Na-PCA

I'm starting to collect the stuff I'm going to need on the hCG diet. One of the really interesting things is that in addition to eating (and not eating) very specific foods, it seems to matter quite a bit what you put on your skin. Anything with oil (fat) in it interferes with the loss of body fat. My friend and business mentor Vi recommended something called Na-PCA, which is made by Twinlab. Vi likes it so much, she has continued to use it even though she no longer needs to restrict her skin care products. I found a bottle in the health food store, and have been using it for a few days. I'm sold - this stuff is really wonderful. Here's what Twinlab has to say about their product:

Twinlab Na-PCA Description

non-oily

The Natural Moisturizing Factor In Human Skin Twinlab Na-PCA is a Ph-balanced, concentrated solution of the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, the natural moisturizing factor found in human skin. Na-PCA is synthesized from glutamic acid, a nonessential amino acid. The skin contains natural moisturizers, the most important being Na-PCA.

Old skin contains only about half the amount of Na-PCA as that found in young skin. The ability of skin to hold moisture is directly related to its Na-PCA content. It is water, and not oil, that keeps skin soft and supple. Na-PCA pulls water out of the air, moisturizing the skin, improving its appearance, and giving it a moist and youthful glow. This is not a cosmetic cover up; it is a physiological correction of an age-related deficiency state.

Ingredients: Purified water, Na-PCA (the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), eucalyptus, ethanol, monolaurin (the principal antimicrobial factor in mother's milk).

Twinlab Na-PCA Directions 

After bath or shower, spray Na-PCA liberally on the hands and apply to the face and other skin areas. Na-PCA may also be used to condition dry or damaged hair. To condition hair...wet hair before using. Apply Na-PCA and leave on hair for 5 minutes. Then rinse.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

I haven't tried it on my hair yet, but my skin seems to love it. It doesn't feel like I have anything on my skin at all, but my skin isn't dry - it just feels ...healthy. I have really sensitive skin, so getting something that doesn't irritate it or cause me to break out is challenging. I bought the version with Aloe Vera in it because that's all they had at the store. Since then I've found a plain version (and the Aloe one too) at about half the price I paid, on-line at Vitacost. There are a number of on-line stores that carry it as well. Finding this stuff is an added bonus for me - and I haven't even started the diet yet.