Whatever the latest viral TikTok skin care hacks and celebrity-endorsed trends, dermatologists and aestheticians will tell you nothing, and they mean nothing, better impacts the overall health of the skin than a consistent, dedicated skin care regime of targeted, proven actives. We’ve all gotten the memo about the importance of sunscreen, Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic acid. Now our habits and skin are prepped for next-level formulations based on the latest scientific research on fighting the good fight to preserve the largest organ in our body.
Anti-aging skin care doesn’t promise a Benjamin Button-like turning back of the clock, as much as it bolsters the top dermal layer with the ingredients and the environment to disrupt the aging process to improve skin cell turnover and regeneration, diminish fine lines, combat laxity, increase hydration, and maintain collagen production for a bright and firm complexion.
From the land of hot springs and Bjork, BIOEFFECT harnesses the clean simplicity of barley, icelandic spring water, and volcanic pumice for a complete collagen-boosting skin care system. Founded by Icelandic biotechnologists, the product line is designed to deliver clean, vegan-derived EGF. EGF – Epidermal Growth Factor – is a special protein that cues the skin to generate its own collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
Our native collagen production tanks in our 20s because it’s when EGF stores start to diminish. Topical application of BIOEFFECT Barley EGF mimes this process to rev up the building blocks of a youthful complexion from within. While most other EGF products are grown on yeast or animal sources with toxic byproducts, Barley EGF’s geothermal energy-powered growth and extraction process is the platonic example of sustainable, renewable sourcing in the beautysphere.
As an introduction to the benefits of Barley EGF, BIOEFFECT offers a well-priced EGF Serum Value Set for face, under eye and body, including the award-winning EGF Serum. All four products in the set – Essence, Serum, Eye, and Body Serums – deliver the scientifically-proven active into the skin for next-level skin plumping and fine line smoothing. The serum has done wonders for my marionette lines and neck – my primary areas in need of anti-aging care.
To purify and further indulge in the pristine ingredients Iceland is known for, the Facial Cleanser and Micellar Cleansing Water contain Iceland Spring Water and minimal ingredients for a complete, non-stripping removal of SPF and makeup. When in need of exfoliation, the Volcanic Exfoliator, flecked with micro-crystalline volcanic lava and barley derived azelaic acid deliver chemical and physical removal of dead skin and sebum for refined pores without irritation. The scrub is stunningly effective on my very oily t-zone. For serious beauty warriors, the BIOEFFECT moisturizer, sheet mask and 30 Day Treatment deliver mega, concentrated doses of the skin-perfecting EGF.
On the flipside of scientific discoveries focused on skin deficiencies, i-On By Dr. Xi – and cofounded by Kindness Powered Skincare CEO Natalie Novak profiled here – skin care targets excesses on the skin that lead to inflammation and sensitivity – iron. Whether a remnant of makeup in the form of iron oxides or a byproduct of rising levels in the body, this mineral creates an environment rife for free radicals and oxidation – a known marker for aging of the skin.
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Free of parabens, synthetics, DEA, silicones, and gluten, as well as boosted with proprietary compounds, i-On’s cleansers and treatments are designed to remove surplus iron from the top layer of skin.
Though gentle and nourishing, the Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser combines Japanese-derived Hinokitiol extract with the most effective, natural pigment fader Kojic Acid for a nourishing, brightening wash. For moisture and delivery of i-On’s proprietary iron-reducing DII Technology, the light, oily-skin friendly Age Disrupting Skin Emulsion includes niacinamide and peptides for a full anti-aging protocol day and night.
For maximum treatment, layer it under the Age Disrupting Skin Cream, rich with Marula Oil, Squalene,and Multi-weight Hyaluronic acid. The Age Disrupting Total Performance Eye Cream, similarly formulated with addition of Vitamin Camu for brightness has rejuvenated my under-eye area and absorbs beautifully under concealer.
The ultimate step in maximizing these scientifically advanced serums and creams lies in the application. At night several times a week, to ensure deep penetration of BIOEFFECT and i-On skin care, I incorporate the Maskad Dermaroller with special attention on the nasolabial folds, crow’s feet, and a melasma spot on my forehead. The 0.25mm stainless steel microneedles – 540 of them – by creating tiny punctures in the skin trigger an extra level of collagen production and deliver these luxurious, biotechnology-derived innovations deep in the layers of the skin where they are best absorbed with barely the slightest discomfort or irritation.
