Melissa Meisel, Associate Editor03.11.11
Hippocrates, the ancient Greek known as the father of Western medicine, advised, “let plants be your medicine.” Natural skin care marketer Origins took a page from the sage’s well-regarded philosophies with its newest anti-aging serum, Plantscription.
The SKU visibly corrects lines and wrinkles and loss of firmness by helping to rebuild natural fibrillin, collagen and elastin with the help of key ingredient African Anogeissus, according to the company.
“Fibrillin is a critical fiber vital for the elasticity, firmness and youthful turgor of skin. Fibrillin gives skin ‘bounce’ much like a box spring gives support to a mattress,” stated Dr. Lieve Declercq, Origins global spokesperson of plant physiology and molecular biology. “When it came to supporting and rebuilding natural fibrillin, Anogeissus was amazingly effective. That’s when we got excited about this powerful plant.”
The Anogeissus tree is found in the Republic of Ghana, a country located on the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa, only a few degrees north of the Equator. Local African tribes harvest the rare extract of Anogeissus, known as “Siiga” (which means “the soul”), derived from the leaves and bark of the Anogeissus tree to use as a natural wound healer and antimicrobial.
“Initially, we were searching for new plant extracts or new plant constituents that would effectively protect skin against collagen degradation,” said Dr. Annelise Lobstein, professor of pharmacognosy at the University of Strasbourg. “Our discoveries regarding the African Anogeissus tree were astonishing. The bark of Anogeissus is particularly concentrated into compounds able to stimulate the natural production of fibrillin, which is responsible for helping to support the structure of the skin. The facial appearance becomes firmer and lifted, contributing ultimately to reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and the visible signs of skin aging.”
In tandem with Anogeissus, Siegesbeckia (a small shrub native to eastern Asia) and rosemary extract help protect natural collagen and elastin, according to the company. Additionally, scutellaria root, apple extract and cucumber extract visibly address and improve skin discoloration.
“This is one of the most significant product launches in the history of the brand,” boasted Jane Lauder, global president and general manager, Origins.
This Spring, Origins is also rolling out other innovations: Perfect World SPF 35 UV Face protector with White Tea, a daily protective base that acts as a weightless shield that can be layered over moisturizer; Perfect World Age-Defense Treatment Lotion with White Tea, a lightweight fluid lotion that protects against environmental aggressors and UV damage; and Brighter By Nature SPF 30 Skin Tone Correcting Makeup, a high-performance compact powder foundation offering broad spectrum SPF 30 protection.
More info: www.origins.com