LIGHT THE WAY
THE NEW SCIENCE AROUND SERIOUSLY LUMINOUS SKIN
La Prairie’s must-know science-y skin breakthrough.
WHILE WE RELISH a summer well spent, there’s no denying the toll UV takes on our skin: uneven tone and texture are reminders of long, glorious days at the beach. But even SPF’S most diligent devotees aren’t protected from the nano-particles of pollution floating among us, inflammation from stress and diet, or natural collagen loss. In other words, in our fast-paced world, dull and damaged skin can happen to anyone.
If you want to get serious about protecting your skin, prevention is the key. The latest from the experts at La Prairie provides a promising plan of attack. Scientists at the Swiss brand spent 15 years doing analysis on nearly 50,000 molecules until they found one worthy of heroing their luxury product White Caviar Crème Extraordinaire. What finally caught their attention was a compound called Lumidose, which impressed them with its powerful anti-pigmentation properties. “Lumidose is the most potent inhibitor of tyrosinase, which is a key enzyme in creating melanin,” says Dr Daniel Stangl, La Prairie’s director of creative innovation and science. By blocking the activity of tyrosinase, Lumidose can help to fade pigmentation within a fortnight while stopping new spots at the source — huge wins for discolouration, but what about those other glow-zapping aggressors?
Dr Stangl looked to light and its role in projecting a radiant complexion. “The amount of light reflected depends on the quality of the surface. For example, we know that reflection of light is optimised on a mirror that has a smooth, perfectly polished surface,” he says. “But if the surface of the mirror is scratched or uneven, then the light is scattered.”
To target skin texture, Dr Stangl and his team packed the White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion with ingredients that work to promote a smooth surface. Anti-inflammatories address redness and soothe inflammation, while the golden caviar extract (rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) boosts collagen production to firm the skin and soften fine lines. The product also strengthens the skin barrier, which is crucial for optimal function and fighting against free radicals. It’s a powerful product combo that will set you up for luminous, light-reflecting skin. The future is bright.