We know about various herbals which are used in skincare, but have you ever got to know about Fern extract, and its benefits. Fern ins the next big thing in skincare industry. Please go through the article

1. FERN Extract-next big thing in skincare
Aesthetic Nurse, Clinical Trainer and owner of Clarity Medspa in Toronto, Chantal Ward RN is
always on the lookout for skin care breakthroughs.
Not long ago Ms Ward was intrigued to learn of the anti-aging properties locked inside the
unassuming fern plant. After reviewing various medical journals and articles, she learned of the
work of Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick at Harvard University, whereby he co-developed the patented
Fernblock™ Technology (Polypodium Leucotomos Extract).
Fernblock™ is an extract from a Central American fern known for its unique photo-protective
abilities. “This fern was able to evolve successfully from an aquatic plant to a land-based plant over
millions of years, and this is truly remarkable” says Ms. Ward. Supported by the plant’s ability to
“adapt”, Fernblock™ is credited as:
A powerful antioxidant.
An anti-cancer agent.
An anti-bacterial agent.
An anti-inflammatory agent.
A protectant of skin architecture; collagen, fibroblast and skin-cell protection.
Both acne-friendly and sensitive skin friendly, Fernblock™ is also a protective agent from the

2. effects of UV Radiation that can reduce the visible effects of photo-aging including:
Sun Burn
UV Sensitization
Photo-damage
Erythema
While the skin care industry has been slow to wake up to the merits of the fern extract in skin care
formulations, consumers will soon notice that this is about to change.
Chantal Ward most was most excited when she learned of the use of Fernblock in science-based
sunscreen under the brand name of HelioCare™. “We tested HelioCare™ at our clinic in Toronto
and client feedback affirmed it was ideal for every skin type. That said it is particularly effective
and well tolerated for those with highly Sun Sensitive Skin or for those who’s skin-health is
impaired or recovering.”
HelioCare™ provides very high UVB & UVA protection and contains an anti-microbial and anti-
inflammatory ingredient that is extremely supportive of good skin health. Those who suffer from
acne, oily skin or even dehydrated skin find the SPF50 pleasant and effective.
“Within a very short time of retailing HelioCare™ I knew this sunscreen was a keeper”, says Ms.
Ward. “My clients not only come back for repeat purchases, some have actually bought it for
friends and family as a gift – a true testament to the merits of this product. .”
HelioCare™ has more than one product offering and depending on lifestyle and skin condition, one
item may be better suited than another for your skin. The staff at Clarity Medspa would be pleased
to help with product selection and can even mail it to your door.

3. To book a sunscreen consultation or place a mail-order, contact
Clarity Medspa at (416) 960.2222
http://www.claritymedspa.ca/fern-extract-skin-care-an-ingredient-breakthrough-watch/
More about fern plants-
A fern is a member of a group of roughly 12,000 species of vascular plants that reproduce via
spores and have neither seeds nor flowers. They differ from mosses by being vascular (i.e. having
water-conducting vessels). They have stems and leaves, like other vascular plants. Most ferns have
what are called fiddleheads that expand into fronds, which are each delicately divided.

4. Various types of ferns-
(1) Phlebodium aureum-
Phlebodium aureum (golden polypody, golden serpent fern, cabbage palm fern, gold-foot fern, hare-
foot fern. syn. Polypodium aureum, Polypodium leucatomos) is an epiphytic fern native to tropical
and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is confined to the eastern side of the continents,
extending north into the United States to Florida and the extreme southeast of Georgia, and south
through the Caribbean (the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Lesser Antilles), and northern and eastern
South America to Paraguay. It is the only species of Phlebodium found in North America, the other
species all confined to South America.
This fern is rarely terrestrial in habitat, usually colonizing the canopies of tropical rainforests and
the dwarf palms of subtropical forests. It is common in the cloud forests of the Caribbean and
northern South America. It grows in varied habitats in Florida, including swamps and hammocks,
and can thus apparently tolerate a wide range of microclimates. Its restriction to the tropics and
subtropics is readily explained by its intolerance of anything other than very brief, light frosts. High
levels of light are also critical for growth of this species, and its deciduous habit allows it to invade
relatively dry areas.
(2)Equisetum-
Equisetum is a "living fossil" as it is the only living genus of the entire class Equisetopsida, which
for over one hundred million years was much more diverse and dominated the understory of late
Paleozoic forests. Some Equisetopsida were large trees reaching to 30 meters tall. The genus
Calamites of the family Calamitaceae, for example, is abundant in coal deposits from the
Carboniferous period.
Extracts and other preparations of E. arvense have served as herbal remedies, with records dating to
ancient Greek and Roman medical sources. its reported uses include treatments to stop bleeding,
treat tuberculosis, to heal wounds and ulcerations, and to treat kidney ailments.[medical citation
needed] In modern times, it is typically used as an infusion. Reliable modern alternative medicine
sources include cautions with regard to its use. In 2009 the European Food Safety Authority issued
a report assessing some specific health claims for E. arvense—e.g., for invigoration, weight control,
and skin, hair, and bone health—concluding that none could be substantiated.
There is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions regarding its effectiveness as a medicine for all
human conditions described. Even so, E. giganteum preparations are widely used in South America
as an orally administered diuretic to reduce swelling caused by excess fluid retention and for
urinary infections, bladder and kidney disorders. Horsetail preparations contain silicon, so they are
sometimes suggested as a treatment for osteoporosis (brittle bone disorders).
Some Equisetum preparations are reported to have a high content of thiaminase, which may induce
edema and cause lack of motor control (e.g., limb coordination), putting a person at risk of injury
from falling; bradycardia (slowed heart-rate) and cardiac dysrhythmia are further negative side
effects.[citation needed] Since horsetail contains nicotine, it is not recommended for young
children.

5. (3)Bracken
Bracken (Pteridium) is a genus of large, coarse ferns in the family Dennstaedtiaceae. Ferns
(Pteridophyta) are vascular plants that have alternating generations, large plants that produce spores
and small plants that produce sex cells (eggs and sperm). Brackens are noted for their large, highly
divided leaves. They are found on all continents except Antarctica and in all environments except
deserts, though their typical habitat is moorland. The genus probably has the widest distribution of
any fern in the world.
References-
[1].http://www.claritymedspa.ca/
[2].http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fern
[3].http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phlebodium_aureum
[4].http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equisetum
[5].http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracken
[6].http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tree_Fern_Spores.jpg
[7].http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FernBedInForest.jpg