If there’s one thing that we can all agree on, is that a proper skincare routine is essential. It’s not only just about looking good but also about projecting how we feel inside — all that youthful vigour and positive energy — to the outside.
Clear, bright (an even skin tone), moisturised and soft skin are the key things that we often aim to achieve. With a smorgasbord of options out there available in the market, it’s no mean feat trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Japanese luxury brand Albion has been in the skincare business since 1956, working on those exact four indicators of healthy skin from within. Utilising ingredients found in nature and combining them with science to create high-quality products to suit customers’ needs, it’s the reason why Albion has won multiple awards in Japan and is famed for a number of trusted products for over 60 years now.
And because our skincare needs change over time (blame that on a more stressful society and harmful pollutants that we’re increasingly exposed to), Albion has constantly kept updating its products to work effectively. Three of which, have been designed to help promote and maintain healthy skin that’s seemingly timeless.
EXCIA Brightening Immaculate Serum
The youngest of the three creations, the EXCIA Brightening Immaculate Serum is the fifth generation of a product by Albion that was originally introduced in 2010. Its main ingredient is kojic acid — a known brightening agent that helps to exceptionally lighten imperfections on the skin.
The latest update sees the introduction of ‘Nanocesta EX’, a drug-delivery technology that’s designed to help the kojic acid molecules reach the epidermis faster to block melanin production and degrade melanosomes. In other words, stopping the unnecessary darkening of skin pigments more effectively than ever.
The EXCIA Brightening Immaculate Serum comes in 28 vials that are meant to be used daily. At the end of the entire duration of the routine, skin not only gets visibly brighter but also more plump and firmer, with results immediately visible after the first use. It’s little wonder then that it’s a go-to product for those wanting to get brighter, clearer and firmer skin fast — especially brides.
EXCIA Brightening Milk
Photo: Albion.
The holy grail of the Albion skincare range, the EXCIA Brightening Milk is based on the Balancing Milk product that the brand is known for. Albion’s “Milk First” approach is revolutionary. As opposed to the conventional routine of applying toner after cleansing the face, the Milk is applied to soften and prep the skin to better absorb additional skincare products by balancing the skin moisture.
The secret is in its culture supernatant — a fluid that contains over 500 kinds of beneficial proteins. The culture supernatant is obtained from adipose-derived stem cells that are placed in a culture medium where they then secrete the proteins as well as other substances that are essential for skin brightening.
Rich and with such a luxurious feel, the EXCIA Brightening Milk is designed for fast penetration into the skin to help enhance the brightening properties of the aforementioned Immaculate Serum. It’s available in two formulations: EXCIA Brightening Rich Milk and the EXCIA Brightening Extra Rich Milk suiting oily or normal skin and normal or extra dry skin respectively. The former focuses on supple and firm skin in addition to brightening, while the latter results in a more springy skin.
Skin Conditioner Essential N
Affectionately referred to as “SkiCon” in Japan, the Skin Conditioner Essential N is a lotion that’s a bestseller for Albion and composed of Job’s tears. The natural grain plant ingredient is anti-inflammatory and helps maintain a healthy epidermal metabolism as well as regulate skin’s natural immune function for an overall healthy state.
Its latest formulation is packed with even more naturally occurring benefits from the plant with organic Job’s tears oil. The oil is extracted from organic Kita no Hato — a species of Job’s tears that’s grown and harvested by Albion in Hokkaido, Japan.
Besides the brightening and firming benefits that are amplified with the addition of organic Job’s tears oil, the latest Skin Conditioner Essential N promises to prevent pimples by removing excess sebum for grease-free skin, prevents flushes with its cool sensation, tightens by smoothing out fine lines, as well as moisturises. In short, a combination of benefits to help restore the skin to its healthiest and problem-free condition.
Albion is available at Metro Paragon, Level 2, and Takashimaya Department Store, Level 1.
