LIQUID ASSET

The solution to skin problems may lie in seawater trapped in volcanic bedrock 130m below ground surface. GOH YEE HUAY reports from Jeju Island, South Korea, the only place in the world where 2.7 billion tons of it is readily available.

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The solution to skin problems may lie in seawater trapped in volcanic bedrock 130m below ground surface. GOH YEE HUAY reports from Jeju Island, South Korea, the only place in the world where 2.7 billion tons of it is readily available.

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The first buffer against the environment and the last safeguard against moisture loss, a strong moisture barrier is crucial in maintaining healthy, resilient skin. “When the skin’s moisture barrier is weak, you’re more prone to problems such as sensitivity and redness. Your complexion will also look dull and tired, as the skin cells are not well hydrated and healthy,” says Yoon Jinyoung, product researcher at the labs of South Korean brand Innisfree. “[A weak moisture barrier] can also cause the skin to become imbalanced and oily, as it secretes excess oil to compensate for the dryness.” While there is no shortage of ingredients that moisturise the skin and help strengthen the moisture barrier – hyaluronic acid, ceramides and shea butter being a few popular ones – most work by topping up what was lost, providing a temporary fix. Innisfree, though, has discovered an ingredient that reportedly enables the skin to better produce and retain moisture, while off ering anti-ageing benefits: lava seawater from Jeju Island. (Jeju Island and Hawaii are the only two places in the world with lava seawater, but the latter’s supply is located too deep in the sea to be commercially viable.) Drawn from 130m below the ground, lava seawater is seawater that has seeped into the volcanic bedrock on which Jeju Island sits. It is trapped between layers of rock, and if extracted, gets replenished with water from the surrounding ocean. Unlike fresh water extracted from volcanic bedrock, it is saline and has minerals the former doesn’t. It’s also different from deep-sea water – water in the open ocean that’s 200m beneath the surface, where sunlight doesn’t reach.

Ko Jeehyun, manager of the brand management team and skincare product development at Innisfree, says: “Lava seawater has passed through the volcanic bedrock’s layers of basalt. It has a very stable pH and ratio of minerals as it is stagnant, [trapped between] the rock layers that protect and purify it by filtering harmful substances and pollutants. It also has rare minerals [with] antiageing benefits.” While lava seawater isn’t a new discovery, it was only in the past few years that its properties and benefits have been more thoroughly researched by biotech, cosmetic and food companies, as well as the Jeju Island government keen to develop it as one of the island’s main natural resources. There are three key rare minerals in lava seawater: selenium, a nutrient with antioxidant properties that is said to aid healing, and help in treating cancer and heart disease; germanium, which ongoing medical research suggests could boost the immune system and increase oxygen levels in cells; and vanadium, which is being studied as a possible treatment for diabetes and heart disease. Other familiar vital minerals are also present, including sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium – all of which are considered natural moisturising factors (naturally occurring components in the skin that help it retain water) and are essential for various skin functions, from sebum production to cellular reparation and regeneration. The minerals in lava seawater reportedly boost cellular energy by up to 87 per cent, better enabling the skin to make its own moisturising factors, thereby strengthening the moisture barrier for a stronger defence against moisture loss, irritants, pollutants and other skin-damaging elements. Lava seawater also has anti-ageing properties. “[The rare minerals in it] inhibit (the activity of) collagenase – an enzyme that breaks down collagen,” says Jeehyun. With reduced collagenase activity, you can expect firmer, smoother and more youthfullooking skin. Given lava seawater’s multiple kickass skin benefits, it’s no surprise Innisfree has used it to power its latest range: Jeju Lava Seawater, comprising eight products. “It’s recommended for those looking for hydrating, anti-ageing care with lighter textures due to oily or combination skin, or because they live in a humid climate,” says Jeehyun. “The intense moisture provided by this range also helps in achieving  firmer skin.”

USE INNISFREE’S JEJU LAVA SEAWATER RANGE IN A FOUR-STEP SKINCARE ROUTINE

STEP 1: Apply Skin ($35) or Ampoule Skin ($39) after cleansing. Both prep the skin for subsequent skincare, but only the latter off ers an antioxidant boost.

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STEP 2: Use the star product, Essence ($46), or Deep Essence ($46). The first is a fast-absorbing fluid serum that boosts hydration and strengthens the moisture barrier. The second is good for those with very dry skin; it has ceramides to better strengthen a weak barrier.

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STEP 3: Pat on the Lotion ($35) or Cream ($45). The former, a lightweight emulsion, helps maintain the skin’s water-to-oil balance and lock in moisture; this is sufficient as a moisturiser for those with oily skin. The latter, a gel-like cream with essence and ceramides, is better for drier complexions or for those who prefer a more pampering texture.

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STEP 4: Finish with Eye Serum ($46), dispensed via a cooling steel applicator tip. Despite its light, watery texture, it boasts shea butter and xanthan gum.

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