Giorgio Armani Skincare Luminessence Bright Infusion Biocellulose Mask

Giorgio Armani Skincare's Luminessence Bright Infusion Biocellulose Mask ($175 for a pack of six) snuck up on me. Rather than writing a coming attraction feature, I find myself writing an "it's here" feature. I'm feeling a bit behind the curve.

This new mask is Armani's first brightening mask, designed to reveal radiant, supple, and smoother skin. Who wouldn't want that?

Luminessence Biocellular Mask is made with natural and renewable materials. The biocellulose mask fits like a "second skin" and adapts perfectly to the contours of the face. I've used plenty of full-face masks similar to this one, and while they look creepy, they provide a relaxing and skin-improving experience.

Each mask if produced one by one and pressed between two rollers to obtain optimal thickness. Armani Skincare says it's the first cosmetic material to accelerate wound healing and scar reduction. Whether it's the first or not is subject to debate, but I know that such claims (e.g, Dr. Brown at RéVive) are actually backed up with science.

Armani's mask material is made up of hundreds of tiny fibers - one thousand times smaller than a strand of hair - and absorbs a high concentration of liquid, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate the skin. The results promised? Immediately, your skin will be softer, smoother, and more radiant. Over four weeks of use, you should see a 10% reduction in the intensity of dark spots.

The ingredients are its key to success.

• Mint extract - limits induced melanogenesis by decreasing the number of most pigmented cells. Melanogenesis is a fancy term for the process by which skin cells produce melanin, a pigment found in the skin, eyes, and hair. This process leads to a long-lasting pigmentation (think skin darkening and sun spots). The action spectra of sunburns and melanogenesis are virtually identical. In a quick search, I found one patent relating mint extract to melanogenesis reduction and one medical-grade skin-care product with similar claims for its effectiveness. Armani must be onto something fairly new.
• Brown algae extract - limits the production of brown melanin
• Vitamin C - anti-pigmentation effects linked to its acknowledged free-radical fighting properties
• Licorice extract - known to help lighten the skin
• Salicylic acid - a well-known exfoliating agent
• Beech buds extract - another exfoliating agent

Armani says to apply the mask to clean skin and experience the cool, soothing effect for 10 minutes. Massage the excess formula into the skin and follow with serum and/or moisturizer - your favorite or Armani's. Use the mask twice/week for optimal results.

Naturally, being an Armani devotee, I want to try this new Luminessence Bright Infusion Biocellulose Mask. I am concerned about its salicylic acid ingredient because, unlike most people, I find it extremely - not mildly - exfoliating. I'm not enthusiastic about a skin burn (my normal reaction to SA). However, I'd love to sign up for a test drive. If it's Armani, it enchants me.

I have not seen the new Luminessence Bright Infusion Biocellulose Mask at counters, but it's available at the Armani Web site.

Photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani Skincare