At this time of year, one would be wise to invest in some hardworking skincare to counterbalance those abrasive elements. One worthy bathroom cabinet contender is S5, created by the founders of the successful NUDE Skincare range. S5 is a certified organic range of five “super serums” targeted at stressed skin with ingredients taken from plants grown in five of the most extreme conditions across the world. The thinking behind this is that the inherent powerful properties of these plants – which enables them to survive such conditions – can equally work wonders on our skin.
The Five S5 Serums
Founder and Head of Research Laura Rudoe explains, “There is a natural solution for every skin problem and it’s just a matter of finding its equivalent in nature and tapping into exactly how the problem has been solved.”
Ingredients range from Chilean rose hip oil from the alpine regions (which works particularly well on scars); replenishing argan oil from the desert, calming sea mayweed from (you guessed it) the depths of the ocean and “bidens pilosa” from the rainforest which is described as one of S5’s “hero ingredients” in its ability to plump and firm the skin.
Each serum contains a certain number of these special ingredients to focus on a specific problem related to stressed-out skin. In our case over at Glass HQ, it was the delightful combination of dehydration and blemishes.
Hence we were prescribed Replenish for the former and Purity for the latter (£44 each), together with Renew (£52) for premature ageing. We’ve also been trialling the Neutralise Cleanser (£28), which is mild enough to remove eye makeup without stripping the skin of moisture altogether, as well as their Balance Fluid (£39) moisturiser both for normal, oily and sensitive skin (versions for dry skin are also available).
S5 Balance FluidAlthough not left entirely blemish-free, we’ve been impressed with our skin’s condition skin since trialing the range throughout the sleep-deprived festive season. The Balance Fluid in particular is a real treat for parched complexions, with an unusually fluid consistency which our skin seemed to drink up in a matter of seconds. An accompanying Vitality Mask (£42) is due to be launched in spring.
by Viola Levy
The S5 range is available in Selfridges’ Beauty Workshop and online at www.s5skincare.com