FROM SPACE TO SHELF

One skincare brand inspired by space travel is c2 california clean, founded by Christine Falsetti and Clarissa Shetler. Falsetti worked at NASA for almost

20 years, leading a team of engineers and scientists to pioneer network communications for scientists.

“When I worked with the NASA Space Life Sciences, I became keenly aware of how the effects of microgravity seem to act as an age accelerator on our bodies. Everything from our bone density to skin elasticity and repair is impacted when you go into space,” Falsetti says in an e-mail interview with Prestige.

Referring to the Skincare research, she adds, “the results validated the importance and effects of skin hydration as it relates to the improvement in the moisture retention of the epidermis and skin elasticity”.

These findings inspired Shetler and Falsetti to start their skincare research in 2012 and later develop C2 California Clean in 2016. The crux of the brand philosophy: “A clinically clean, effective anti-ageing skincare solution line focused on improving skin hydration and elasticity.” One made with lots of healthy, natural, plant-based ingredients too.

Says Shetler: “Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies and it’s such a complex organ with so many layers. Whether we are on earth or in space, it’s our protective barrier and armour as well as a gate into our bodies. What we put on our bodies and how we treat our skin will affect our health and overall wellness.”

One of her bestselling products is the Apple Stem Cell Regenerating Serum, which helps to repair, nourish and rejuvenate skin, and targets concerns from ageing to sunburn and even diaper rash. Its molecular structure supposedly improves penetration of product into skin layers more quickly and effectively so all the good stuff — think protein and phytonutrient-rich stem cells made from a rare Swiss apple — goes well beyond your skin’s surface.

Then there’s from Uk-based plastic surgeon Yannis Alexandrides. His luxury formulas use the NAC Y2 molecule, which was created by former space programme scientists who helped treat sun damage among astronauts.

This space association is apparent in the way 111Skin products have been named: Celestial Black Diamond Emulsion, Space Anti Age Day Cream NAC Y2, Space Aqua Booster, Lift Off Exfoliating Cleanser NAC Y2 and Daily Orbit Energising Essence NAC Y2. The original star, however, is Y Theorem Repair Serum, which seeks to boost collagen production, support cell regeneration and improve skin elasticity. There’s also a new Y Theorem Repair Light Serum, which caters to those who struggle with oily skin and humid climates.

Also made for oily skin types is kiehl’s Oil Eliminator 24-Hour Anti-shine Moisturizer for Men — with its own space age technology backstory. To mattify shiny faces, the Kiehl’s team looked to Aerolite Technology, an advanced material used in space exploration. Aerolite Technology is based on aerogel, sometimes known as “frozen smoke”. Used as the insulating material on the Mars rover, it kept the vehicle from freezing and breaking down. It is also the lightest solid material around — only three times the density of air, less than a pound of it, however, can support weight of half a ton.

That’s why Kiehl’s Oil Eliminator 24-Hour Anti-shine Moisturizer for Men feels nearly weightless (it’s as if you didn’t apply anything) but actually absorbs four times its weight in oil, which is what greasy skin needs. It’s the kind of rocket science we earthlings can easily grasp.