There are two types of people when it comes to skin care: one who diligently follows a routine and another who can’t be bothered with one, let alone a multi-step regimen.
But if daily stressors have adversely affected the skin, as they do, according to experts, American cosmetics brand Kiehl’s makes a case for getting a little help.
“Stressors accelerate aging process resulting in damaged skin barrier,” said Yricka Dela Peña, Kiehl’s Philippines education manager.
The brand brings to the Philippines its new Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum, an ultra lightweight serum that harnesses the power of a highly absorbent hyaluronic acid and a blend of adaptogens (natural substances that help the body adjust to stress) to strengthen skin barrier.
Available in this new release is Kiehl’s 11kDa (kilodalton) Hyaluronic Acid, “our smallest form of hyaluronic acid,” which the brand says can penetrate up to eight skin layers owing to its small size. High absorption means better skin hydration than other hyaluronic acids.
Complementing the 11kDA Hyaluronic Acid are three adaptogenic herbs that help fight the effects of skin aging stressors such as lack of sleep, toxins, pollution, UV rays, diet, and work environment. Adaptogens are traditionally used in Chinese, Korean, and Ayurvedic medicine.
The potent Adaptogenic Herbal Complex consists of holy basil whose ursolic acid and rosmarinic acid help neutralize skin-damaging free radicals; red ginseng root which helps stimulate essential resurfacing skin cells with the help of its ginsenosides; and Schisandra berry, rich in schisandrins responsible for reinforcing skin resiliency and elasticity.
Why does a strong skin barrier matter?
Dela Peña explained during the product launch held via Skype that a strong skin barrier “defends the skin from stressors as well as improves appearance.”
In the brand’s four-week clinical study involving 58 subjects living in urban and polluted environments, it found that the Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum improved skin texture by 41 percent, boosted skin radiance by up to 29 percent, improved resilience by 38 percent, and reduced fine lines by 27 percent.
Due to its formulation, the new product is best applied as a pre-serum, preceding serum and moisturizer. Kiehl’s recommended order of application: cleanser, toner, eye cream, pre-serum, serum, facial oil, moisturizer, and sunscreen (for day time).
Explaining the order of the regimen, in which eye cream, which usually has thicker consistency, comes first, Dela Peña told Manila Standard it is because the pre-serum must not be applied on the skin in the eye area.
In addition, she said, “eye creams can be applied anytime in the regimen.”
According to Gracinha Arceo, the brand’s senior product manager, the Vital Skin-Strengthening is ideal for those who want to maintain the appearance of their skin and has no other concerns such as dark spots and acne among others. It’s recommended for users aged 18 to 45 years old.
“Think of it like a multivitamin product that can complement any of our serums,” said Dela Peña.
Since it is a multi-benefit serum, it can either be used to upgrade a skin care routine—especially of those exposed to stressful factors—or used as it is for those who have no other skin concerns and prefer a simple regimen.
“It’s your basic serum,” said Dela Peña.
Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum is now available in stores for P3,200 (30ml).