minerals Dry Mask and Body Wrap
Wild Canadian Seaweed, Manicouagan Clay and Dead Sea Minerals Cream Mask
Wild Canadian Seaweed, Manicouagan Clay, Loofah & Dead Sea Minerals Gommage
Wild Canadian Seaweed Moisturizing Milk

ONE OF THE TYPE OF SEAWEED WE USE:

Laminaria digitata belongs to the brown seaweed family. It lives attached to rocks within 10 meters of the low tide line.

There are various sea or marine plants – and although they are sometimes collectively grouped as algae – they all have various unique points, as well as a range of similarities. Laminaria digitata is sometimes also referred to as Atlantic kelp.

All seaweeds are rich in compounds that are of specific use in the cosmetic industry, such as polygalactosides, fucose polymers and ursolic acid.

Polygalactosides react with the protective outer surface of the skin and the Ion-ion interaction form a protective moisturizing complex, while the fucose polymers are hygroscopic and act as hydrating agents and the ursolic acid can help form a protective barrier on the skin.

They contain abundant non-essential and essential amino acids such as proline, glycine and lycine – all of these, which are found in the elastic fibers of the skin as well. With this in mind, these ingredients alone would be helpful for the skin’s elasticity by increasing hydration and thereby maintaining and improving the skin’s elasticity.

Scientifically, Laminaria digitata belongs to the family of brown algae. They are 3 to 4 meters long and the thallus is composed of a cylindrical caulome and a frond which is wide, long and cloven or split depending on the species. They contain mucilage glands, which are covered in groups of sporangia at certain times of the year, and are held on to the rocks by rhizoids.

The constituents are calcium, potassium, iodine, mannitol, as well as fat, protein, carbohydrates and vitamins E, C, B12, B6, B3, B, A and Zn, F, Cr, Co, Mn, I, Na, Fe, P, Mg, K, Ca.

• Vitamines : A (rétinol) B1 (thiamine) B2 (riboflavine) B3 ou PP (nicotinamide) B6 (pyridoxine) B12 (cobalamine) C (acide ascorbique) D3 (cholecalciferol) E (Tocopherol) K (phylloquinone)

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS

Organic matter 65 – 80
Proteins 7 – 12
Carbohydrates 65 – 70
Lipids 1 – 2
Cellulose matter 8 – 10
Alginic acid 20 – 30
Mannitol 7 – 16
Fucoids 4 – 7
Laminarine 8 – 18
Mineral matter 25 – 28
Calcium 1 – 3
Phosphor 0.3 – 0.8
Potassium 7 – 9
Sulphur 0.9 – 1.5
Magnesium 0.5 – 1%
Iodine 0.3 – 0.8 %
Manganese 150 – 300 ppm
Zinc 10 – 120 ppm
Iron 500 – 800 ppm

Percentages cited are from research studies and may vary.

Laminaria in dry form contains 12% water, 15% mineral salts (chlorines, sulphates and iodines). Iodine is particularly abundant in this kind of seaweed, which can contain as much as 0.5% in terms of its dry weight and has higher iodine content than that of Pacific kelp.

Iodine compounds such as TEA-Hydroiodide have effective lipolytic properties by stimulating lipases.

The dried Laminaria digitata seaweed contains less than 1% lipids, some 5% protides and 65% or less of its content is represented by sugars, represented by the following:

Mannitol (12-15%) -Soluble condensed glucosides (15-40%) and particularly Fucoidine and Laminaran. Laminaran is a glucane which exists in two forms, one insoluble in cold form and the other soluble. The two forms are made up of D-glucose (1-3), but there are also proportions of 1-6 links and remains of mannitol. Their content varies depending on the time of year when they are collected, and represents as much as 35% of the dry weight. Algin: 15-40% of the dry weight.

Laminaria is used mainly in treatments against cellulitis and obesity, either alone or combined with other extracts to enhance its activity.

The mineral salts and especially iodine stimulate the general metabolism and cause an increase in the osmotic exchanges thus bringing about elimination of the excess fluids.
This phenomenon is made use of in the treatment of cellulitis and obesity, which is why Laminaria extracts are used in preparations for massage or topical application.

The alginic acid or algin present in Laminaria has thickening and emulsifying properties, and these are also very useful in cosmetic science, and antibacterial properties have also been attributed to this seaweed.

Manicouagan Clay

Technical data

The analyses carried out on the sea Mud from Manicouagan have mainly covered the determination of the nature of the sediments (geomorphology), the types of minerals, the type of Elements as well as the physical characteristics (hydroscopic, plasticity, particle sizes, colour, etc).

Such analyses made it possible to identify the variety of Minerals and Elements of this sea Mud (clay) shaped by interstitial waters from the Manicouagan area. Such waters are actively participating to the geochemical exchanges which enhance microbiological activities.

The sea mud from Manicouagan is a silty clay which mainly contains illite, albite and quartz. It is characterized by its high content of silica, alumina, iron oxide and sodium oxide, and by a great level of magnesium and calcium oxides. The mechanism of oxidation induced by iron oxide confers to the clay its unique colour (grey to green).

Indeed, the analyses have confirmed the great variety of Elements such as: Silica, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, chromium and zinc, etc. The Sea Mud contains 42 natural chemical element of the 102 in existence on earth. The synergy of these elements is such than no other mud or clay is comparable. Most of competitors’ products have only between 12 and 20 chemical elements.

The combination of its very pleasant skin feel with its unique composition makes the Sea Mud of Manicouagan the ideal candidate to formulate all types of efficient cosmeceutical products. In fact, more than 50% of the particles have less than five microns, and 100% less than 150 microns.* the sea mud has the texture of cream in its natural state, a world uniqueness.

By analytical determination of organic matters such as Chlorophyll “a”, Phycoerythrine
and Phycocyanine, it has then been possible to identify marine vegetables – mainly algae present in the sea mud. These two pigments (Phycoerythrine & Phycocyanine), very specific of algae, are highly
appreciated in dermo-cosmetic applications. Indeed, they have antioxidant properties, able to behave as free radical scavengers.

Moreover, such pigments also help to create a protective film against the UV-light. At last, another interesting property brought by these pigments, is their ability to accelerate wound healing. Taking into account that only small amounts of pigments are necessary to bring such benefits, one can assume that the Sea Mud from Manicouagan is a good answer to skin problems. Moreover, the presence of these pigments in the matrix of the clay plus its chemical and mineral composition certainly makes it a good choice in treatments of skin problems.

None exhaustive list of some benefits brought by some minerals :

• Magnesium acts like a Humectant and an anti-allergen for sensitive skins, as well as a Co-factor for the enzymes which participate to the cell activity.
• Sodium and potassium are very active in cell activity, thanks to their capacity to go through the cell membrane. They can feed the cell in essential substances while eliminating the xenobiotics.
• Bromine is a antiseptic used in treatments of skin diseases such as psoriasis.
• Potassium is a regulating agent of the hydrous balance which participates to the increase in the metabolic rate and therefore contributes to the cell regeneration and growth.
• Calcium reinforces the cell membranes, activates some enzymes.
• Zinc takes part in the enzymatic regulation during the cell proliferation. Is known for its action against acne.
• Iron, combined to magnesium and calcium, plays an active part in cases of asthenia, demineralisation or anaemia. It also acts like a strong bactericidal agent.

The Sea mud from Manicouagan is extracted by carefully digging through a thick cover of peat and protective sediments. Thanks to the mineral, vegetable and organic components of exceptional nature, each application provides well being and energy and is without a doubt the best asset for your well being

Beauty enhanced by Nature.

Love and passion for Nature are the main roots for the Manicouagan clay.

The Sea Mud from Manicouagan is the result of a long history in wild and well preserved nature
The Rivers being responsible for the formation of the peninsula of Manicouagan which they limit by
the Northern and Southern parts both originate from the crater surrounding the René Levasseur
Island. This crater has been formed over 200 millions years ago by a giant meteorite that crashed on
the surface.

Successive Ice periods have then grinded lava and rocs from the crater formed by the meteorite
into a very fine natural clay. During its long and slow voyage to the peninsula, the clay became an exceptionally rich Sea Mud building up the unique benefits of combined minerals, organic and vegetable components having slowly accumulated in a vast turn of the huge St Laurent River to form the Manicouagan peninsula, in an area which used to be part of the Goldwaith Sea. In September 2007 the Manicouagan area was registered by UNESCO a World Biosphere Reserve.

Dead Sea Minerals

100% Pure, Natural and Non Refined. Sea shell particles integrated in the minerals is a testament to the authenticity of this product.

Herod the Great soothed away cares of state in the health-giving waters of the Dead Sea. Today we have scientific evidence for what he sensed: that the Dead Sea waters have remarkable health-giving properties. OPÈS is proud to offer you a pampering experience designed to bring the legendary healing Minerals of The Dead Sea home to you. OPÈS’ therapeutic care lines “ORIS” “BALNIUM” “TERSUM” and “LAUTUS” contain only Dead Sea Minerals not the common salt, for a genuine therapeutic experience.

History of the Dead Sea and its minerals

More than 400 meters below sea level and with waters ten times saltier than those of the ocean, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth and the most saline of all natural lakes. No fish can live in its salty waters. It is fed by the Jordan River and by mineral springs whose waters resemble those of Evian and Karlsbad. Dead Sea Minerals are unique in character and famous for their healing and therapeutic properties being higher in therapeutic minerals than ordinary sea salt. It contains 26 minerals including Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Bromide, Bitumen, Sodium, Zinc and Selenium. Twelve of the minerals are found in no other sea or ocean and some are recognized for imparting a relaxed feeling, nourishing and detoxifying the skin, activating the circulatory systems and for easing rheumatic discomfort and skin disorders. It contains 10 times more salts and minerals than the Mediterranean Sea.

Magnesium
Magnesium concentration found in the Dead Sea is fifteen times higher than salts in any other seas. Magnesium is essential for cell metabolism. For instance, a significant deficit in Magnesium has been discovered in skin scales and serum of patients with psoriasis. Magnesium supposedly affects the ripening of skin cells of psoriasis patients. Moreover, in cases of bronchi, Magnesium works well as anti-allergic agent.

Potassium
Potassium improves the oxidation and regulates the electrical process of the muscles and the nervous system. Asthma patients achieve good results from inhaling the salt vapours.

 Calcium
Calcium is necessary in strengthening cell membranes and cleansing the pores. In addition it is vital for production and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones, together with regulating the heart muscles and nerves.

 Bromide
Bromide concentration is 50 times higher than common salts recognised for its very relaxing effect.

 Sodium
Sodium ions remove skin scales and improve its permeability. After penetrating into the skin, they bind the water and generate a feeling of suppleness, ideal for very dry skin.

Chlorine
Chlorine is necessary to maintain the correct balance of alkaline and acid in the body, together with being vital for cell metabolism.

Eases the symptoms of eczema, acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, fatigue, stress, insomnia, skin allergies, rheumatologic conditions such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis. Some Researchers concluded that the benefits of the minerals from the Dead Sea Salt have shown a 40% reduction in the depth of wrinkles. The minerals also detoxify, soften the skin and enhance relaxation of the body.