[Photo: FIL Stem-cellular biocleanser, available at FIL Skin, Body & Spa Intelligence.]

IN an age where anti-ageing products are much in demand, local beauty company FIL Skin, Body & Spa Intelligence has come up with a revolutionary range of skincare products based on the idea of the regenerative abilities of stem cells.

'Medical studies have revealed that stem cells are essential to skin renewal and proper functioning of the human tissues. However, these stem cells may be affected by harsh environmental factors and ageing,' explains FIL's brand director Kady Leyau on why the company embarked on this project.

'As the number and quality of stem cells that circulate in the body gradually decrease, the skin loses its radiance and suppleness.' She adds that FIL's aim has always been to offer breakthrough solutions to skin problems, hence its latest product, Stem Celluar - which helps to 'maintain healthy stem cell physiology, by rejuvenating old and tired cells within days.'

Said to nourish and encourage lifting, moisturising and firming of the skin as well as strengthening and enhancing the skin's collagen and elastin, the range manufactured in the US in collaboration with FIL's GMP-certified laboratory in Singapore solely for FIL by a partner laboratory in America consists of two products: the Bio Cleanser and Bio Serum.

The former is a facial wash that removes signs of dryness and dullness with just one wash, giving the skin a brightened look while the latter is a potent serum that helps to protect and maintain healthy human dermal cells, greatly reducing signs of ageing.

The key ingredient in the range is the Alps Botanical Stem Cells. Extracted from an endangered type of apples grown only in the Swiss Alps known as Uttwiler Spätlauber, Miss Leyau calls it a 'breakthrough in anti-ageing.'

'Rich in epigenetic factors and metabolites, its main functions include triggering the skin's stem-cell driven potential for infinite regeneration, stimulating its self-renewing capacity of skin stem cells and insuring longevity of skin cells,' she says.

According to FIL, these apple stem cells stimulate and accelerate the regeneration process, gives extended protection for skin cells under UV exposure and reduces wrinkle depth while improving skin elasticity and textures.

Users will notice improvements to the skin immediately upon use. However, at $599 per set (consisting of one bottle of cleanser and two bottles of serum), the products certainly don't come cheap but FIL believes the price is more than justified, even in this current economic climate.

'The price is justified by its revolutionary breakthrough in technology, expensive ingredients and the unbelievable results that the products deliver,' insists Miss Leyau. But the proof of the pudding is always in the results.

While you are not going to get flawless, tight skin immediately, the skin does appear somewhat brighter and fine lines are smoothened out albeit temporarily. It would be too much to think that all your skin problems can disappear overnight but if you have the cash to spare, it will be interesting to see what the long-term effects of this product are.

Available at FIL Skin, Body & Spa Intelligence outlets islandwide. For more information please visit www.fil.com.sg

This article was first published in The Business Times .