Synergy. Noun. Fem. 2. "Enhancement of the action of various substances because they act together." That's what the RAE tells us, and when you think about it, it's like the royal staircase in skincare. It seems that a concept that emerged a few years ago but was not well understood at the time is making a comeback. The visionary behind this was Visoanska, and judging by her appearance, that formula worked. I had the pleasure of meeting her around 2007 when she introduced her advanced beauty concept to the press. The idea was to combine, in the same package, facial treatment cream with customized nutritional supplements for that type of skin, the cosmetic on top, and the capsules on the bottom, a packaging innovation that rightfully earned an Oscar L'Emballage in France.
As a cosmetic innovation, I was fascinated, and it seemed like a perfect idea: addressing beauty from a holistic perspective by treating the skin topically with the best, mostly naturally sourced, active ingredients, and from the inside with ingredients that would not only mitigate environmental damage or control oxidative stress, the skin's ultimate enemies, but also promote overall health balance. Some of these ingredients include turmeric, vitamins C and E, selenium and silicon, polyphenols, and algae... all with strong credentials in enhancing organic balance with a reflection on skin health. Today, there are so many cosmetic brands that, for some reason, Visoanska remained in a corner of my memory. Until my recent discoveries reminded me of her.
An example is Cleban's Electra twin, which combines a mist (hydrating mist) and an herbal tincture, "a complete sensory experience to awaken the mind and body. Designed with a synergistic formulation, rich in ancestral herbs and modern active ingredients, a botanical duo that will restore vitality, both inside and out," according to the brand. The key ingredients in the mist are calendula, with well-recognized healing and regenerative properties, but it is also considered a lymphatic herb that works at a subdermal level to stimulate and move blood and lymph; and frankincense, a resin used since ancient times for its healing and spiritual properties, is a headmaster in cases of skin flaccidity and atony. The tincture, on the other hand, is a well-studied combination of adaptogens and nootropics, such as Eleuthero root (helps counteract the effects of stress), Lion's Mane medicinal mushroom (improves vitality, energy, and resistance), and sage, the ultimate women's herb (calms the nervous system, relaxes, and treats adrenal fatigue). At least one thing is guaranteed: furrowed brows and clenched jaws due to stress will no longer leave a mark on our faces...
Mesoestetic is another major brand that has long been offering duos to intensify cosmetic action. The best example is the combination of their elixirs with their facial ranges, such as Collagen 306º, which focuses on providing collagen that is lost over time and facial volume loss. In fact, their ingestible elixir based on collagen firms and reduces wrinkles by acting in the deeper layers of the skin. Its action is so intensive that it is recommended to ingest it only on the first six days of each month for three months. The active ingredient? 10 grams of high-quality triple helix marine hydrolyzed collagen, with a concentration of 10%. Let's say it's the Rolls Royce of collagens. In the case of the serum, called Essence, a combination of marine collagen enriched with peptides reactivates collagen synthesis, improving the quality and resilience of the skin tissue. This combo can work wonders to firm the skin and restore facial architecture.
In the case of Dr. David Jack, what he has set out to do is to give us "everything we need," yes, an all-you-need approach in every sense. For this, he has designed three facial elixirs: All Day Long, Good Morning, and Good Night, three advanced formulas with antioxidants, regenerative and protective actives designed to restore the skin and slow down the aging process. He recommends combining them with his nutricosmetics, such as Skin + Hair + Nails, capsules formulated with ingredients like glutathione (a superstar antioxidant), biotin, zinc, magnesium, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E. Essential for good skin and the best performance of our bodies.
Pharmacist Meritxell Martí has created the 360º action combo Unique: White Serum, with an ultra-light texture, for topical application, ensuring healthy, hydrated, and firm skin in just 15 days; and Pink Collagen, for internal use, a carefully compiled blend of ingredients in masterful formula format designed to stimulate the activity of dermal cells. This Instagrammable pink powder contains everything needed for radiant skin: vitamins C, E, B, beta-carotene, algae, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, flavonoids such as pine extract derivatives, turmeric, calendula, or Coenzyme Q10. But it also incorporates pro-digestion ingredients like inulin (the best prebiotic to maintain a splendid flora), ginger, or black pepper, to keep bloated bellies and digestive problems in check.
I don't know about you, but the beauty combo is an option for comprehensive care that is tempting me...