Cosmetics firms combine old and new to smooth lines and plump skin

Skin care begins with washing your face and applying lotion. Where it ends is up to cosmetics, science and your pocketbook. State-of-the-art beauty care is constantly evolving, taking advantage of new techniques and novel uses of age-old ingredients, including anti-oxidants and vitamins.
Just a few years ago, Christian Dior sent tidal waves through the cosmetics industry by securing the rights to a spring in Brittany. Its scientists had found traces of zinc, magnesium, potassium, silicon and manganese in the water ― minerals that are easily absorbed by the skin ― and built the IOD cosmetics line around the water.
The idea of using spring water in cosmetics is alluring. The notion of using minerals makes sense. Dermatologists say zinc can help heal and protect damaged skin. Magnesium reportedly can fight allergic reactions of the skin. Potassium helps regulate moisture.

The star ingredient in Vichy’s Normaderm line is Zincadone A, a formulation that kills bacteria, scruffs off dead cells and unclogs pores. The line includes Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care (30,000 won or $25), Deep Cleansing Gel (25,000 won), Purifying Astringent Toner (25,000 won) and Drying, Concealing Anti-Imperfection Stick (18,000 won).

Lancome has seven patents pending for its new dermo-smoothing complex, D-Contraxol. The formula, derived from mineral and plant sources, smooths facial lines, increases the skin’s elasticity and decreases tension in facial muscles. D-Contraxol makes it debut in Resolution serum (100,000 won) and cream (100,000 won).

Peter Thomas Roth’s Clinical Skin Care products are engineered to be quickly absorbed by the skin, where they soothe and moisturize from within. The Environmental Repair Hydrating Gel (98,000 won) is an oil-free formula with aloe vera, liposomes and vitamins A and E.

When it comes to skin care, Clinique has it down to, well, a science. The Active White line uses vitamin E and anti-oxidants to fortify the skin’s protective barrier and to even and brighten skin tone. Shown are essence (65,000 won) and spot treatment (30,000 won).

Biotherm’s Age Fitness uses the revitalizing, protective and preventive antioxidant power of the olive leaf. The formula protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation and free radicals, and it energizes the skin’s collagen to reduce lines and create firmer, more elastic skin. Shown are the essence (64,000 won) and cream (60,000 won).
Phytokine and Cytovitine work together to stimulate collagen and elastin in Helena Rubinstein’s Collagenist line. Collagen makes up 70 percent of the mass of young skin. With age, the collagen breaks down and the skin loses its firmness. The Collagenist line, for women aged 35 and older, delivers an injection-free collagen effect ― plump, firm skin. The Collagenist set (110,000 won), sold until May 20, includes seven skin-care samples, including the Collagenist serum, cream and eye care.

by Joe Yong-hee