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A is for: Alkylation Damage identified by Estee Lauder as a specific type of skin damage caused by smoke and pollution which its new Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex helps to combat with Alkyl Guanine Transferase (AGT), an enzyme found naturally in the skin. From Harrods.com
B is for: BB Cream Amidst this year’s BB boom, the allegedly “original” BB cream Dr.Jart+ is the latest to arrive in the UK, developed in Korea with a large following in Asia (where the BB phenomena all began). The Premium BB Cream has an SPF 40, together with a triple-action formula which illuminates, heals and hydrates the skin, minimising imperfections. It also claims to adapt to the wearer’s natural skin tone – including darker skins. From Boots.com
C is for: Cotton Thistle Extract This clever extract boosts skin cell renewal and repairs dry damaged skin. It features prominently in Aromatherapy Associates’ new Soothing Collection. From AromatherapyAssociates.co.uk
Bobbi Brown Extra Bright Advanced Moisture Cream
D is for: Dark Spots StriVectin-EV’s new Get Even Brightening Serum contains a patented NIA-114 molecule which accelerates several brightening actives to reduce dark spots and even the skin tone. From HarveyNichols.co.uk
E is for: Eudermine The name given to Shiseido’s cult “ ”red water“ ”, which is now available in the UK and protects against dryness, delivering a plump smooth texture thanks to its bio-hyaluronic hyper complex which locks moisture into the skin. The fact that it’s been around for 115 years speaks for itself. Harrods.com
F is for: Freeze&Go A smoothing and brightening “colourless cosmetic” which can be worn over or under makeup and provides a protective shield against environmental damage, as well as “Freeze 24-7” anti-wrinkle technology, with gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) a muscle-relaxing agent which occurs naturally in the body. From Debenhams.com
G is for: Glutathione The most important anti-oxidant in our skin when it comes to protecting against environmental damage. The amount in our skin is increased by a special formula NAC Y2: a combination of NAC, Vitamin C and Ennis and is key in the new range 111 SKIN developed by plastic surgeon Dr Yannis Alexandrides. From Harrods.com
H is for: Hyaluronic Acid An essential humectant which draws moisture into the skin and is the subject of Wrinkle MD’s new “hyaluronic filler patch system” for mature skin. Claiming to penetrate deeper than any serum or cream, the system works by placing the patches (connected to an “activator pod”) under the eyes for 40 minutes. After one session 95 per cent of the test group saw immediate results. From Harrods.com
I is for: Iris Complex At the heart of Elemis Freshskin’s new anti-blemish range Skin Clear, the complex comprises iris, zinc salt and vitamin A to soothe irritated skin and regulate sebum production – ideal for teenagers. From Elemis.com
J is for: Jelly Aquarysta The flagship product and “super serum” from new brand AstaLift by Fujifilm, which contains collagen and hydrolysed lupin peptides to plump the skin and boost luminosity. The jelly formulation incorporates Fujifilm’s nanotechnology where the ingredients are formulated into micro particles allowing for rapid absorption into the skin. From FeelUnique.com
K is for: Key Protection According to research presented at The American Academy of Dermatology’s Annual Meeting this year, a day of sun exposure can reverse the work of several months’ anti-aging treatments, hence applying SPF over moisturiser is a must. Dior Bronze’s Beautifying Protective Skincare for the face is SPF 50 and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. From Selfridges.com
L is for: Laszlo Considered a pioneer of modern skincare, dermatologist Erno Laszlo was popular among early Hollywood’s elite which included Garbo, Hepburn and Monroe among others. The new Hollywood Collection is named after the silver screen icons who entrusted their complexions to Laszloe, complete with updated skincare technology. From Harrods.com
M is for: Motorised Skincare Clarisonic’s highly popular mechanical cleanser is now available in travel-size Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing, which not only effectively cleanses (similar to an electric toothbrush), but subsequently allows your moisturiser to be more deeply absorbed. From Harrods.com
N is for: Neuropeptides The subject of the latest super serum from Perricone MD, Private Reserve. Formerly only available to Dr Perricone’s private clients, each of the five neuropeptides (four of which are exclusive to the formula) aim to boost collagen and richly hydrate the skin. Results are instantaneous, and for £595 for two 15ml droppers, they better be. From Harrods.com
O is for: Olive Leaf A proven anti-ageing ingredient in OrganicHomme’s Active Fix Repair Serum, which also calms irritated and blemish-prone skin. From GreenPeople.co.uk
P is for: Phloretin CF A topical anti-oxidant treatment and the name of SkinCeuticals’ new “serum-in-a-gel”. The addition of the Phloretin CF molecule enhances the efficacy of Vitamin C and ferulic acid and claims not only to protect against age-accelerating free radicals, but other molecules which can damage the skin, while the gel formula provides an additional protective barrier on the skin. SkinCeuticals.co.uk
Q is for: QaI Standing for Quadplex Active Ingredients, QaI is a regenerating complex of four active ingredients which is a key component of Japanese-inspired skincare range Evidens De Beauté, specially developed for sensitive skin. From Harrods.com
R is for: Radical Radical Skincare is a new range created by sisters Liz and Rachel Edlich with patented Tryacel Technology which delivers the maximum concentration of active anti-aging ingredients. A key product is their Peptide-Infused Antioxidant Serum which claims to reduce wrinkles and boost elasticity in a matter of weeks. From Harrods.com
S is for: Signature Serum The latest serum from Dr Sebagh (launches September 2012) with a fatigue-fighting chronobiological cell energiser; an extract of date palm kernel to reduce fine lines and fight free radicals and a skin plumping hyaluronic acid complex. From Harrods.com
T is for: Tailor-made IOMA is a new scientific skincare brand use a specially developed machine (the IOMA Sphere) which monitors the different skin characteristics of each customer, after which a bespoke day and night cream is blended using specially selected active ingredients specific to the customer’s needs. Available in-store in Harrods.
Clarisonic ARIA
U is for: Ultime8 The latest addition to Shu Uemura’s famous oil cleanser range, it contains eight botanical origin oils, including jojoba oil, ginger root oil, camellia oil and soy oil to thoroughly cleanse whilst brightening, hydrating and soothing the skin. From Harrods.com
V is for: Venom BB venom EYE is the latest launch from Rodial, an under-eye concealer with active ingredients comprising a SYN-AKE neuropeptide (which provides a mild botox effect), hydrating hyaluronic acid and Ronasphere LDP which reflects light and reduces fine lines. Available in two shades. From Harrods.com
W is for: White Lotus A plant known for its ability to retain moisture from the nutrient-rich mud in which it grows, its powers have been harnessed by WEI in their new White Lotus Hydrating Face Treatment Pads, which deliver a much needed moisture fix to dry, parched skin. From SpaceNK.com
X is for: (Pro-)Xylaine A protein derived from the beech tree, which helps prevent dehydration and is infused into Lancôme’s new Absolue L’Extrait cream, which was a decade in the making and contains two million stem cells cultivated from the specially grown Lancôme Rose, and is considered by many industry insiders to be the holy grail of anti-aging. From Harrods.com
Y is for: Ylang Ylang A central ingredient of Decléor’s new Aromessence Serum, it prevents excess sebum production whilst keeping skin plumped and nourished.
Z is for: Z Firm The new intensive lifting face and neck cream from Dr Marko Lens, it incorporates a firming botanic blend of six cellular plant extracts which strengthen the dermal connective tissue, together with nourishing camellia oil. From SpaceNK.com
by Viola Levy
Illustrations by Karolina Burdon