As many of our clients who travel to the Pacific Rim have expressed interest in unique spa activities using anti-aging skincare, Japan and Korea’s companies stand out as the world’s top beauty and skincare providers. In Japan, Shiseido has long dominated the skincare and beauty industry. After decades of success in Asia and the West, in 1982, Shiseido launched Clé de Peau Beauté.
Clé de Peau Beauté, French for “The Key to Skin’s Beauty,” is an upscale skincare and beauty brand. By incorporating skin cell science and ingredients like Mulberry White Bark, Lamium Album Leaf, and Cinnamon Cassia Bark in their formulations, the premiere skincare brand aims to “unlock your skin’s ultimate radiance.” Clé de Peau laboratories developed an approach to target the skin’s moisture barriers, pollution, aging, and signs of stress. Using lymphatic research at the Cutaneous Biology Research Center established by Harvard Medical University, Clé de Peau Beauté’s commitment to dermatology research has cemented the brand as not only a luxury beauty line but as one of the leaders of skincare science.
Skin Intelligence
The philosophy, or “Skin Intelligence” of Clé de Peau Beauté comes from extensive research using skin cell science since 1982. The message is simple: skin discerns between positive and negative stimuli, such as nutrients/sleep versus pollution/stress, and reacts accordingly, similar to the mind.
The key ingredient of Skin Intelligence may be surprising! The Radiant Lily, or Lilium Candidum, sets Clé de Peau Beauté products apart, having power to support the abundance of intelligent sensor proteins in the epidermis. Brand scientists initially chose to extensively research the flower based on its beauty and shocking endurance; it has been thriving for over 3,500 years (recorded as early as 1,500 B.C.!) and is believed to be the oldest cultivated flower in human history.
As part of a collaboration between Clé de Peau and The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, The Ritz features a menu of luxury skin and beauty treatments featuring Clé de Peau’s Synactif products. The price per treatment reflects the value of these top-of-the-line products, but we found this high-end pampering session to be worth experiencing at least once!
The 135-minute Synactif Radiant Face & Body Treatment exclusively uses Clé de Peau Beauté Synactif products, focusing on lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling and inflammation. This full-body treatment is the height of luxury, with anti-aging products that leave you feeling revitalized and rejuvenated.
The session begins with aromatherapy and gentle lymphatic touch points. Enjoy the delicate notes of Rose Synactif, a highly acclaimed fragrance formulated for skincare. Favored for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, rosehip and camellia-scented argan oil are then applied during a meticulous foot-to-shoulder massage.
Next, a steamer is rolled out to open your pores and prepare the skin for your Clé de Peau treatment! Synactif Soap, a purifying facial cleanser, starts your skincare journey. The supple, cashmere-like foam lifts and removes makeup and other impurities, softening and brightening your skin.
After your cleanse, the Synactif Neck and Décolleté Cream is applied via an intensive neck, shoulder, and chest massage, once again concentrating on lymphatic pressure points. This limited-edition cream firms and contours your features, leaving you with an enhanced natural glow. When your skin is prepped and purified, an arm and hand massage follows, and any excess oil is wiped away.
In line with the Synactif beauty regime, your facial starts with Clé de Peau’s signature Synactif Lotion. This water-like lotion comfortably hydrates and plumps the skin, preventing age spots and discoloration with its distinctive whitening effect.
Depending on the time of day, you will receive either the day or night moisturizer. The Synactif Nighttime Moisturizer conditions your skin while you sleep, making it plump and smooth. Meanwhile, the Synactif Daytime Moisturizer protects your skin from environmental factors like UV rays and dryness.
As the product absorbs, cooling pads are applied to lift and define your facial features. Next, the anti-aging Synactif Cream is used to firm and contour the skin, targeting puffiness, sagging, and laugh lines. This is followed by a moisturizing sheet mask and balancing toner.
Soon enough, the lymphatic touch points are revisited before a light dusting of shimmering body powder concludes the session. Your luxurious 135-minute massage and beauty treatment culminates with a delightful service of tea and chocolates in the Ritz’s relaxation room and spa.
Breathe deep and enjoy!
By Annalise Durocher
Special Note from RL: Our engaging, accountant Yuzhen, a native of China’s Fujian Province, was the first person to introduce us to the Clé de Peau Beauté UV Protective SPF 50+ Suncream which is now widely used in our office as well as throughout Japan, Korea, and China.
