A Yorkshire skincare expert has launched an anti-ageing serum in response to consumer concerns about wrinkles and vertical lines.
Beverley, East Yorkshire based Dr Katerina Steventon has launched ‘4′, an anti-ageing serum that is inspired by her 20 years’ scientific research, professional expertise and salon experience.
Named 4 due to its combination of four regenerative plant oils and four technologically advanced active ingredients, the serum has been formulated to appeal to both men and women for proven anti-wrinkle, vertical line resurfacing and cell longevity prolonging effects.
Of the launch, Dr Steventon said: “Because I stand alone in combining science and consultancy with hands-on therapy, I am able to offer an evidence-based approach to skin care. Beauticians typically work with one specific brand, and don’t necessarily have the scientific background that I do.
‘Likewise, skin scientists, biologists and biochemists don’t see what I see in the salon and it’s unlikely that they’ll have a beauty therapy qualification. Market research can quiz at length but understanding how the skin works and its biology underlines all my work. Fusing the hands-on practice and high-end science is what I do best.’
4 is a unique, hybrid formulation that combines traditional plant based healing with 21st century clinically proven active ingredients to help repair and prevent signs of ageing. The four natural plant oils have been specifically selected to increase the penetration of the four active ingredients deep into the skin to promote a youthful appearance.
The four regenerative plant oils are;
• Organic Jojoba seed oil* (Simmondsia chinensis) is used by native Americans to treat sores and wounds. It is a light oil with excellent moisturising and soothing properties, similar to sebum.
• Organic Rose hip fruit oil* (Rosa Canina) is extracted from the seeds of a wild rose bush that grows in the cool and rainy Andes mountains. Rose hip fruit oil replenishes skin moisture by creating a protective barrier to help prevent dehydration. It was traditionally used to treat skin conditions [dermatitis, sunburn, scarring] and to repair mature and photo-aged skin.
• Organic Camellia oil* (Camellia oleifera) Praised as the beauty secret of the Geishas, tea oil has been recognized for centuries in Eastern Asia for its highly restorative and rejuvenating effect on the skin. It is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
• Echium oil (RevitElix™) is a plant derived, rich source of omega 3, 6 & 9 essential fatty acids. The active has been proven to regenerate skin by increasing production of structural proteins [pro-collagen-1, fibrillin and decorin] and improving skin structure by reducing wrinkles and surface roughness. Boosting skin protection, RevitElix™ has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe UVB induced damage.
The four technologically advanced and scientifically proven active ingredients are present in recommended concentrations to work together on the dermis and epidermis to deliver anti-ageing benefits, specifically skin renewal and regeneration. Specifically;
• The Anti-Wrinkle Effect
Marine micro-algae Cylindrotheca Fusiformis, sourced from the French Riviera, has a powerful anti-wrinkle effect and stimulates cellular proliferation in the dermis and production of structural proteins by fibroblasts. Clinically, it has been proven to visibly decrease wrinkle depth and volume and dramatically improve elasticity, hydration and softness of the skin. For more information about the effects of Cylindrotheca Fusiformis, please follow this link.
• Re-Surfacing Vertical Lines
The self-regenerative stem cell technology, Swertiamarin, is extracted from Indian Gentian leaves (Swertia chirata) to stimulate epidermal proliferation, increase regeneration and promote dermal thickness. Clinically, it has been proven to resurface facial skin and blur vertical wrinkles in just 7 days. This gives the perception of a younger, more relaxed facial expression with diminished lip lines and eye puffiness. For more information about the effects of Swertiamarin, please follow this link.
• Prolonging Cell Longevity
Renovage™, geranylgeranone, is a high-tech ingredient that provides anti-ageing and protective effects against stress related damage by maintaining cell division [telomere stabilization and DNA maintenance], improving tissue quality [by optimal cell communication and rebalancing cell metabolism]. Efficacy studies show visible and dramatic improvement in expression lines and sagging, skin pigmentation and dilated pores. For more information about the effects of Renovage™, please follow this link.
• Anti-Sagging Effect
We predict that the Traditional Chinese Medicine plant Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) will be the latest ‘must have’ active ingredient to fight sagging skin, as shown in early Japanese research. Liquorice also has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for hyper-pigmented, sensitive skin and skin conditions [eczema and rosacea]. For more information about the effects of Liquorice, please follow this link.
Best used as a morning serum and evening massage oil to target deep vertical lines on the forehead and lips, 4 costs £52.90 including postage and packing and is presented in a 15ml dropper bottle for ease of use. It is available online at www.katerinasteventon.com.
Dr Steventon concludes: “There is growing evidence that regular massage (please refer to Dr Steventon’s paper on this)1 enhances the effect of anti-ageing actives and we are the first to actively pursue this concept in anti-ageing with the launch of 4.
“Our preliminary data in a pilot self-assessment trial involving daily massage [11 participants] show that 100 % agree with frown lines appearing reduced after 26 – 28 applications.”
In addition to being a published author and respected speaker, Dr Steventon runs the independent skincare consultancy, FaceWorkshops. Dr. Steventon uses her PhD in skin science combined with her professional facial therapy training to provide clients with a bespoke package of scientifically validated products combined with facial therapies in her Beverley clinic.
Before establishing FaceWorkshops in 2009, Dr. Steventon’s experience spanned several years and continents – from prestigious skincare and wigs product brand, La Prairie in her native Czech Republic to Shiseido in Japan and Smith and Nephew wound healing in Hull.
