In late July, Clinique at Macy’s Herald Square got a serious glow-up. The heritage brand debuted The Clinique Lab format, which is set to roll out in other stores. The Lab features a brand new, interactive, chic design. At the ribbon cutting, Clinique executives shared some exciting news. Studies have found that the Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Serum ($100) is as effective as ablative lasers when it comes to anti-aging.
“When we tested our product versus an ablative CO2 laser, we saw, after a lot of analysis, that, in actuality, the results for lines and wrinkles reduction was the same, it was equal,” Vice President Global Product Development of Skincare at Clinique, Ida Wong, tells us. She says the product took over two years and many consultations with dermatologists, clinicians and research and development. According to Wong, developers knew “this would be the holy grail if somebody didn’t have to go for a laser, but you got the same results for lines and wrinkles.”
Wong explains “the reason why a dermatologist recommends the laser is because a laser, using either heat or high power energy, stimulates skin’s natural collagen production. It’s almost tricking your skin that you’re getting a wound.” As a result, your skin pumps out more collagen. This improves plumpness from within, resulting in a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, she says. The serum is achieving this boost in collagen topically using collagen stimulating and bolstering ingredients.
Wong points out that not everyone has the access or means to get laser treatments. Additionally, Wong notes that not every skin tone can tolerate a laser, which makes this serum a worthwhile alternative. “We really wanted to be very inclusive when we developed our Smart franchise, specifically the serum versus the laser comparative. We were really thinking about that deeper skin tone,” says Wong.
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Cream ($68) is a new launch to use in tandem with the serum. In the name of a healthy, hydrated skin barrier, you always need to pair a moisturizer with a serum. “If you don’t moisturize well, your skin over time, it doesn’t matter how powerful of a topical serum, it goes down the toilet because your barrier is weakened, it’s compromised,” explains Wong. “The serum is not going to be drying. You might feel quite hydrated with it, but that’s not the end all be all. You need a moisturizer that also has the power punch of the technology that we use as a common core. Then there are some additional ingredients specific to the cream. These play the role of that hydrator for the multi-dimensional lines and wrinkles concerns.”
