If you’re like me, most of your day is filled with technology; I’m either working on a computer, watching TV or scrolling through my phone. But although we’re all aware that technology can have its drawbacks, there are plenty of positive sides to it, especially when it comes to makeup, fragrance and skincare.
It can be all too easy to forget about science and technology when you’re applying your moisturiser in the morning or brushing a tinted gel through your brows. Still, tech is definitely changing the cosmetics industry. From technologies that boost an SPF’s effectiveness, to new eco-conscious processes that are less damaging to the environment, there’s a lot to get excited about.
As the tech world is only set to get bigger, this series will introduce you to a few of the key terms that you need to look out for when you’re shopping in 2021. To kick off the series, I’m going to be delving into the world of patents, complexes and green technology, while taking a look at the ways that they’re being used to target everything from pesky breakouts and blemishes to excess oiliness, which I sometimes struggle with!
I’ll reveal my current top picks for the products that use science and technology to help achieve clearer skin while cutting out any confusing jargon!
1. Patents
What Is A Patent And Why Does It Matter? There are a few criteria that you have to meet to be able to apply for a patent. But in short, if you’re a creator of a unique new invention within a certain field, you can apply for a patent. A patent belongs to the creator for a limited time, meaning nobody else can make or sell the invention without their permission.
When shopping skincare or makeup, patented ingredients should instantly jump out to you. It means that this ingredient is incredibly innovative and unique – and you won’t see it cropping up just yet in other cosmetic products. If a brand has gone to the effort to patent an ingredient, it shows that they’ve dedicated their time to research (and they’re confident that it works).
The Patent That Battles Breakouts
My Pick: If you’re struggling with blemishes and oiliness, the Avene Cleanance range is a great choice. The range is driven by technology, with many of the products featuring exclusive, patented ingredients.
One patented active ingredient is Comedoclastin™. Derived from milk thistle, this ingredient helps reduce sebum (oiliness) and prevents the development of blemishes, so your skin looks less oily and clearer over time. Not only have Avene patented this ingredient, but they’ve also recently reformulated their Cleanance Micellar Water and Soap-free Cleansing Gel to include this powerhouse ingredient.
Spotlight On: The Cleanance Comedomed Anti-Blemishes Concentrate is the latest addition to the Cleanance collection, and it’s certainly impressive; it’s proven to help you achieve clearer skin from just seven days. And if you’re anything like me, breakouts can knock your confidence – especially ahead of an event – so something that clears spots quickly is a must.
The lightweight formula features 25% Comedoclastin™, so it helps you achieve a mattified complexion that’s less prone to breakouts. It also cools and calms skin using Avene’s iconic thermal water, so skin feels soft and soothed with regular use. But don’t be concerned about the initially strong smell; it disappears quickly!
2. Complexes
What Is A Complex And Why Does It Matter? Essentially, a complex in skincare is a combination of ingredients that work really well together.
You might see that complexes are trademarked so that some brands can use the same complex several times in a range. This is down to the fact that this particular combination of ingredients work in harmony together; it also shows that the brand has spent time and research working out what works best.
The Complex That Combats Blemishes
My Pick: We often think that only teenagers suffer from breakouts, but with busy and stressful lifestyles, hormonal changes, and pollution wreaking havoc on our skin, adult acne is surprisingly common. l feel like my breakout-prone areas (my chin and forehead) sometimes feel just as spotty now as they did when I was a teenager. So, Dermalogica’s Active Clearing range has been designed to target both breakouts and early ageing signs.
The latest additions to the range – the Age Bright Spot Fader and Clearing Serum – feature an AGE Bright™ Complex, which works with the skin’s microbiome to promote clearer, brighter skin. This innovative complex uses terpineol and thymol to reduce sebum and P. acnes, a type of bacteria that causes acne. And, as spots can mark and scar the skin after they’ve gone (making your complexion uneven and prematurely aged), Dermalogica also includes niacinamide to help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Spotlight On: When we launched Dermalogica at Escentual, I was lucky enough to have an online skin consultation with Dermalogica, and one of the products I was recommended was the Active Clearing Age Bright Clearing Serum, and I love it. Why? It includes the AGE Bright™ Complex, alongside salicylic acid, to boost the natural exfoliation process (so the skin doesn’t become clogged and spotty). The lightweight serum also smooths and hydrates skin, while white shiitake mushroom works with niacinamide to even and brighten tone.
And a top tip I learnt from my Dermalogica consultation? You can apply the serum just to breakout-prone areas, for example, your t-zone.
3. Green Skincare Technology
What Is Green Technology And Why Does It Matter? Green Technology is vital and will only become more important in the future. It’s an umbrella term used to describe technological processes that aim to minimise their negative impact on the environment.
When applied to skincare, a green approach can be seen in several ways. Keep an eye out for brands that extract ingredients using eco-conscious processes, while other eco-friendly approaches include a push for recycling or a commitment to replanting.
The Green Skincare Tech That Corrects Imperfections
My Pick: Nuxe’s latest range is one that I’m very excited about; it’s vegan and certified-organic, and it prioritises active ingredients derived from green technology. Nuxe Organic uses a range of different active ingredients; each formula has its own specific active ingredient to help cater to the skin’s needs, whether it’s citrus cells that boost hydration or rice oil that strengthens skin defences.
Spotlight On: Although there’s something for every skin type in the Nuxe Organic range, the Skin Correcting Moisturising Fluid is perfect if you’re looking for vegan, organic skincare to target blemishes, redness and irregular texture. It’s perfect for normal to combination skin – and as a bonus, its formula uses 99% natural origin ingredients, with 56% of ingredients proceeding from organic farming.
The active ingredient, brown algae extract, thrives off the coast of Brittany. Nuxe obtains this algae using green biotechnology before it’s used to correct imperfections. While it deeply hydrates skin, the moisturising fluid helps correct pores, blemishes, redness and irregular texture, while leaving a mattified finish. If you’re anything like me, spots always cause redness and uneven tone before, during and after, so that’s something I look to mask it when my skin is breaking out.
I love that Nuxe’s Organic collection also encourages us to be more mindful of our skincare routine. After you’ve finished this daily moisturiser, you can remove the pump and recycle the bottle, and in doing so, you can help support Nuxe’s environmentally-conscious approach.
