Behind the development of every beauty breakthrough is a team of scientists who don't often bask in the limelight.
The Soin Synactif facial.
This makes Takayuki Ishimatsu a little nervous, because he has to meet the press and customers following his promotion to director of Cle de Peau Beaute Laboratory, a department under Japanese cosmetic giant Shiseido.
"Now I'm not just a researcher developing new products. I have to come out of the lab and become a communicator to talk about the science in a simple way,'' said Ishimatsu, who was recently in Bangkok to present the upgraded Synactif range of products.
Ishimatsu has been working for Shiseido for 16 years. For the last two he has been working on Cle de Peau Beaute's pricey skincare products, with the Synactif collection ranging from the 3,900 baht soap to the 50,000 baht concentrated cream.
The investment in research and production technology, he explained, gives the face-contouring cream its hefty price tag.
The Synactif collection.
From the French, Cle de Peau translates to "the key to skin". The brand's research aims to unlock the door to youthful-looking skin, with the development of Synactif based on findings from studies on the function of lymphatic vessels.
Lymphatic vessels collect liquid that seeps out of blood vessels, as well as waste proteins and cells. The lymphatic system then branches into capillaries at the skin's surface to remove waste materials from the body.
"The lymphatic capillaries naturally and thoroughly purify the skin," said Ishimatsu. "When they are functioning properly, nutrients and cosmetic ingredients applied to the skin can work more effectively.''
Degeneration of capillaries due to UV exposure and a decrease in functionality due to ageing lead to an accumulation of waste that cause skin damage such as the denaturing of collagen, resulting in wrinkles.
New findings indicate the existence of lymphatic-vessel-activating factors, which led Ishimatsu and his team to work on a new approach to skincare, aimed at improving surface colour, texture and facial contours.
"We look at the latest science as well as what customers want regarding results and usage. The new Synactif formulas have been designed to give the maximum benefit with minimum products to meet the modern women's busy lifestyle," he said.
The Synactif at-home ritual is performed with specific application techniques, encouraging lymphatic drainage in order to purify the skin.
For deeper skin purification, Ishimatsu recommends having the Soin Synactif facial at the Cle de Peau Beaute counter once or twice a month.
The treatment involves deep cleansing and skin-rejuvenation with a moisturising mask, a warm mask covered with foil, a cream mask and a face massage with the hands, and a hot and cool plate.
"Users are testimony to skincare effectiveness, and I have seen women who have used our skincare for years and they look much younger than their age," he said. His job makes him the first user of new products, ensuring their efficacy before the launch.
"By testing new formulas and using other products I have taken better care of my skin. This pays off when going to reunions as you see friends looking much older than you," Ishimatsu said.
