Biomimetic Cell System
Fine Lines and Wrinkles Anti-aging Cream (combination)

August 22nd 2011

Functionalab unveils new products at Harrods (Launches/Relaunches, Skincare, Beauty) August 25 sees the exclusive launch of the new Functionalab Biomimetic Cell System at Harrods. The range is based on four key ingredients: SIRTUIN 1* activator which promotes long-term skin benefits and protects the skin from environmental aggression; SIRTUIN 3* activator which stimulates skin cell energy production; Ub-p accelerator which helps to detoxify skin cells and extend their efficiency to defy the aging process; and Chronogen c.l.o.c.k. peptide, which boosts the skin's ability to regenerate and revitalize around the day-night cycle for a more youthful appearance. Products roll out exclusively at Harrods from October 2; prices range from £25-75.

August 16th 2011

If beauty truly comes from within, then Functionalab are the beauty experts to know. Their line of nutricosmetics performs all the usual functions of our skincare heroes - boosting collagen, detoxing, promoting elasticity, stimulating circulation - in supplement form. Each dose of 100% natural actives - like vitamin C and omega-rich flax seed powder - provides all your beautifying dietary necessities with convenient daily dosage packets. Guzzle up that super-surge of prettiness, eh? Now Functionalab is taking this system one step further with a line of cosmeceuticals for topical application, designed to support the 'beauty from within' ethos of the brand. The high tech skincare range features Functionalab's Biomimetic Cell System in 12 anti-ageing products. Combining Sirtuin proteins to help prolong cell's life and helping it to produce more collagen and elastin, and peptides to boost cell renewal, initial tests by 32 volunteers were promising. 91% felt their skin was firmer and more supple after use, while 84% thought it looked smoother. I love the serum for normal to dry skin - let's face it, moisturised skin looks younger and more radiant than its parched, dry counterpart, so whatever your feelings about anti-ageing skincare this serum is worth its weight in hydrating molecules. Every little helps. Ranging from £25 to £75, the creams, serums and cleansers (variously formulated to suit different skintones) will be available exclusively at Harrods Beauty Apothecary from October 2nd.

September 4th 2011

My newest BBB Count Down is for Functionalab Biomimetic Cell System Skincare. This is a really impressive range of skincare from Functionalab, whose supplements were a total sell-out when they launched last year. But, it’s complicated to explain so be kind while I have go because as we all know, science is not my thing! Functionalab uses Sirtuins (proteins that protect cells and increase their life-span allowing them to product more collagen, elastin and other key proteins) and the four key ingredients in the anti-ageing range are Sirtuin 1 (to protect and repair), Sirtuin 3 (protects and energizes cells), Ub-p (detoxifies cells) and Chrono Peptides (to boost DNA protection during the day and repair at night). Chrono Peptides also boosts the skin's ability too regenerate around the day-night cycle and eliminates the need for separate day and night creams. So, it’s all pretty weighty stuff. It’s also the first range that I know of to include Sirtuin 3 (Lauder uses Sirtuin 1). To put it all into its most basic form, you don’t need separate day and night creams as one cream identifies what your skin needs and when, the cell detoxifiers gobble up debris that skin cells create and the range targets your skin needs rather than your biological age. So, you may be in your fifties and only need fine lines addressing or you could have the same issues and be in your twenties depending upon how kind your genes have been. It’s all about your skin and your needs and not a general one-cream-does-all, although the products are indicated for young, mature and ageing as a guideline. The range is pretty comprehensive – one of the things I like about it best is that it has a dedicated product for fragile skin – something not many brands target. But, I’ve seen fragile skin in action and it is a difficult skin type to treat with any meaningful results. Fragile skin is thin and crepey and can either be the result of ageing, medication or genes. It tears and marks easily and needs to be treated with kid gloves at all times. Combination skin is also addressed and while it isn’t an anti-acne range, it can reduce sebum production enough to put a cap on flare ups. I also like the fact that once you get your head around what your skin needs, you don’t need a million and one products. Prices start from £25 (for cleanser) with a mid point (for serum) at £49 and the creams at £75, so while not a budget range by any means, it’s not knocking at the same door as the really premium skin ranges that can be asking double for less. It launches first into Harrods in October and then into Harvey Nichols.

August 15th 2011

Functionalab is introducing its new Biomimetic Cell System line of Advanced Cosmeceuticals exclusively at Harrods in October. The Biomimetic range, comprised of 12 products, has formulations based on four key ingredients : SIRTUIN 1 activator, which promotes long-term skin benefits and protects the skin from environmental agression; SIRTUIN 3 activator, which stimulates skin cell energy, reducing damage and enhancing the skins appearance (SIRTUINS are proteins that penetrate skin cells); Ub-p accelerator, which helps to detoxify skin cells and increase their efficiency; and Chronogen Peptide to boost the skin's ability to regenerate for a youthful appearance. The major benefits of the ingredients are : protection against premature wrinkles, the reduced appearance of existing wrinkles, and improved elasticity, hydration and skin radiance. Prices range from £25-£75 with products available at Harrods Beauty Apothecary from the end of September, early October.

August 3rd 2011

Oh my! If you like your skin care scientific, Functionalab's new range will be right up your bunsen burner. Skin care as a whole is finding it increasingly hard to come up with a point of difference, so when something does come along that's really innovative, the whole skin care world sits up and takes notice. If you read BBB often enough, you'll know I stuggle with science, but here goes: All the new Functionalab Biometric Skin System ranges contain levels of Surtuins 1 and 3. Sirtuins are proteins able to penetrate skin and help to prolong the lifetime of cells as well as allowing them to produce more collagen, elastin and proteins. Collagen and elastin occur naturally in the skin and as we age, depletes - damn it - which is why skin doesn't look youthful and bouncy anymore. Basically, they work on the skin's DNA. All the products within the three ranges, Age Defence for First Signs of Ageing, Anti Ageing For Lines & Wrinkles and Age Defying For Mature and Dehydrated Skin, also have peptides and Chronogen to regulate the activity of cells which boost detoxification. For each skin stage, there is a different, customised level of Surtuin so the range can address all levels of anti-ageing. Cellular activation is at the cutting edge of skin product technology and the fact that Harrods are first in line to stock it is also telling. Prices start at £25 which I don't think is at all unreasonable for a premium line. The hero product I think will be Intense Hydration Cream with Sirtuins 1 and 3 plus peptides and the whole lot launches in October.

October 2011

The star product Fine Line and Wrinkles- Anti Aging Cream firms skintone while minimising fine lines and wrinkles.