In-office anti-ageing care

Due to the abuses of daily living such as sun, stress, hormones and environmental factors, skin cell functions slow down, and skin becomes fragile and not as healthy. The Obagi Nu-Derm System (1) transforms the skin's cellular functions, making it look and act younger and healthier by triggering a therapeutic cascade. The System is a skin care system available exclusively through plastic surgeons and dermatologists, and is physician prescribed and monitored. Physicians commonly use it to treat severe sun damage, signs of aging and pigmentation irregularities such as melasma, utilizing prescription ingredients for maximum efficacy.
The system's proprietary Obagi Blue Peel removes dead skin cells and allows new, healthier cells to resurface, improving the skin's clarity and firmness. Because of the precise control of the Obagi Blue Peel, it is appropriate for all skin types.
   Even die-hard dieters and serial exercisers get cellulite, those not-so-cute dimples on the thighs, hips and buttocks. While diet and lifestyle can influence its formation, a large part of cellulite is composed of fat and toxins that build up in the subcutaneous layers of the skin—and it affects women and men of any size, weight or body type. Endermologie, a machine-assisted deep tissue massage technique from France, has FDA clearance as an effective way to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite, with maintenance sessions recommended to sustain improvements and results. Endermologie targets connective tissue, which provides the skin's mechanical functions of support and cohesion.
   The CelluM6 Keymodule (2), the newest generation treatment machine from Endermologie, features a redesigned treatment head with speed and rotation differentials to increase the depth of action and provide more therapeutic applications.
   Endermologie is available in the US primarily through physicians including plastic surgeons, ob-gyns, bariatric specialists and dermatologists. Trained technicians, who must be certified by LPG, give the treatments. Treatment prices range from $80 to $120 per session. For the Endermologie centre nearest you, call 1 800 222-3911.
   Cosmécanique, a non-invasive anti-aging facial therapy from France that is being heralded as a workout for the skin, is a treatment that mechanically targets the underlying structure of the skin—the connective tissue, collagen, and elastin fibres that govern skin texture and firmness. Cosmécanique utilizes the Lift 6 machine (3) to stimulate the facial tissues, or the architecture of the skin.
   During each 30-minute Cosmécanique treatment, the Lift 6's patented treatment heads are applied to skin and produce a rhythmic, continuous mechanical micro-pulsation. The natural, pleasant massage action is adaptable to all skin types, even the most delicate. A firmer appearance can be seen from the very first treatment; with a progression of treatments recommended for the best results. Costs range from $80 to $120 per session.
   Cosmécanique treatments are available in top plastic surgery and dermatology practices, medispas, spas and skin care centres across the country, including Ole Henriksen and Christina Radu in Los Angeles; La Jolla Spa MD, Dr Mitchel Goldman, La Jolla, Calif.; Pampering, Washington, DC; Dr Frederic Brandt, Coral Gables, Fla.; Paul Labrecque Spa (Reebok store) and Janet Sartin Day Spa, New York. For the Cosmécanique centre nearest you, call 1 800 222-3911.

The best of the rest

The new G. M. Collin Paris Homme Derma-Corrective skin care line, comprised essentially of botanical, biotechnological and marine ingredients, is the latest addition to the company's best-selling products. Men are minimalist when it comes to their skins and gravitate toward performance-oriented products, preferring treatments with immediate results. This line gives you that in spades. The G. M. Collin Homme Purifying Cleansing Gel ($23), an alcohol- and soap-free water-based cleanser, provides a true feeling of freshness right from the first application. The G. M. Collins Homme Hydrating Cream (for normal, dry-alipidic or sensitive skin, $29·50) and the Hydrating Gel (for normal, combination, oily or sensitive skin, $29·50) are both specially enriched with copper peptides to destroy free radicals, promote collagen and elastin synthesis, and resulting in deep dermal hydration. All these products are available in high-end spas, salons and skin clinics all over the United States and Canada, and online at www.gmcollins.com. To find the location nearest you, please call 1 800 341-1531.
   Is your skin tone uneven? La Prairie for Men's Cellular Bronzing Gel (1·7 oz, $50) evens out skin tone and enhances the complexion to look vital and healthy. Does your skin feel dry or taut? Cellular Intensive Moisturizer (1·7 oz, $135) has a deeply hydrating formula that helps provide up to 16 hours of effective moisture protection. The line's Cellular Treatment Fragrance (3·4 oz, $100) is a revolutionary concept that combines a sophisticated fragrance with the breakthrough treatment benefits of La Prairie's skin care. La Prairie for Men's Cellular Anti-Puff Eye Gel (0·5 oz, $125) is a soothing gel formula that reduces the build up of toxins and fluids that cause puffiness in the eye area. The La Prairie line is sold exclusively by Neiman Marcus Stores and online at www.neimanmarcus.com. •

Phillip D. Johnson is features’ editor of Lucire.

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See this story with even more products selected and trialled by our editors in the May 2005 print edition of Lucire, out in New Zealand on May 9. To make sure you don’t miss out, click on the image at right to subscribe or buy a single copy. (Click 'Yes' if pop-up boxes appear—you're being switched to our secure server and it is completely safe.)