Just like how a short holiday can be a welcome breath of fresh air for stressed-out urbanites, your skin needs a holiday from the daily grind too.

That is because in Asia, the most urbanised region in the world, skin is particularly exposed to free radicals from dust, pollution and the sun's ultra-violet (UV) rays - all of which are responsible for premature ageing.

But you do not need to travel to another country to give your skin a break.
Monaco-based skincare brand Lancaster's latest range, Skin Therapy, can do it right here.

The skincare routine was launched in Singapore last month.

It consists of four products - a cleanser, toner, day shield cream and night gel-cream - that promise to give your skin round-the-clock protection against environmental factors.

It is a skincare regimen that Asian women have had a say in creating.

A hundred women from Asian cities in countries including China were invited to test the products before the launch.

Their verdict: the products helped their skin to 'breathe better' and their complexion became more radiant.

The day shield cream, in SPF 30 and SPF 50 versions, is a lightweight product that contains a blend of eight antioxidants, including gingko biloba leaf extract and white tea extract, known for their strong antioxidant properties. It acts as both a moisturiser and a protection against the elements.

The night gel-cream is a moisturising cream that has a gel-like texture. According to Lancaster, it features the brand's most sophisticated patented oxygen 'carrier' system to date.

Oxygen is vital for skin as it leads to energy production, a key element in cell growth.

Substances in the night gel-cream imitate the body's natural oxygen-transportation process to capture and diffuse the optimal amount of oxygen to skin.

The latest technology builds on the brand's strength in oxygen research.

In 1993, its Skin Therapy Vital Oxygen Supply was the first in the market to deliver pure oxygen to the skin.

Lancaster is a division of German-owned Coty, known for its fragrances, and has been in the skincare business for over 60 years.

Coty Prestige's vice-president of R&D product integrity, Olivier Doucet, says: "What we have seen during our clinical studies is that oxygen levels in the skin decrease with age. This is why we think that oxygen concentrations in the skin contribute to skin ageing and we have to fight against that."

While other brands have played catch-up with oxygen technology, Doucet believes Lancaster's new range will stand out, citing that it has many properties in one package - not only fighting ageing effects, but detoxifying and moisturising the skin as well.

It is also one of the few skincare ranges developed to suit Asian skin in an urban environment.

This explains the formula's light texture and scent, unlike the heavier and strongly scented creams that European women favour.

Marie Laure Pons, Coty Prestige's vice-president for international marketing cosmetics, hopes the new range will help the brand have a greater presence in Asia.

The European market leader has stores in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore.

She said: "We want to show to our Asian consumers that we are approaching the market by trying to understand specific needs and concerns as best as possible."

"We are not launching something in Europe and applying it to Asia."

The Skin Therapy range is available at Lancaster counters in Tangs Orchard, Tangs VivoCity, Metro Paragon, OG Albert and OG People's Park. Detoxifying Cleansing Foam, $46 for 150ml; Detoxifying Perfecting Toner, $46 for 150ml; Day Shield, $65 for 30ml; and Gel-cream, $99 for 50ml.

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