Behind the pioneering brand streamlining your skin care regime

Hailed as the ‘future of skin care’, Augustinus Bader's pioneering range is making waves in the field of science as well as skin. Originally developed for healing wounds, the incredibly advanced technology that powers this range was developed by world-leading stem cell and biomedical scientist, {Professor Augustinus Bader}, and is based on the knowledge that your body has a ‘code’ to trigger tissue repair.His hero creams - {Original} and {Rich} - ‘unlock’ this code and in turn, activate your cells to stimulate regeneration. So, to learn more about these keys to plump, unbelievably luminous skin we asked Professor Augustinus Bader all about his 'cult' creations...

{Cult Beauty} Your range has been hailed as ‘the future of skin care’. Can you explain (in layperson’s terms) what makes your treatments pioneering?{Professor Augustinus Bader} “As a medical doctor, I approached the creation of a skin care product in a very different way. After years of working in the field of conventional stem cell technology I began to understand how the body healed itself in conditions of trauma and inflammation and I developed a technology based on this discovery.The principles of this technology are present in both the medical grade hydrogel developed to treat children with traumatic burns as well a non-medical form in the face creams. It works with the skin's own intrinsic repair needs to guide key nutrients to the skin cells, creating an optimal environment for the body's innate processes of repair and renewal.”{CB} Your creams create ‘an optimal skin environment’ – can you define ‘optimal’? What’s the ‘ideal’ state for skin to be in?{Prof. AB} “The ideal state for skin to be in is healthy from the inside, out. Skin is living organ - it is important to focus on skin health rather than temporary solutions such as fillers or camouflage. The cream allows skin to assume a physiologic (meaning: 'normal' healthy) process of remodelling in a totally natural way.”{CB} It all comes down to stem cells and the patented ‘Trigger Factor Complex {TFC8)’. What is this and what does it do (for all those who’re a bit bewildered)?The {Augustinus Bader} products are formulated with a patented, high-tech complex of 40 different molecules. It’s called TFC8 - short for 'Trigger Factor Complex 8'.{Prof. AB} “I developed the original TFC for the wound gel that I formulated to treat burns in children. TFC8 is an evolution of that complex and contains natural amino acids, vitamins and synthesised molecules naturally found in skin. This complex serves in a transport function delivering powerful actives to the cells to leave skin looking and feeling repaired and regenerated.”

{CB} There are (currently) two creams – The Cream and The Rich Cream. Can you explain the primary differences, and which one is right for which skin type? Can or should people use both?The Cream and The Rich Cream are two distinct formulas designed to suit the skin’s needs and personal preferences.{Prof. AB} “The products are ideal for all skin types. People with dry skin tend to prefer the rich cream (also ideal as a night cream) and those with normal to oily skin generally favour the lighter version. The results are the same – the choice of formula is really a matter of personal preference.”{The Rich Cream}, suitable for normal to dry skin, has an intensely rich formulation with oils of argan, avocado and evening primrose, bringing ultimate replenishment and hydration.{The Cream} has a lighter formulation for combination to oily skin, offering a perfectly weightless layer, which hydrates and smooths to restore skin’s youthful appearance.{CB} What results should people expect – and how long do they usually take to manifest? Is there an age bracket or skin type that particularly stands to benefit? What about those with congested, or acneic skin types?{Prof. AB} "Both creams can help a majority of skin concerns in men and women of all ages. They're ideal for those with sensitive skin -maintaining its delicate ecosystem by acting as a protective barrier against external stimuli - and can also help control the inflammatory process that leads to excess oil production, making them perfect for balancing oily-combination complexions. If your skin is acneic, these creams help control the excessive secretion of oils that contribute to acne, while working to inihibit the development of dark spots and sun damage (great news for those plagued by pigmentation). And when it comes to common signs of ageing, {The Cream} really come into its own... stimulating collagen to minimise fine lines and swiftly restore elasticity."

{CB} When it comes to caring for complexions, are there any myths you’re constantly debunking? What are the most common misconceptions about skin care?{Prof. AB} "Skin care products have been making claims about the impact of the external application of foreign stem cells as far back as 2007. They include stem cells from plants and animals, which have no proven ability to repair human tissue.Stem cells can only make the type of organism they are derived from. An apple stem cell is programmed to create an apple and an orange stem cell to make an orange. We have therefore focused on responding to the needs of the users own stem cell microenvironment by bringing in the right type of nutrient factors."{CB} With more of us living in urban, polluted environments, what are your tips for negating the ageing effects of aggressors?{Prof. AB} "Environmental toxins or any other external factors that have a negative impact on the skin. {The Cream} creates a barrier between your skin and free radicals and other pollutants, while rebuilding and revitalising to help fortify and strengthen skin's resilience."{CB} You’ve described skin as more than a membrane – it’s our ‘interface with the world’. How can we learn to appreciate the signals our skin gives – what are the key indications that something’s ‘not right’?{Prof. AB} "The appearance of human skin is dynamically changing every day by the natural ageing process, environmental factors and daily lifestyle. Examples of key indications that something’s ‘not right’ could be sensitivity, inflammation, dryness, oiliness, acne, discolouration... the list goes on. Everything from an overactive immune system to hormonal imbalances can manifest as changes in your skin so try to monitor your diet/cycle/lifestyle choices to determine what your 'triggers' are, then try to avoid or pre-empt any negative side-effects."{CB} Cosmetics with a conscience, the Augustinus Foundation helps those who’re in desperate need. Can you talk us through some of the great work the foundation does?{Prof. AB} "Our humanitarian mission is central to everything we do. Every time an {Augustinus Bader} skin care product is sold, 10% of the profits go to our Foundation, which brings groundbreaking medical treatment to those who need it most.The Foundation’s first mission is to tackle the global epidemic of burns, providing treatment kits and support to doctors and clinics, helping less privileged victims in developing countries. It's our pledge to reduce physical and psychological trauma suffered by these injuries through the provision of treatment, facilities, support services and equipment, as well as to advance research and development of biotechnology to improve current burn care systems.DISCOVER AUGUSTINUS BADER >>

Verity Douglas Writer and expert

Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...

Behind the pioneering brand streamlining your skin care regime

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