Although there’s been quite a bit of buzz the last few years about essential oils doing wonders for our skin, these oils have been widely available in skincare products for decades.
Yon-Ka Paris has been using them since 1954, when “botany aficionados” Cécile, Ernest and Charles Mühlethaler began testing their therapeutic properties. Since its inception, the brand’s in-house team of pharmaceutical and biological doctors, chemical engineers, biologists and bacteriologists has been successfully creating cutting-edge, customized skin regimens for a wide range of skin conditions.
Yon-Ka offers an extensive line of over 80 products, 70% of them incorporating a proprietary blend of five precisely measured essential oils from around the world called Quintessence. The oils are:
- Fine lavender from France, with calming, healing and anti-inflammatory properties
- Geranium from Egypt, with anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and healing properties
- Rosemary from Morocco, with antiseptic, regenerating and toning properties
- Cypress from France, which decongests the skin and balances nerves
- Thyme from Spain, which stimulates the skin with powerful antiseptic properties
Besides its Quintessence blend, Yon-Ka also uses dozens of other fruit and plant extracts in its formulas, including natural patented complexes, cold-pressed oils and algaes, which provide natural healing and nourishment to the skin.
Geri Brin, founder of FabOverFifty, is always excited to try beauty products from France.
“Ever since I first travelled there in the late 1960s I learned that French women take great pride in the attention they give their skin,” she said. “I was anxious to try Yon-Ka.” The following four products have constituted Geri’s skincare regimen for the past three weeks.
Cellular Code Long-Life Infusion Serum for mature skin ($135 for 30mL): 80% of women in a clinical study of 39 women reported this Cellular Code Serum is a “must have” for any skincare regimen. Designed to improve skin on a cellular level, this elixir helps strengthen the skin and improve its defense system against toxins and other skin stresses. Used before applying Yon-Ka Excellence Code Cream, the serum includes lipo-amino acid which balances the cells longevity proteins (sirtuin, survivin), with oxygenating garden nasturtium extract, as well as the Quintessence essential oils blend.
“It feels velvety and has a wonderful scent, as if I’m standing in a garden,” reports Geri. “It’s not liquidy and super oily, like other serums I’ve used, and a small amount easily covers my entire face. My skin tone and texture appear smoother and more awake since I started applying it three weeks ago. It can be used morning and evening.”
Excellence Code Cream ($185 for 50mL): Blended with the Quintessence of essential oils, hyaluronic acid, a brightening complex rich in arnica, shea butter and avocado and grapeseed oils, this luxurious cream “addresses all needs of mature skin that has been affected by hormonal changes,” claims the brand.
“It feels heavenly on the skin and the scent also is delightful. A cream that has hyaluronic acid gets my vote right away, because it’s one of the most hydrating ingredients you can give your skin,” Geri says. “And, the cream is contained in an airless jar, which keeps the formula potent. You simply press down on the white top under the lid and just the right amount of cream is released so you don’t over do it. I use it in the morning and at night on clean skin!”
Excellence Code Contours ($89 for 50mL): Specially designed for the skin around the eyes and lips, this potent formula helps reduce puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles from tired eyes, as well as helps redefine lip lines. It features Persian silk tree extract, St. Paul’s wort, hyaluronic acid, red algae, and vitamins A & E, all potent ingredients that work effectively on these two areas that can show the signs of aging most. Its patented applicator imparts a cool temperature that works in tandem with the formula to help eliminate puffiness.
“I was especially eager to try the Excellence Code Contours his because I’ve noticed that my lipstick was bleeding, definitely not a good look. The bleeding is definitely less noticeable now,” Geri says. “I keep the handy tube in my bag, and apply the cream a few times during the day. It comes out through an angled applicator, which you move in small circles around the eyes and lips!”
Excellence Code Masque ($79 for 50mL): This face masque helps reduce skin fatigue and improve your complexion in just 15 minutes. Applied once or twice a week, the formula uses nutgrass extract, sweet almond proteins, marine collagen and hyaluronic acid. Apply it generously for a 15-minute rejuvenating session, or use a thin layer as an overnight masque.
“I love treating my skin to masques, and Excellence Code was especially nice because it didn’t make my face feel like I couldn’t move a muscle. Masques don’t have to suffocate and pull your skin tight to work effectively. The Yon-Ka masque also was easy to remove. My skin looked plumped and lifted, felt refreshed and had a nice glow,” says Geri.
Discover why women worldwide have trusted Yon-Ka for over 60 years and create your custom skincare regimen today!
This post is sponsored by Multaler Inc, the makers of Yon-Ka Paris. We appreciate their support of FabOverFifty!