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Sea algae's answer to beauty problems

Posted on: Sunday, 29 June 2003, 06:00 CDT

IF YOU go to the seashore at low tide, chances are you'll find a mass of sea algae on the seabed. These hardy plants have miraculously survived without being dehydrated or damaged despite being exposed to the scorching sun for hours.

This intrigued scientists from Phytomer, a company specialising in marine-based cosmetics, who began studying how this was possible. After extensive research, they discovered that the secret lay in an active element called marine coben.

With its ability to combat the production of melanin, a whole range of whitening products has been based on this amazing ingredient. Marine coben regulates and decreases the formation of melanin. This, in turn, reduces skin colouring and lightens hyper- pigmentation spots.

But as good as it is, there is so much more to Phytomer than just one whitening range. Since its creation in 1971, Phytomer has established itself as the foremost expert in marine cosmetics. This comes as little wonder as all its products are backed by in-depth scientific observation of the marine environment.

By studying algae and their natural properties, Phytomer laboratories discovered that the human skin epidermis and sea algae have similar behavioural traits.

Thanks to this fundamental finding, the laboratories have adapted these natural properties to active cosmetology. And the result is natural and quality products that are high in skin tolerance which cannot be obtained through synthetic or traditional cosmetics.

"We base our research and products on the belief that all living beings originate from the ocean," says Marianne Jolivet, Phtyomer's international educator, who was recently in Kuala Lumpur to give a demonstration.

In fact, Phytomer founder Jean Geoduin discovered the benefits of the sea after being stricken with gout. Desperate for a cure, he experimented by drinking a glass of sea water every day. He recovered and set up a company to delve deeper into the sea and explore its potential. The rest, as they say, is history.

Phytomer uses 100 per cent natural marine ingredients which increase the efficiency of a particular product and reduce allergic reaction. It adopts strict ethical policies such as respecting the environment and preserving marine habitats. Best of all, all its products contain no animal matter and there is no animal testing in its laboratories.

"Phytomer has one of the top five largest laboratories in the world, with 20 researchers specialising in marine life," says Jolivet. "They have refined and patented numerous active ingredients like Oligomer, which is the process of freeze drying all the benefits of sea water without any side-effects."

Across the globe, Phytomer is known as a leading spa brand. Since its formation, it has gone from strength to strength with one innovative treatment after another. The Reflexothermale Method, a one-of-a-kind treatment that stimulates reflex zones (the most receptive areas of the body), is the latest on offer.

As testimony to its popularity, Phytomer is available in 250 destination spas throughout the world and is present in 70 countries. Destination spas are sanctuaries for the well-being of the body and mind and the absolute dream place to spend a long weekend.

Spa treatments can be continued at home with its range of beauty care products. For the face, it offers the General Collection for all skin types; the Purifying Collection for oily and problem prone skin; the Citadine Collection for damaged skin and the Accept Collection for sensitive skin.

Recently, it launched the Vie Collection, a line of six products that restore the skin to its original youth. Another star product is Body Delic, the first anti-cellulite mask which gives fantastic results.

"We believe that nature has the answer to all our beauty problems," says Jolivet. "Our philosophy is not to reinvent what nature has already invented but to bring the goodness of the sea to modern beauty care."

Spas in Malaysia that carry Phytomer are Spa Indrani and Body Spa by Fitness First Gyms. Both are based in KL. Phytomer is also available on the shelf at Essentials, Parkson Grand Suria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur.

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