Described as being a brand at the cutting edge of high-performance, age-defying skin care, Zelens products are said to combine breakthrough active biotechnology ingredients with a unique blend of plant-derived molecules, to deliver proven, visible results. The brand is the brainchild of expert Dr. Marko Lens who is a leading plastic surgeon and internationally renowned authority in the field of skin ageing and skin cancer. So it makes for a fascinating insight to a brand I have been getting to know over the past few months.
Zelens state that each product is rigorously trialled and tested, "until the exact balance and synergistic action of ingredients is established to trigger the cellular processes responsible for regeneration and repair. Hailed as a ‘new dimension in skin perfection’, each jar is brimming with potent botanical extracts… and completely free from false promises", so quite the bold claim, but an exciting one.
The three products I have been getting to know is the Shiso Balm, Tea Shot and the Provitamin D3 Mist and each one fits easily into an existing skincare routine or you can use them to create a routine that is easy to follow, all depending on your skincare needs.
Starting with the Zelens Shiso Balm Radiance Cleanser (£50) . Described as being a moisturising liquid cleansing balm formulated to gently, yet thoroughly, cleanse the skin and remove make-up.
Enriched with Shiso (Japanese mint) which lends antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Nourishing olive oil helps to moisturise and soften so the skin appears smooth, soothed and luminous post-rinse. Shiso Oil which has a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and its job is to replenish moisture, reinforce the skin’s natural barrier and repair, heal and soothe. Olive Oil which is a good antioxidant and also rich in omega-9, Glycerin which is a humectant, a substance that attracts moisture from the environment and increases the amount of water in the surface layers of the skin and Yeast which is rich in amino acids, essential minerals, beta-glucan and vitamins. Plus a few more ingredients.
On the skin, this daily cleanser transforms into a light milk when it comes into contact with water to purify the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture and it does an excellent job at removing makeup and other detritus in its way to leave the skin feeling soft and smooth to the touch.
The second product is Tea Shot Urban Defence Serum (£90) and it is absolutely delightful to use.
Described as being a highly concentrated defence serum, it is made up of a proprietary blend of five different types of teas - hence the name it has been given - green tea, matcha green tea, white tea, black tea and fermented black tea ad breaking them down, this is why they are so important:
- Green tea: Rich in polyphenols, this tea has a strong antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Green tea inhibits the breakdown of collagen and induces significant DNA repair. It also has anti-ageing properties as it inhibits the breakdown of collagen.
- Matcha green tea: Rich in polyphenols, theanine and caffeine, matcha tea shows excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and premature skin ageing caused by free radicals. Interestingly, it is Matcha which gives Tea Shot Urban Defence Serum its beautiful green colour.
- White tea: Has excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, astringent and skin-soothing properties. It also has an energising and stimulating effect.
- Black tea: Rich in polyphenols and tannins, black tea shows antioxidant, soothing, conditioning, tonic and firming properties.
- Kombucha: Rich in probiotics, flavonoids and other polyphenols. It helps restore volume through lipofilling activity, decreases skin roughness and improves overall skin quality by enhancing smoothness and radiance.
This moisturising serum is designed to help protect the skin from daily environmental pollution and stressors and combat visible signs of premature skin ageing caused by free radicals, the end result being skin feels protected and looks healthy and youthful with this brightening serum. On the skin, this silky smooth green serum is one that should be used daily, after cleansing and is perfect for use morning and evening applied to the face, neck and décolleté.
Then finally we have the Provitamin D3 Fortifying Mist (£52) and this is such a beautiful product, I wish I didn't love it as much as I do.
Described as being an ultra-fine facial mist that has been formulated to give dry skin a vitality boost throughout the day. This hydrating face mist not only reinforces skin barrier function but also helps to protect it from environmental aggressors and comforts the skin while supporting its natural recovery capacity.
Enriched with ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Yeast, Provitamin D3 and Glycerin, you will also find the likes of Beetroot which is rich in betaine, this moisturising active ingredient potentiates the effect of provitamin D3 Chicory which restores the functions of the vitamin D receptor, reinforces skin barrier and enhances skin’s natural recovery capacity. Chicory extract also supports the balance of the skin microbiome and also worthy of a mention is Almond Esters which improve skin moisture, skin smoothness and elasticity, while supporting skin barrier repairing.
As this is a mist you can use it daily and as many times as you feel you need to do so, in my case every few hours as I sit in the front of the laptop for most of the day.
This has been an amazing introduction for to Zelens skincare and each product definitely has its wow factor, leaving the issue of the need to try everything the brand has to offer1