Nancy Jeffries, Correspondent01.28.11
LovelySkin.com, among the top websites selling dermatologist-recommended products with cosmetic, anti-aging, and cosmeceutical benefits, is an online source of more than 170 product lines. Like the other sites with which it shares top billing status, it is a dermatologist-endorsed site that offers commerce as well as consideration of its well-respected brand offerings.
Field Tested Brands
Among the well known brands at last month’s event were Kinerase, an anti-aging brand begun in the 1970s, designed to improve skin texture and treat age-related changes to the skin with growth factors from the DNA of plants, known as biomimetics, to ultimately encourage cells to behave like the cells of younger individuals. Among the products featured were Kinerase Eye Cream, Face and Neck Firming Cream, designed to strengthen elastin, the essential scaffolding of the skin, so it is supportive and strong, and Kinerase Tru Renew Pro+Therapy System, to address tone, uneven pigmentation, texture, fine lines, and furrows, and add brightness to skin with Kinetin and Zeatin, for a youthful glow. Additional information is available at: www.kinerase.com, and www.lovelyskin.com.
This site is distinguished by the leadership of Dr. Joel Schlessinger, a board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and founder of LovelySkin.com, who orchestrates the products and clinical services available at LovelySkin’s home base in Omaha, Nebraska, as well as the products available online. Schlessinger discussed the genesis of the enterprise, from its beginnings in 1997, to its current 20,000 sq. foot facility, which includes retail space, warehouse, day spa, and clinical research facility. Last month, Schlessinger and representatives of some of the most respected skin care and cosmetic brands in the industry, hosted a pop-up store and presentation that provided insight into the mission and goals of the online concept, whose tagline, “Beauty On The Go,” places an emphasis on customer service and quality that has clicked with customers.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger and son, Daniel Schlessinger, at LovelySkin event. |
Schlessinger says his enterprise, which includes such brands as Kinerase, Neocutis, Obagi, Elta MD, Jan Marini, Nia, gloProfessionals, and others, has hundreds of thousand of customers worldwide, and in addition to offering some of the most distinguished brands in the industry, also operates a clinical trials unit, the Advanced Skin Research Center, which has performed more than 250 clinical trials, including PurTox, Xeomin, and Revance, a topical form of neurotoxin that will be administered without injections, currently in ongoing clinical trials. He is also working with laser treatments for scar removal, laser hair removal, and a variety of treatments for psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, skin cancer and pre-cancer treatments. His retail flagship opened in November 2010, offering more than 6,000 products.
Obagi Nu-Derm Sun Shield SPF 50 |
His own brands include LovelySkin products, featuring a cleanser designed to maximize the skin’s natural hydration process with amino fruit acids, exfoliate dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, and establish a healthy skin environment with antioxidant properties. The product retails for $29.95. Other offerings in the line include Exfoliating Gel, Ultra Rich Moisturizer, Toner Mist, Vitamin C & E Serum, and Acne Care Gel; and Schlessinger also created the Fix My Skin line for Men. Commenting on areas of future growth, he cited clinical research on cosmeceuticals, lip product patent development (he is currently working on a lip balm containing hydrocortisone, with his son, Daniel), and extending his reach as an expert source of all areas of dermatology, including cosmetic dermatology and cosmeceuticals. Schlessinger recently returned from one of several trips to Haiti, where he has worked to assist earthquake victims in need, by providing moisturizing skin care products and managing wound care.
Field Tested Brands
Among the well known brands at last month’s event were Kinerase, an anti-aging brand begun in the 1970s, designed to improve skin texture and treat age-related changes to the skin with growth factors from the DNA of plants, known as biomimetics, to ultimately encourage cells to behave like the cells of younger individuals. Among the products featured were Kinerase Eye Cream, Face and Neck Firming Cream, designed to strengthen elastin, the essential scaffolding of the skin, so it is supportive and strong, and Kinerase Tru Renew Pro+Therapy System, to address tone, uneven pigmentation, texture, fine lines, and furrows, and add brightness to skin with Kinetin and Zeatin, for a youthful glow. Additional information is available at: www.kinerase.com, and www.lovelyskin.com.
Jan Marini featured New Age Intervention Face Primer, which targets elasticity, skin volume, inflammation, and wrinkling, with ingredients including co-enzyme Q-10 nanotechnology, hyaluronic microspheres, white and red tea extract, and pomegranate. In addition, Marini Skin Research offered Age Intervention Dark Circle Eye Defense, Antioxidant Daily Face Protection, and Marini Lash, with a peptide blend, designed to produce eyelash and brow enhancement. More information is available at: janmarini.com and at lovelyskin.com.
Neocutis highlighted its Swiss proprietary skin care technology, with Bio-Restorative Skin Cream with PSP, a complete protein blend of human growth factors and cytokines, which help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and promote recovery and skin restoration after dermatologic or cosmetic procedures. Neocutis also featured Lumiere Bio-Restorative Eye Cream with PSP and hyaluronic acid to firm and hydrate the delicate skin under and around the eyes. More information may be found at: www.neocutis.com and lovelyskin.com.
Neocutis Representatives at LovelySkin launch in New York City. |
Among the Obagi offerings were Obagi Nu-Derm Sun Shield SPF 50, formulated with 10.5% zinc oxide and 7.5% octinoxate for anti-aging sun protection with UVB absorption and UVA blockage. Its matte formulation with micro-fine zinc oxide applies sheer and it is designed for use on all skin types. The entire Obagi Nu-Derm system is designed to accelerate cell turnover, addressing such concerns as mottled pigmentation, while increasing elastin and collagen, as it provides nutrients and hydration for supple skin. Additional information is available at: www.obagi.com and lovelyskin.com.
Elta MD Skincare offered a range of SPF enhanced moisturizing sunscreen products, and skin treatment range, including EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser, Renew Eye Gel, Moisturizer, and Elta MD Laser Post Procedure Balm. The brand was founded on the belief that the innovative application of medical expertise and science will change the way physician-dispensed skin care products treat people. The brand’s medical heritage positions products to help develop, protect, and maintain healthy skin. More information is available at: www.eltamd.com and lovelyskin.com.
GloTherapeutics presented products designed to address specific skin types and needs, with Clear Acne Cleanser, Anti-Blemish Cleanser, Conditioning Milk Cleanser; and a complementary array of toners, serums, moisturizers, masks and eye gels. On the cosmetics side, gloMinerals offered a palette called Shimmer Brick, available in gleam or luster, for all-over skin brightening, which is designed for application with a swirl of the brush over the four shades contained in each palette, or for subtle highlights, with one shade applied lightly. The palette utilizes high pigment minerals, and a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and green tea, for skin radiance. gloMinerals also featured Redness Relief Powder and Brightening Polish. More information may be found at www.gloskincare.com or www.lovelyskin.com.
The brands and services featured on the site, as well as at the Advanced Research Center and retail center, reflect the trend to offer carefully curated skin care brands that bear the seal of dermatologist endorsement. Consumers increasingly seek products that will be effective, trusted, and merit repeat purchase. An online, edited, high performance selection takes the guesswork out of skin care shopping, making it more reliable, as well as accessible.
Dr. Schlessinger maintains that LovelySkin retains its unique positioning largely due to his professional involvement, in concert with a team of 55 employees who test the products offered on the site.
“Our ability to field test everything we offer on our site gives us a unique point of distinction. Our employees give a stamp of approval or thumbs down decision. My involvement remains ubiquitous, involving everything from product acquisition to development and testing,” said Schlessinger. “While the typical site is run for profit, ours is not only for commerce, but is interested in health benefit. If you have a product that is good, it will sell itself.”