Lately, we've been seeing a surge in the number of anti-aging products that take a cellular approach to skincare, from Estee Lauder's Time Zone to Avon's Anew Reversitalist products. Perricone MD's latest offering, Cold Plasma, also takes a micro approach to skincare, providing an ionic suspension carrier system that delivers nutrients to each and every cell, moving past the membrane and deep into the cell.
I know what you're thinking, "What the what? What does that mean?" Well, ladies, I'm no scientist, but I'm gonna take a stab at explaining the technology in the simplest terms possible. Let's start with the premise — the idea is that, as we age, the metabolism of our skin cells changes and they need more easily processed nutrients. I like to think of it as being akin to our digestive system. Whereas when we were in our teens and twenties, we could extract the nutritional value from even the most sugary, starchy, processed foods, as we start to age, our metabolism lags, and we have to tailor our diets accordingly in order to receive all the vitamins and minerals we need without the bloating, weight gain, etc. But of course, there's more to it than that — in order to get these nutrients inside each cell, Perricone MD scientists developed an ionic suspension carrier system that can usher them past the cell membrane. The nutrients then help to minimize the signs of aging, promote cellular turnover, and smooth out the skin.
Perricone MD's Cold Plasma relies mainly on Phospholipids, which mimic the lipids found naturally in the skin — these, then, allow nutrients to be absorbed quickly and efficiently. Other essential components are: Perricone's Advanced Neuropeptide Technology, which has anti-inflammatory properties; DMAE, which helps to stimulate nerve function; L-Tyrosone, a brightening amino acid; and DHA, a hydrating fatty acid.
Okay, so now that we've got an overview of the product's scientific properties and the technology used to develop it, let's cut right to the results. My experience with the product was definitely a positive one. The Cold Plasma has a really lightweight, watery consistency (it's practically a liquid) so that you can easily smooth it onto the skin without feeling like you have this balmy, cake-y substance atop your face. After a few weeks of regular use, you'll notice your feel looks firmer and smoother (and, when you apply the product, you won't feel any uncomfortable tingling, as you do with so many firming products). The one complaint I had was regarding Cold Plasma's smell — though it wasn't unbearable, the product did have this odd, fishy smell that I found unsettling. Sure, you can get past it (and it's not like you'll smell like a fish fry to other people when you apply it), but it is slightly unpleasant. But hey, if that's the only complaint I have, I'll definitely take that!
Perricone MD Cold Plasma, $150. Visit PerriconeMD.com and Sephora.com
**This review is based on a sample sent by Perricone MD's publicity team.
