As IMAGE Skincare celebrate 20 years of expertise, we take a deep dive into their renowned antioxidant serums – and find out why they should be part of your skin diet …
Founder Janna Ronert created IMAGE Skincare 20 years ago, originally to help her deal with rosacea, and provide simple but effective solutions. And it’s grown to become one of our most trusted skincare brands. In fact, Ireland has been the biggest market worldwide for IMAGE Skincare for more than a decade. Why do Irish customers have such loyalty? National Sales Manager Sharon Brady believes it’s because there is something in the range for everyone: “Education is at the forefront of all that we do. IMAGE was one of the first cosmeceutical ranges that was widely available, and it’s not just about one hero ingredient – it’s a complete skin support package powered by safe, proven ingredients and smart botanicals featuring the latest technology in delivery systems to give you the healthiest skin.”
Prevention is better than cure
IMAGE Skincare see the skin as a window to our body’s overall health. Antioxidants are food for the skin delivering vital ingredients and benefits. While we know the importance of SPF to help prevent skin cancer as well as collagen degradation and pigmentation, also important is what goes underneath. Brady describes antioxidant serums as “one of your five a day” for skin: antioxidants not only help to keep your skin healthy, they also boost your SPF, thanks to their natural anti-inflammatory benefits and proven ability to fight free-radical damage. They are key to reducing oxidised stress, which can cause our skin to age prematurely. The fact is, says Brady, “It’s all about skin health. Antioxidants and SPF slow down visible signs of premature aging” and so expertly formulated skincare is key to a vibrant complexion.
Our skin is exposed to multiple and constant environmental stressors, from diet to lifestyle, stress and pollution, free radicals, UV radiation, pollution and blue light. And the aggressors are not just external. To help defend our skin and give it the boost it needs from the inside out, we need to eat antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, fruit and veg, and to use topical antioxidants.
IMAGE Skincare has spent decades perfecting a varied selection of antioxidant serums and there are seven antioxidant serums in the range, including three key vitamin C serums – vitamin C is the most renowned antioxidant, with vitamin A, niacinamide (or vitamin B3) and polyphenols also key. Let’s focus on four powerhouse serums:
FOR HEALTHY SKIN
IMAGE Ormedic Balancing Antioxidant Serum (€76.50). With certified organic ingredients this intelligent serum restores balance, soothes, strengthens and hydrates all skins. “This serum offers strong antioxidant protection against environmental stress, combining peptides with plant extracts designed to optimise your skin health,” says Brady. A cocktail of antioxidants such as kakadu plum, a natural source of vitamin C, plus beetroot and green tea extracts, help brighten the skin. This vegan-friendly range is also good for “repairing, with copper complex peptide super for treating an irritated skin” and is recommended by The Skin Nerd.
TO VISIBLY BRIGHTEN AND FIRM
Designed by plastic surgeon Dr Marc Ronert using pioneering technology, IMAGE MD Restoring Youth Serum (€105.50) contains a powerful blend of plant stem cells, peptides and a stable form of vitamin C to brighten and target environmental damage. It also contains hyaluronic acid, naturally found in your skin, for hydration, as well as a peptide complex for firming and to give skin a plumper appearance.
FOR MATURE SKIN
IMAGE MD Restoring Power C Serum (€140.40) is a highly active 20 per cent vitamin C serum, and Image Skincare’s “most sophisticated serum yet”. Ferulic acid helps defend the skin against environmental aggressors. “For mature skin, you need more than antioxidants – you’re also looking at elasticity issues, so peptides are helpful here,” says Brady. “Peptides and vitamin A are the known, proven pro-ageing ingredients.” For mature skin, Brady also recommends cocktailing the MAX Cell Stem Serum (below).
FOR MULTI-BENEFITS IN ONE
IMAGE The MAX Cell Stem Serum (€122.50) does the work of several serums in one, and is designed for collagen repair. The MAX is a potent multi-peptide and plant stem cell focussed targeted serum, combining a blend of antioxidants including vitamin C, together with hyaluronic acid for soothing and hydrating, and peptides to target fine lines. Pro tip: use it around the eyes and on the neck to firm and revitalise the skin’s appearance.
View the full range of IMAGE skincare at www.imageskincare.ie.
