Light-Reflective Technology: A Cover-Up Plus

Dermablend Corrective Cosmetics, Ridgefield, NJ, has shed new light on the science of imperfection coverage with its newest line, Reflections. Designed to create the effect of an even complexion without a heavily made-up appearance, the line contains Melasyn, an ingredient that reflects light and creates a healthy glow, company executives said.

The Reflections category follows the success of Derma-blend's original line, incorporating the same basic tenet of the line's original SKUs: an opaque coverage of a variety of skin imperfections. According to a company spokesperson, the products can effectively conceal birthmarks, port wine stains, traumatic and post-surgical scars, burn scars, under-eye circles, bruises, blemishes, varicose veins, stretch marks and psoriasis.

“Whether the problem is relatively minor, like acne, or more severe, like vitiligo, (Dermablend products) will cover it with a very natural look,” insisted Barbara Sparks, the company's director of training and official spokesperson. Ms. Sparks knows whereof she speaks; born with a birthmark that covered the right half of her face and neck, she spent her first 32 years in self-conscious semi-hiding, restricted from even swimming and exercising due to the tendency of most cover-up products to run or wear off.

Dermablend Corrective Cosmetics, which are water- and smudge-resistant, helped boost Ms. Sparks' self-confidence and, she said, quite literally changed her life. “Skin conditions may not be life threatening,” Ms. Sparks pointed out, “but in today's society where appearance is so important, they are most certainly life-altering.”

The line is endorsed not only by satisfied users but by dermatologists, company executives revealed. At the American Academy of Dermatologists' last meeting, more than 94% of dermatologists surveyed stated that they recommended Dermablend for a variety of applications including acne scarring, sun spots and varicose veins.

Doctors surveyed at the meeting also stated that the product is beneficial for the post-operative cosmetic surgery period. “Dermablend is excellent for people who choose laser procedures for skin resurfacing,” stated Dr. Albert M. Lefkovits, dermatologist, attending physician at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and author of numerous medical and scientific articles. “During this (post-procedural) time there is often a great deal of discoloration. Since corrective cosmetics like Dermablend conceal discoloration so effectively, patients are able to leave the house as soon as one week after surgery.”

The addition of Melasyn makes for what the company has termed a truly breakthrough product. The patented ingredient was developed by Dr. John M. Pawelek of Yale University. Derived from the aloe vera plant, Melasyn's antioxidant properties help it to protect the skin against UV rays that can cause premature aging, while cosmeceutical ingredients give a revitalized and rejuvenated appearance. One of the most interesting properties of Melasyn is its ability to reflect light, creating a healthy glow that matches the individual's natural skin tone. The company added that each product is long-lasting and durable, streak-proof and water resistant, fragrance-free, easy to apply and non- comedogenic.

Reflections' signature product, Wa-terbased foundation with Melasyn, is available in seven skin tone shades ranging from Ivory Bisque to Toasted Brown, making it easy to match one's natural skin tone. The foundation is packaged in a 1.5-oz. tube and retails for $20 at major department stores and specialty stores. Additional items in the Reflections product lineup include concealer, retailing for $18; self-tanner, retailing for $22 and face and body bronzer, also $2