The fascinating story behind the evolution of the SK-II range of skin care products begins in a sake brewery in the Japanese city of Kobe. Visitors happened to notice the extraordinarily soft and youthful hands of the brewery workers and this led to a series of experiments to uncover the source behind their silky smooth skin. Five years of research eventually uncovered a clear, nutrient rich liquid that was able to be extracted as part of the yeast fermentation required to produce sake (a rice-based wine). The scientific team were able to enhance the fermentation process to maximise the effectiveness of the liquid that they named "pitera". This remarkable substance contains a range of minerals, vitamins, organic and amino acids and is the key ingredient in the SK-II formula. It works on the basis that the skin's natural balance can be upset by several factors including stress and hormonal fluctuations.
Pitera can help to restore the skin's harmony by stimulating its renewal process which takes place over a 28-day cycle. The regeneration of the outer layer of the skin is more able to function at its prime making SK-II not a masking process but one working to facilitate the body's own rejuvenation. The SK-II product range is only designed for the effective care of the skin. There are no lipsticks, perfumes or eye shadows. All products contain pitera and, depending on the specific skin treatment, a range of other high-quality ingredients. The cleansers include facial treatments, gels and lotions. Day care products include facial lift emulsion, skin repair, make up bases, and skin brighteners. The eye-care range has treatment films and eye masks. The LXP range for use at night has a softening serum and revival creams. Other night care products include facial treatment masks, lip repair and skin rebooster. There is also a product for general body care.
