Zit Zapper and Face-Washing Brush Make the List of 2008 Skin Care Trends - By: Ann Knapp

Skin care is an always advancing technology with new products being tested, developed and marketed. Some of these products start as trends only to fade away, while some have staying power and find their ways into beauty routines for years to come. Here's a list of some of 2008's skin care trends and products:

An Organic Standard
Now that organic beauty products can receive the USDA seal to indicate its degree of purity, look for a regulatory standard and seal for natural beauty products. Burt's Bees, which launched the initiative, has indicated that the Natural Standard Seal will require at least 95 percent natural ingredients and pure processing methods to make the mark. "We're starting at a higher percentage because most consumers believe if a product stays it's natural, it must be so, but that's just not been the case," said Mike Indursky, chief marketing officer for Burt's Bees.

Zap Blemishes Away
A new slew of at-home beauty appliances are about to join the Zeno zit zapper and the Clarisonic face-washing brush. Watch for products that will offer many of the same mechanics of spa-grade devices, such as the Mini-Marvel, which use LED light to diminish wrinkles, acnes and blotches.

Tress Relief
While known to aide in potential hair growth, scalp massages are becoming full-length spa treatments for relaxation. In Los Angeles, spas such as the Ole Henriksen body treatments may also include hair conditioning. Asks Hendricksen, "Why should spa services stop at the hairline?"

New Targets for Anti-Aging
Anti-aging doesn't just stop at the face any longer. Spas are turning the focus to the neck, d'collet, bust, and overall body by popular demand. Spa and retail shelves are stocking creams, exfoliators and more. Sylvie Hennessey, creator of Pevonia Botanica, which launched Tropicale anti-aging body treatments recently said, "Clients want their bodies treated for wrinkling and sun damage too."

Some Familiar Friends
More products touting firming and lifting properties will make their way to the shelves. And in them (look at the label on the back) are the same proven ingredients, such as retinol, vitamin C and peptides people have been using to treat wrinkles and blotches.

Bat the Eyes
More products will bring the focus on thickening and lengthening lashes, despite the FDA's crackdown on one manufacturer, Jan Marini, for claiming its products could make lashes grow. Products include RevitaLash and Osmotics FNS Nutrilash.

Correct rather than Conceal
The new anthem for makeup is to correct the flaws rather than hide them. Leaders in this market include Elizabeth Arden's ceramide line. Other products include Kimiko Beauty's firming eye shadow and Joey NY's under-eye concealer which includes anti-aging peptides. Mineral essential makeup has been popular for its lack of irritants and UV protection. "This concept goes one step farther," said Kimiko founder Danielle Vincent, "Your skin is actually better for having used it."

A-Peeling Treatments
Spas are developing less aggressive forms of chemical peels which are lower in acids and higher in skin soothers such as green tea. This scaling back in potency offers new variations of the at-home peel. "It's wonderful as long as the percentage of acid is low," said New York City facial plastic surgeon Yael Halaas, MD. "Too high a concentration or too frequent use can lead to damage."

Bullion Bling
Spas and their customers are in love with gold as a facial ingredient. At about US$500 for an ounce of serum with gold is more bling than benefits. While down-right decadent, gold is still yet to be proven an effective anti-ager.

Anti-Age the Amazon Way
English rose and French lavender may have a new contender in town. Product lines are turning to the Amazon basin as its new spa-beauty garden. Its indigenous plants, fruits and nuts are high in antioxidants and skin-nourishing oils. For example, Amazon Beauty contains acai, buriti and guarana fruit. Inara Organics is based on the babassu nut. Even mainstream brands like Kiehl's and Borba are using guanabana and yerba mat because of their purity and efficacy, says Borba founder Scott Vincent Borba.

About the Author

Geologix Inc. manufactures products using a proprietary formula featuring 34 natural minerals contained in the ancient sea water from the famous Michigan Basin -- a concentration of minerals higher than that found in any known body of water in the world. Mineral Essentials focuses on spa, skin care, and massage products to moisturize and provide anti-aging protection for great skin. Mineral Essentials

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