Cosmetic Connection

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Denise gets some therapy with Skyn ICELAND

I've had the opportunity to try so many great products in my quest for the perfect skin care regimen, but the Skyn Iceland line will definitely go down as one of the most memorable. This line was developed by Sarah Kugelman, formerly of gloss.com. Part of the research that led to Skyn was Psychodermatology, the study of how emotions impact our skin - or in clinical terms, the relationship between psychiatry and dermatology. This line isn't about looking younger by pumping chemicals; it's about looking better by relieving stress. Skyn is Icelandic for "senses", and these products are specifically aimed at easing one's senses and relaxing away day to day stresses. I tried (and loved) the following products from the Skyn line.

Glacial Face Wash with Biospheric Complex ($30) uses oat as the main ingredient in this rich, foaming formula, but Icelandic Kelp helps to combat redness and inflammation. Glacial Face Wash left my face squeaky clean - it is a definite must to moisturize immediately after washing with this one - but not stripped at all. I love the slightly mentholy-licorice smell... it reminds me of a much needed spa experience! I followed the Glacial Face Wash with Arctic Face Mist With Biospheric Complex ($35). Although this ultra fine mist, packed with white willow bark, chaparral extract, and Skyn's "Triple T Blend" (a mix of white, yellow and green teas), can be used anytime to calm and hydrate the skin, I used it in a toner capacity, and it was great. As with any spray-on toner, it was a bit messy, but it removed any residual traces of makeup from my skin and prepped it for moisturizing.

As a day moisturizer, I used The ANTIDOTE Quenching Daily Lotion ($45). This moisturizer has a thick, balmy texture that feels as if it locks in moisture and provides a barrier between my skin and the elements, despite its lack of sun protection. I added an extra layer of SPF over The Antidote for my daily travels. Icelandic Relief Eye Cream with Biospheric Complex ($45) contains vitamin K to reduce under eye circles and rice peptides to combat wrinkles. I found this eye cream to be competitive with other products on the market today, but nothing really special. On the other hand, Skyn's fabulous night moisturizer, Oxygen Infusion Night Cream with Biospheric Complex ($75) is outstanding. This rich cream contains the usual mix of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as rice peptides, but it also contains an ingredient that I was not as familiar with: Imparata Cylindrica Root. This magical herb is said to have intense moisturizing properties. As with the other ingredients contained in the Skyn line, it is potent but light. The night cream also boasts microencapsulated oxygen, which fortifies and energizes the skin, all suspended in Icelandic glacial water. Whew - I'm feeling better just thinking about it!

Whether your vice is caffeine, nicotine, or carbs, or if you're a workaholic or a multitasking mommy, you're bound to find a product that at the very least will provide temporary relief. And the products are all priced reasonably, to boot! You can get your Skyn fix at Sephora.com or at a Sephora nirvana near you.

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Posted July 20, 2005

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