Beauty is bamboozling. On the tail of blurs, BB’s and super boosters, come ‘Silk’ beauty products. But how do these differ from the rest?
How do you want your skin to look and feel? Silky soft? Well, this fantastical skin texture may sound like the stuff of fairytales, but silk proteins as skin softeners are hinged on pretty historical benefits.
In ancient times, silk proteins were used for their healing properties as sutures, but these days it’s moved into marking its territory as a celebrity skincare staple. Silk proteins, and their individual amino acids, soak up moisture and act as a transport system for hydration into the skin so silk dually moisturizes the skin from within the top layer whilst also adding to the skins barrier function.
Jennifer Aniston, Elle McPherson and Naomi Watts are self-confessed fans of Dr. Hauschka silken skincare products. Here, the brands Spokesperson and Communications manager, Janet Southern explains the process of garnering the good stuff – from caterpillar to cosmetic counter:
“Silk powder consists of the finely ground silk threads of the silkworm caterpillar,” she begins. “The silkworm larva spins its cocoon with a very long protein thread. This thread is reeled from the cocoon and cleaned and the result is a silk thread, which – once ground to the finest powder – readily takes up moisture. It nurtures and smoothes the skin,” she concludes.
Silk is a truly extraordinary substance containing keratins formed similarly to the structural proteins – like collagen – in human skin. “They balance out or neutralize both acids and bases,” explains Southern. “In doing so, they stabilize the skin’s acid mantle.”
As a powder, silk absorbs up to 40% of its own weight. “Silk is extremely well tolerated by the skin because the keratins are very similar in structure to the skin’s own keratin,” she says.
‘Silk’ is also a firm favourite in hair care and cosmetics too. Here is my pick of some of the softest options to try:
Body:
Dr Hauschka Body Silk, is a true all-rounder, perfect for powdering away moisture in summer, fixing lipstick with a few blots and even desensitizing sensitive skin.
RRP $42, from Dr Hauschka
Hair:
TRESemmé Salon Silk Shampoo and Conditioner contain vitamin H, silk proteins and almond oil to tame and calm frizzy, unruly hair.
RRP $11.49 each from TRESemme
Cosmetics:
OFRA Silk Peptide Foundation contains silk-peptides and antioxidants for anti-ageing results. It’s also super-fine, making it the perfect choice for problem skin.
RRP $39.95 from OfraCosmetica
Complexion:
Gatineau Serenite Gentle Skin Cleanse contains natural silk extracts combined with the softness of cotton to leave skin refreshed, smooth and well balanced.
RRP $30. For stockist call 1800 037 076.
Treatment:
Ultraceuticals Ultra Replenishing Mask, $65 contains a potent mesh of antioxidants and anti-fatigue ingredients such as caffeine, Persian silk tree extract and salicin.
RRP $65 from Ultraceuticals
