An Integrated Approach to 'Intelligent' Anti-Aging Skincare

Millions of consumers apply anti-aging products to their skin before they fall into bed each night—but how many have stopped to think about how their pillowcase could positively affect the fine lines that are still apparent in the mirror each morning? Or how a handheld laser easily operated in the confines of her or his home, could help rejuvenate compromised skin?

Using all three methods—skin care formulations, a device and a “smart” textile—could become the norm as consumers look for more progressive measures to fight aging skin. At least that’s the idea behind a new 3-part integrated approach from Unilever in sync with its various research laboratories.

Step 1: Treatments

The Iluminage Youth Cell products feature airless packaging and a modernistic design.

The first step relies on skincare formulations. Following 10 years of genomics research, scientists at Unilever’s Pond’s Institute say they have decoded youth DNA pathways responsible for the self-renewing power of epidermal stem cells. These “groundbreaking” discoveries were the inspiration behind the new skincare system called Iluminage Youth Cell Skincare. Iluminage is a luxury beauty brand founded by Unilever Ventures in 2011, which promises a new approach in anti-aging with unique formulations that target specific areas of the skin to help boost natural skin renewal and reduce the visible signs of aging. The products use advanced anti-aging active ingredients in a combination that claims to be new to the beauty industry.

The Iluminage Youth Cell Skincare line consists of clinically and dermatologically tested products: Cell Concentrate ($95), an anti-aging serum that combines Survixyl and CLA with other clinically-proven skin-rejuvenating agents, advanced Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Retinol (Vitamin A) and Retinol Boosters; Cell Eye Cream ($55); Cell Day Cream SPF 15 ($70); and Skin Prep Gentle Cleanser ($25.)

The Youth Cell products feature airless packaging supplied by Yonwoo International/PKG Group.

While each Iluminage Youth Cell Skincare product offers impactful benefits as part of a stand-alone skincare regimen, the full collection can be used together with the Iluminage Skin Smoothing Laser and Iluminage Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase with copper oxide, to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Step 2: Device

The at-home laser device features a futuristic, ergonomic design.

The new Iluminage Skin Smoothing Laser ($595) is touted as the first at-home laser device, FDA-cleared, to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth.

The highly stylized at-home laser delivers pulses of laser light below the surface of the skin, where wrinkles form. This technology is known to trigger the body’s natural response to generate new collagen fibers. When an entire area is treated, the new collagen helps tighten the skin.
This product was created in partnership with Unilever, utilizing Cynosure’s advanced laser technology, along with the support of leading dermatologists. It also allows users to follow their results by capturing treatment data from each use by uploading their data to a unique “digital ecosystem.”

The at-home laser features a futuristic, ergonomic design, developed by Design Continuum, and world-renowned designer Karim Rashid. It consists of two sleek, lightweight user-friendly parts: the slender, arched interactive laser handpiece, and a matching charging base.




Step 3: Textile

Copper technology comes to intelligent textiles, for a new anti-aging tool: a pillowcase woven with copper oxide fibers.

Copper is known to play an important role in the healthy, youthful functioning and appearance of skin. Taking advantage of this, Iluminage has partnered with Cupron scientists, who have spent more than 10 years of research to bring copper technology into intelligent textiles, to introduce a new anti-aging tool: the Iluminage Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase ($60). Specially woven with copper oxide fibers, the luxurious pillowcase is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles for smoother, younger-looking skin, in as little as four weeks with continued results over time.

The copper oxide used in the construction of the pillowcase is derived from eco-friendly recycled copper.

This three-pronged approach offers a research-proven way to target wrinkles while you’re awake as well as while you’re asleep. And it offers a cutting-edge treatment that fairly recently might have been viewed as futuristic.

More info: www.iluminagebeauty.com; www.cynosure.com; pillowcase available at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus