Anti-ageing creams aren't what they used to be. Science has allowed our creams to deliver even more benefits to our skin.
Besides teasing out the finer points on what happens to our skin as it ages, skincare companies find that delivering on the anti-ageing promise carries a whole host of other benefits too. We profile some of the latest creams for you here.
SK-II Skin Signature Melting Rich Cream
Last year, the brand introduced a revolutionary concept of Skin Power. That is, there is a tipping point where all the stresses that you've subjected your skin to meets the eventual
cellular ageing that inevitably happens within your body, and your skin starts to age noticeably.
This year, the premium skin care label introduces yet another finding - that the condition of the skin's surface layer, or stratum corneum, greatly impacts Skin Power. A healthy skin surface prevents environmental stress from being delivered into the inner layers of skin, and protects your skin.
In a joint study with Tokyo University, SK-II found that strengthening skin cells is a critical factor to maintaining Skin Power. PAD, or peptidylarginine deiminases, an enzyme that activates the skin's protein maturation process which is needed to rebuild the skin surface structure, declines with ageing. This results in immature proteins that cause skin surface to lose its structure and weakens the skin's barrier against environmental stressors.
Japanese dermalogist Dr Shuhei Imayama says that the condition of the skin surface is closely linked to Skin Power because of the skin's communicative power. If the condition of the skin's surface layer changes, this is also transmitted to cells beneath the surface layer.
With adequate protection, the result is firm, radiant and smooth skin and what SK-II scientists are calling beautiful skin curves. And to enhance skin's surface, a new ingredient, Rice Sterol, has been introduced by SK-II. Its purpose is to activate the PAD enzyme that is critical for stimulating the protein maturation process in skin to form a robust skin surface layer.
The Skin Signature Melting Rich Cream completes the line-up in the Skin Signature series, complementing the Skin Signature Moisturizer and 3-D Redefining Mask and features the key ingredient Rice Sterol.
The formula is designed to effectively penetrate deep into the skin and create a moisture lock-in veil for long-lasting hydration. It can be used after the moisturizer for optimal benefit.
Diva's review: While the name conjured images of an ultra-rich cream that is heavy in texture and oily to boot before we used it, the real effect is otherwise. A light, hydrating cream with texture that was rather reminiscent of Hazeline Snow, but which melted straight away into the skin upon application, the cream was very easily absorbed by skin.
You can't dip your fingers into the tub to scoop the cream out. Rather, we smeared it on our faces with our fingertips and left it on overnight. Skin did feel slightly more elastic the next morning, and we couldn't stop touching our faces to feel the perkiness in our complexion.
For S$240 for a 50g tub, it's not cheap. But for women who are looking to reverse the effects of too many long nights and one drink too many, this is a cheaper alternative to surgery, although you will have to wait slightly longer to see optimum results, as the press kit says that results can be seen after four weeks when used twice a day.
Aivonda Age-Defying and Instant Revitalization Cream
This anti-ageing cream utilises plant estrogens to preserve beauty from the inside out. With its key ingredient, tri-phytoestrogens - Aivonda's proprietary plant estrogen extract formula derived from soy isoflavones, white kwao krua and wild yam, the cream acts as an organic catalyst that is absorbed by the body to curb PMS and menstrual symptoms, ie, you get to balance your estrogen levels with no adverse side effects.
Besides protecting dermal structures from environmental damage, it accelerates skin's natural renewal cycle to repress the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, acne and blemishes, and can even be used by men.
It seems to be particularly beneficial to women, since the media release says that cream helps women from 16 - 30 years old rejuvenate their complexion to a silky smooth and supple
texture that is free from blemishes and dark spots. For women over 30, it claims to be able to delay the onset of menopause and relieve symptoms such as hairloss, saggy skin on the face, buttocks, hips and bust.
It will also hydrate skin and retain the body's natural moisture levels. Women can apply the cream at the lower collar bone and inner arms where our immune system hub is located,
while men and women who have dry and non-sensitive skin can apply the cream directly to their faces.
Diva's review: It felt like any other high-end cream we've tried, with the exception of the smell. It gave off a slightly pungent odour, but which quickly dissipated as soon as we applied it.
We applied it to our lower collar bone and inner arms as recommended, but there wasn't any immediate effect, ie, we didn't feel immediately better. We are not entirely sure about the claims that this cream can alleviate PMS and menstrual syndrome, but certainly we did feel less bloated when it finally came. This was compared to the next month when we didn't apply the cream at all.
For S$220 for a 30ml bottle, this would be a non-medicated alternative to stopping PMS bloatedness and cramps. On the plus side, it did give us a certain glow in our complexion!
Sculptinex Instant ReSculpting Face Treatment with Tensine and Resveratrol
Here is yet another option for those who want to see the results of dermatological facial procedures without a costly trip to the skin doctor.
A new skincare treatment that not only offers effective skincare ingredients, but also a different applicator tool to help prevent further skin damage and repairing already damanged skin.
Boasting Tensine, a high molecular weight protein derived from wheat gives an instant tightening effect to re-contour the face, a shape memory polymer blend to lift, smoothe and tighten skin, and Resveratol, an antioxidant found in red wine and the skin of grapes to prevent damage from free radicals which is delivered to the skin in an 8-hours time-released
formula, the treatment also uses an applicator tool with a 'roller' mechanism that is made with antibacterial technology, Elastosil. This is a pharmaceutical grade silicone that slows the development of bacteria. The roller allows a uniform application of the lifting formula to tighten and lift skin.
The Shape Polymer Blend and Tensine work together to set the skin into the position that roller has placed it. Applied in and upward and outward motion from the underside of the chin to the jaw line and towards the eye area helps to gently recontour skin.
Sculptinex is available at all Guardian Health & Beauty outlets at an introductory prices of S$80 (original price S$89).
Restylane Vital
For those women who want to see more instant results that penetrates into the deeper layers of skin, there is Restylane Vital. It is a non-permanent filler that promises to rejuvenate skin by moisturising it from within. The main ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which helps skin to attract, retain and release water when needed.
The basis of Restylane Vital is NASHA, a patented gel that bind and retains water and uses hyaluronic acid that is of non-animal origins. This hyaluronic acid closely resembles that found within our own skin, so there should be little or no allergic reaction. It is also biodegradable.
The makers of Restylane Vital says it is noted for its effectiveness on delicate skin areas such as the face, neck , decolletage and hands, as well as soothe acne scars and rejuvenate lips. Effects are long-lasting, and patients require three treatments within a 2-month period, with a maintenance treatment every 6 months thereafter.
Restylane Vital is delivered via a pen injector, where controlled amounts are administered with every little push on the injection button. Application should be even and painless.
