The skin is the largest organ that we have and yet we may take for granted everything that it protects us from and how we treat our skin. For starters, the skin is the first organ in line of defense against all environmental factors. Secondly, the epidermis, the outer layer and most superficial part of the skin is very good at absorption! That's right, the skin is absorptive meaning it will draw in whatever element we place or fall on our skin. Additionally, other functions of the skin are:
Provides a protective barrier against mechanical, thermal and physical injury and hazardous substances.
Prevents loss of moisture.
Reduces harmful effects of UV radiation.
Acts as a sensory organ (touch, detects temperature).
Helps regulate temperature.
An immune organ to detect infections etc.
Production of vitamin D.
So why cheap out when it comes down to our skin? Why do we negate the fact the skin is one of the most important organs of the human body?
When applying creams to the skin I like to know what is in it and make sense of the label. I do not want idiopathic harmful chemicals to be absorbed through my skin into my body which is why my first go to option is Motion Medicine.
Motion Medicine is one such natural topical pain remedy that was made and produced in Canada. With so many avaialble in the market, how do we know which one is best for us? The answer may be in the ingredient list, lets investigate..
Motion Medicine is a topical analgesic made from a blend of natural ingredients. It relieves joint pain and helps heal sprains, bruises, and muscles. It is good for after a workout, to relieve arthritis, heal sprains and relax the muscles. The natural ingredients in Motion Medicine accomplish this with antioxidants, local topical anesthetics, muscle relaxants, circulation enhancers, skin conditioners, cartilage/tissue/muscle repairers and inflammation fighters. These ingredients, when applied directly to the skin, provide instant relief and can prevent/relieve muscle pain. Motion medicine combines active ingredients with carrier ingredients which “carry” the active medical ingredients where they need to go. Let's look into how Motion medicine achieves this via some notable natural ingredients.
Motion Medicine Ingredient list:
Camphor: The first listed ingredient is 4% camphor. Traditionally, this is made from distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree. Nowadays, it is usually made with turpentine oil. Camphor has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antifungal properties. It works by stimulating the nerve endings to relieve pain and itching. Its anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant properties can relieve muscle cramps, arthritis, and help heal muscles.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate: These chemicals naturally reside in the cartilage and other connective tissue in the body. They help protect the joints and are often used to treat arthritis.
Thymol: Thymol is derived from Thyme, the cooking spice. It has been used for centuries for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and antitumor properties. Thus, thymol helps reduce pain from inflammation and ensure sanitation.
MSM: (Methylsulfonylmethane) Found in animals, plants and humans, it is generally used as an anti-inflammatory. It also acts as an antioxidant.
Caprylyl glycol: One non-medical ingredient is Caprylyl Glycol. It is an alcohol from caprylic acid, which is a natural component of coconut oil, and palm kernel oil. It comes from a fatty-acid, so it does not dry the skin. While this extends the shelf life of Motion Medicine, it also is good for your skin as it moisturizes the skin by retaining water and fighting off bacteria.
If you go back to high-school chemistry, you may remember the word amphiphilic. Caprylyl glycol is an amphiphilic. This means that one side of the molecule binds to water, and the other side binds to fat. This emulsifies the water and the fat parts of Motion Medicine to create a smooth cream that is easy to spread. Caprylyl is used in Motion Medicine to extend shelf life, create a pleasing texture, and moisturize the skin.
Eucalyptus Oil. Moving through the ingredients, we see eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus fights inflammation, relaxes and it promotes healing. It is high in antioxidants, especially flavonoids, which helps fight free radicals and, therefore, has anti-aging properties. Eucalyptus also may help your skin retain moisture.
Grapeseed oil. Grape seed oil is a byproduct of winemaking. It also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant properties. Furthermore, it contains high amounts of vitamin E, another good ingredient for your skin. Grapeseed oil improves the skin’s moisture, elasticity and softness.
Lavender oil. Lavender oil, known to aid relaxation, also fights inflammation and contains antioxidants. A 2013 study suggests that lavender helps heal wounds.
Menthol. Menthols is made from mint oil and is commonly used to relieve arthritis, sprains, joint pain, backache and bruises. It does this by making the skin feel cool, then warm. This helps relieve deeper pains. Menthol dilates arterioles to improve circulation.
Just because its natural it means its good for you!
Wrong. At this point you may suggest that just because something is natural, does not mean that it is good for you. Many of the deadliest poisons are 100% natural. Everything is toxic in high enough doses. Yes, Motion Medicine does contain potentially toxic ingredients such as Camphor. However, when these ingredients are diluted, as they are in Motion Medicine, they severely reduce the bioavailability for our bodies to be considered toxic. To date, there have been no adverse reactions to using Motion Medicine and Motion Medicine follows Health Canada’s safety requirements. There is no reason to doubt its safety. The only caveat is that pregnant women, children or people taking blood thinners should consult their doctor before using.
Now that you know a bit about Motion Medicine, check out the product to ahieve less pain in your daily life! Also, when using this product, you can feel good about using a “made in Canada” product.
CMS Team
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