It seems obvious: The people who know skin best — dermatologists, stem cell researchers, renowned aestheticians — should be making skin care. But more often than not, we get our creams from bored women with money to throw at pet projects, and former reality TV stars. Needless to say, it doesn't make for transformative results.
The newest lines, though, are changing the game and bringing extensive research and groundbreaking technology to retinols, pollution-protection serums, and fast-healing moisturisers.
Ahead, the four, pro-developed products fixing all our skin concerns.
In 2007, Augustinus Bader, a German professor and leading biomedical scientist, developed and patented a hydrogel that works with our cells' innate ability to self-heal and eliminates the need for skin grafts in many burn cases. It was revolutionary in the field of stem cell technology, and now, he's applied the science to skin care — specifically, to a rich cream and a lighter version, both of which contain amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins naturally found in our bodies that jumpstart regeneration to smooth out fine lines, plump, and even texture.
Innovation doesn't come cheap, but the £205 price tag is a bit easier to swallow if you follow the two-pump rule and know that Bader recommends ditching the other products in your routine and applying this, and only this, right after cleansing. (And your SPF, of course — there may be a burn fix, but there's no cure for cancer... yet.)
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, £205.00, available at Augustinus Bader.
When actresses want cheekbones that could cut glass and skin that reflects light before a movie premiere, they go to facialist Joanna Vargas for her magical microcurrent and microdermabrasion treatments. When we fall into a self-loathing hole after realising our cocktail and candy habit is making our skin look like shit, we bring in Vargas' retinol serum to fix the situation in just a few days. With 0.5% palmitoyl oligopeptide (a gentler retinol alternative), apple stem cells, and brightening, anti-inflammatory plant extracts, it'll resurface your skin as fast as you'd expect it to after spending such a crazy amount of money.
Joanna Vargas Rejuvenating Serum, £72.00, available at Net-A-Porter.
There are a ton of perfectly lovely organic brands out there centred around holistic healing — they feel nice, they smell nice, they don't have extensive ingredients lists full of chemicals you can't spell. But most don't effectively take years off your face; Shiffa is the exception. Developed by Dr. Lamees Hamdan, who grew up in Dubai and trained as a surgeon in Ireland, the line is just as potent as it is luxurious, and the latest launch — a retinol oil with Moroccan rose and stimulating caffeine — is our new gold standard for natural anti-agers.
Shiffa Rose Maroc Night Elixir, £129.02, available at Shiffa.
You don't have to stick a needle in your arm to get the benefits of German aesthetics doctor Barbara Sturm's innovative approach to skin care. She may be known for pioneering PRP treatments, but her science-based serums, supplements, and sun drops are enough to transform your complexion, too.
The Anti-Pollution Drops claim to fight against environmental toxins in the atmosphere as well as blue light radiation from our screens. Disodium EDTA (which, let's be clear, is far from natural) bonds with heavy metal ions to neutralise them before they get absorbed, while cocoa seed and marine microbe extracts guard against oxidation, dryness, and inflammation caused by radiation and pollution. Oh, and there's a lot of hyaluronic acid thrown in for good measure. Only time will tell how much our iPhones fucked us up — all we know is our skin feels better with this than without.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops, £105.00, available at Cult Beauty.
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