A slice of apple can naturally turn brown due to an enzymatic reaction of the oxygen-exposed flesh. Soaking the slice in salted water or lemon juice can help counteract the oxidation and enzymatic browning.
Likewise, the skin is subject to oxidative stress that spoils its appearance. Aesop's extensive research into delivering anti-oxidants into the skin resulted in the Parsley Seed range, which was updated last year with new products to better defend the skin from pollutants as well as the stress of city life.
This year, Aesop has introduced Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum as a must-have for city dwellers, whose way of life is captured in photographs by London-based Alan Schaller.
"We've always advocated for skincare that considers the whole picture," says Suzanne Santos, Aesop's chief customer officer.
"High-quality ingredients are vital, of course, and we take a rigorous approach to our research and development process, but there's also a human dimension to new products: a consideration of how they fit within our customers' day-to-day lives."
The intense serum hydrates and strengthens the skin while guarding it against airborne pollutants. Research on PM2.5 found that its toxicity is due to environmentally persistent free radicals that can last several months, whereas other atmospheric free radicals typically have short lifetimes.
Various external and internal factors can disturb the equilibrium between free radicals and anti-oxidants in the human body. When free radicals outbalance, the resulting oxidative stress plays a key role in skin ageing and development of diseases.
To fight back the excessive free radicals, the new intense serum contains a suite of anti-oxidants delivered by extracts from green tea as well grape and parsley seeds, supported by tocopherols (vitamin E).
Thanks to red algae and tara gum extracts, the formula features a breathable film that forms an imperceptible yet effective barrier to help minimise deposition of airborne particulates on the skin.
"Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Intense Serum has been formulated to benefit those in urban areas, where skin is subject to all manner of stressors. And, importantly, a little goes a long way. The serum's light texture is quite deceptive, and it delivers potent fortifying benefits to the skin," said Santos.
The lightweight hydrator with a matte finish is also suited for those living in warm or humid climates and people with normal, combination or sensitive skin.
In addition, the Melbourne-based brand ensures that its products are vegan and cruelty-free, by being Leaping Bunny-approved and included on Peta's cruelty-free and vegan lists.
