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As someone who attends events regularly, my observation has been that people in Johannesburg are somewhat allergic to themes. I was pleasantly surprised when guests at the Eucerin SPF 50 Serum Sun Protection launch showed up in burnt orange and other variations of sun-kissed at Melrose Arch on Saturday, 15 August. The brand is known around the world for traditional cream and fluid formulas, but they have decided to try new things with their first-ever ultra-light serum format.
The science behind the serum
South Africa is a multicultural country with various ethnic groups, and within the said groups, various skin tones exist. As the brand’s medical manager, Michelle Wood, described the three layers making up the serum, I couldn’t help wondering what this meant for a country like ours. For example, I know that demographics with afro-textured hair need to steer clear of hair products that contain sulphates.
What does this look like in skincare? Can this serum be used by people of Asian descent? How would it react to biracial skin, et cetera? Michelle explained that the serum’s active ingredients, Licochalcone A and Glycyrrhetinic Acid, are safe for all skin types and tones because they are plant-based and are not heavily chemical.
“Sun exposure sometimes damages our DNA, and having an active ingredient helps the skin to heal quicker. So the serum works really well on all skins regardless of ethnicity,” she explained.
The serum also contains vitamins E, C and pro-B5. While these are also beneficial for all skin types, but because of how busy the event was, there wasn't enough time to dissect this. I later went down a rabbit hole, and my research revealed that my fellow melanated folk (no, I don’t just mean Africans but brown, Hispanic and Asian skin) reap even more benefits from these ingredients because we are more prone to hyperpigmentation.
The artists are back!
Various South African artists, including The Woman King co-star Thuso Mbedu, Inimba star Zenande Mfenyana and veteran actor Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, have lamented how brands and broadcasters have increasingly been prioritising internet popularity over raw talent and industry training. The lover of the arts in me felt like Sheldon Cooper in a comic-book store at the sight of so many actresses that Eucerin collaborated with on this project.
Zola Nombona, The Polygamist lead actress Gugu Gumede, Siphesihle Ndaba, Rorisang Mohapi-Grootboom and former Scandal! actress Nomvelo Makhanya were among the talent spotted at the event. Except for one actress who snubbed journalists as she preferred to be photographed by the internet-popular, the thespians were engaging and did not display any diva tendencies.
Host Zola even shared some of her skincare secrets.
“Don’t sleep with your makeup on, wash your face with cold water and take care of your skin so that it can take care of you,” she said.
According to experts, the benefits of washing with cold water instead of hot water are that it reduces morning puffiness, helps preserve natural oils and reduces inflammation.
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