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Calling all luxury skin-care enthusiasts: Caviar has officially entered the chat. While caviar may have once been reserved for high-end cuisine and passed hors d’oeuvres, this coveted ingredient has recently made its way into the world of beauty. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, caviar is an excellent ingredient for nourishing and protecting the skin.
Regardless of how you feel about eating caviar (… I personally find it to taste like ocean water), there’s no denying that caviar extract offers a multitude of benefits to the skin. Keep reading to find out why it deserves a place in your routine.
The benefits of caviar skin care
According to board-certified dermatologist Cameron Rokhsar, MD, the benefits of caviar in skin-care include improving skin texture, protecting against UV rays, preventing the breakdown of elastin, boosting collagen production, reducing inflammation, and meeting the ongoing demands of aging skin. “Caviar is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and B12. It’s a natural antioxidant and has a soothing effect,” confirms cosmetic chemist, Ginger King.
Caviar extract contains “antioxidants that can protect against dangerous UVA and UVB rays, helping to minimize wrinkles and tighten the skin,” notes Dr. Rokhsar. Certified cosmetologist and aesthetician Valerie Aparovich adds that caviar is particularly beneficial for those struggling with skin dryness and dehydration. “The hydrating and nourishing properties of caviar help to restore moisture levels in the skin and promote healthy skin barrier function.”
Moreover, studies have shown that caviar extract can enhance collagen production in fibroblast cells and increase the production of ceramides in epidermal skin cells, which can improve skin barrier function and lock in moisture. While more research is needed, preliminary studies suggest that caviar may stimulate fat cells in the skin, which could have potential benefits for overall skin health.
Best ingredients to pair with caviar
The effectiveness of combining caviar with other skin-care ingredients largely depends on individual skin type, needs, and concerns. However, it’s recognized that hyaluronic acid, retinol, and vitamin C work well in conjunction with caviar to enhance its benefits.
Hyaluronic acid and retinol are particularly effective when paired with caviar extract for anti-aging purposes. “Hyaluronic acid is a great hydrator that plumps and smooths the skin, while retinol increases collagen production and improves skin texture. Together, they complement the benefits of caviar extract and provide an even greater anti-aging effect,” says Dr. Rokhsar.
Additionally, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that, when combined with caviar extract, can help protect the skin from free radicals and strengthen its defenses against environmental irritants. “Using vitamin C and caviar together will also boost the brightening effects of your skin-care products,” explains Aparovich.
Who should use caviar skin care?
Caviar skin-care products are generally recommended for individuals with dry and/or mature skin. “This is because caviar extract is known to deliver potent nutrients directly to the cellular level of the skin, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reverse the signs of aging,” says Dr. Rokhsar.
Who should avoid caviar skin care?
According to board-certified dermatologist Elaine F. Kung, MD, “Rich creams and balms containing caviar extract are typically formulated for maturing and dry skin, and may not be suitable for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin.” Instead, these individuals should opt for lightweight, oil-free skin-care products that are non-comedogenic and specifically designed for oily or acne-prone skin. It’s important to note that people with seafood allergies should also avoid caviar-based skin-care products as they may cause allergic reactions in the body and skin due to the extract being derived from fish eggs. As always, remember to patch-test any new product on a small area of your skin to ensure it’s safe for you to use.
Shop caviar skin care
Roezen, Caviar Skincare Mask — $120.00
You may be tempted to add this mask to your Doritos (we see you, caviar-tok), as each jar of this mask is packed with whole black caviar to balance and repair your skin. The most fascinating thing about this mask is that, since the caviar in it is perishable, the brand only ships it on ice from Monday to Wednesday, and it must be refrigerated upon arrival.
La Prairie, Caviar Luxe Cream — $555.00
The crème de la crème of luxury, this caviar cream from La Prairie does not come cheap. However, it is formulated with only the finest ingredients. It contains a rich blend of natural caviar extract, bioengineered components of the extract’s most potent elements, and the brand’s exclusive cellular complex, which combines forces to improve skin’s suppleness, firmness, and texture.
Mario Badescu, Caviar Night Cream — $22.00
For those who don’t want to spend the majority of their paycheck on skin care (understandable), this night cream from Mario Badescu is your guy. It contains a blend of caviar extract, collagen, and cocoa butter that deeply hydrates the skin, making it perfect for mature skin or anyone praying for winter to end already.
Depology, Moisturizing Caviar Multi Balm Stick — $30.00
One thing about us… we love a multi-use skin-care stick. They’re so easy to use and there’s no need to create a small flood in your bathroom in the process. This moisturizing stick from Depology is formulated with caviar and bakuchiol to bring dull skin back to life while also reducing the appearance of fine lines, redness, and dryness.
Bellefontaine, Exquis Golden Caviar Cream To Replump & Nourish — $780.00
If you can stomach the high price point, this caviar cream includes Bellefontaine’s renowned caviar oil, as well as traditional and green caviar derived from Japanese seaweed, that work together like a boy band in its prime. This potent complex is highly effective in slowing down the aging process by stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis, leading to visibly smoother and plumper skin at a cellular level.
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