LUSTING: Kiehl's Acai Collection

The Acai berry is touted for its high antioxidant properties and for those who aren't familiar with the benefits of antioxidants, they are substances and nutrients that slow and prevent damage to our bodies. When the cells of our bodies use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals which can contribute to the development of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Antioxidants help to corral these free radicals, hence slowing or preventing this damage. The same theory is being applied to antioxidants in beauty products. The free radicals generated by our bodies' natural oxidation process are unstable and can attack collagen and elastin in our skin.

And now Kiehl's, one of my favourite cosmetics companies (especially for their skincare), has jumped on the acai berry bandwagon with a new line of acai berry skincare collection. Available as of October 2009, the collection includes:

• Acai Damage-Minimizing Cleanser (5 oz, $24.50 US)
  
• Acai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist (6 oz, $26 US)
  
• Acai Damage-Correcting Moisturizer (2.5 oz, $44 US)
  
• Acai Damage-Repairing Serum (1.7 oz, $48 US)
  

Tests were conducted with a group of women, ages 30-65, who used the Acai Collection and these are the (rather impressive) findings:

• 88% felt a natural tightening of the skin
• 84% said that skin was brighter
• 80% reported that skin texture was improved and felt more smooth
• 78% said that the system improved their skins resiliency
• 75% of the women noticed a minimization of their fine lines and wrinkles
• 65% of the women noticed that skin discolorations and dark spots were minimized.
• Overall, the women reported that skin looked and felt four years younger.

 We'll see if the Acai-berry-as-skincare trend will last, but Kiehl's has consistently impressed me with their products, so regardless of the ingredient, I feel confident saying these'll be great products.

Also, Kiehl's is known for their sample-happy customer service. (How many little Kiehl's pouches do you have in your bathroom/nightstand/shower?) If you live near a Kiehl's go grab your samples of the Acai Collection!

C.