Where does natural skin luminosity in young skin come from? To start with, 90% of visible light is not directly reflected by the skin surface, but is absorbed into skin itself. Skin luminosity levels therefore depend on how light interacts with the various skin structures it meets on its journey. Light will be reflected by some and absorbed by others.

The main light-reflecting structure in skin is the network of collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis. This network of fibres is like the silvering placed under glass in a mirror to reflect light. When natural reproduction levels of these fibres is constant, this network remains thick and firm enough to ensure optimal light reflection.

Two colour components, or chromophores, are also important in the perception of skin luminosity: melanin and haemoglobin. Unlike dermal fibres, chromophores do not reflect light but absorb varying wavelengths and then reflect a visible colour back to the skin surface.

> When melanin pigments are spread uniformly throughout the epidermis, skin appears more even in colour. Skin colour depends on the concentration of brown eumelanin pigments present in skin. However, hyperactivity in certain melanocytes due to age can lead to excessive concentrations of pigments forming in localized areas. Dark spots similar to those that appear on an old mirror can be observed on the skin surface.

> Haemoglobin also contributes to skin colour and luminosity. Blood vessels in young skin are organized into a fine, thick network allowing the redness of haemoglobin to light up skin with a healthy, rosy glow. This rosiness fades as blood flow diminishes with age.

Finally, between 4 and 7% of visible light is immediately reflected by the skin surface. Lines create shadowy areas on skin and, as water helps diffuse light, dry skin appears dull. Visible signs of hyperpigmentation block the diffusion of light towards the dermal layer.

All skin structures contribute to skin luminosity. All skin structures change with age. On this basis, only expert anti-ageing skin care formulated to help skin defy the visible appearance of changes in the main light-reflecting skin structure – the dermis itself – can help revive the unique luminosity of youthful-looking skin.

Although the role of melanin and blood microcirculation in skin radiance is well known, the role of the dermis is less so. By demonstrating the impact of natural changes in the dermis on skin luminosity, Clarins brings to light new factors for consideration when studying the major causes of skin ageing: irregular performance from natural skin cleansing agents and cellular senescence.

When natural reproduction levels of collagen fibres change, this modifies the structure of the dermal network. The structure of collagen fibres in skin changes over time. In young skin, the fibres connect in a perfectly even way to create a mesh-like structure that gradually unwinds with age, scattering irregular shaped bundles throughout the extracellular matrix. As a result, the dermis not only loses its capacity to support the epidermis but also its ability to reflect light evenly.

The majestic beauty of certain tropical plants holds little in comparison to the exceptional powers of the three simple plants whose extracts lie at the heart of the Vital Light skin care formula. Cochlearia officinalis, Waltheria and Spergularia belong to a plant family that botanists call ‘pioneers’ due to the fact that they take root and spread in some of the most desolate areas on Earth. In doing so, they help recreate biodiversity.

Cochlearia officinalis
Cochlearia spreads its long stems covered in small, fragrant white flowers
over the shoreline rocks and sand dunes of the English Channel and Atlantic Ocean. As a salt-loving plant, it is well-suited to growing in harsh coastal conditions. Nourishment is stored in its thick, oily leaves that protect vital nutrients from evaporating. Cochlearia is rich in vitamin C - in the past it was used to treat sailors suffering from scurvy - and also has antiseptic and fortifying benefits.
 

Spergularia rubra
From June to September, the Spergularia’s pink flowers blossom on sandy rock areas across Europe, North Africa and Asia. Spergularia grows in abundance thanks to its long, tough root that grows down deeply into the ground to find sufficient water supplies. In North Africa, it is ground into a powder and mixed with olive oil to make a cream that diminishes the visible appearance of freckles. Spergularia is also known as “stone-breaker” and is used for medicinal purposes when treating kidney stones. A Clarins exclusive ingredient, Spergularia demonstrated its anti-hyperpigmentation benefits.
 

Waltheria indica
Found commonly in the tropics, Waltheria satisfies its need to grow by spreading over sandy or rocky areas or in places where ground soil has been damaged. Its leaves are covered in fine hairs that help prevent evaporation. Fascinated by the plant’s stubborn desire to grow in desolate areas, local populations throughout history also discovered its antiseptic and pain relief benefits. By combining titrated Waltheria with other ingredients, Clarins opens a wider range of anti-ageing skin care benefits.

The result is Vital Light skin care. An expert anti-ageing day and night skin care duo formulated to revive deep luminosity in the skin. Two skin care products that use the exceptional revitalizing powers of pioneer plants for the first time. Pioneer plants that help recreate life on Earth and give Vital Light skin care the power to recapture the luminous firmness of youthful-looking skin despite the years.

Vital Light Day focuses on skin pigmentation, a process that reaches optimal levels during the day, while Vital Light Night helps boost microcirculation throughout the night to deliver maximum revitalizing benefits.

For women who still feel 20 in their mind, let Vital Light pioneers restore your skin's luminosity and firmness that have diminished over the years.