Alex Peters is Dazed Beauty’s news writer. She picked up the phrase ‘It’s all happening’ from Almost Famous as a teen and it now exclusively makes up her vocabulary. Although in theory she likes the idea of a queer mullet, she is currently rocking the latest lockdown trend: Kajillionaire hair. Here, she shares her choice for Product of the Week – a weekly round-up of the Dazed Beauty team and wider community’s must-have buys.

WHAT IS IT

Brand: Augustinus Bader

Product: The Cream

Price: £205

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

As head of stem cell research at the University of Leipzig, Professor Augustinus Bader spent 30 years working with burns victims, developing a groundbreaking gel in 2008 that could heal third-degree burns without the need for skin grafts. It’s this revolutionary stem cell technology – the patented Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8) – which lies at the heart of his skincare label and its hero product The Cream. 

Powered by this technology, with consistent use (the Cream asks that you remain devoted to it for 27 days, using nothing else), the products activate and orchestrate the body's innate regenerative processes which basically means that when you use them your skin cells repair themselves. This helps with reducing the signs of ageing and environmental damage, reducing scarring and redness, and improving tone and texture. 

That’s all very scientific, but the most important question is does it actually work? And for me – it does. My skin is on the oily side – as well as being sensitive and acne-prone – so I use the Cream, rather than the Rich Cream which is better suited to dry skin types. The cream itself has a light texture that absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel sticky. Two pumps is enough to cover your face and it goes on very smoothly. It has quite a distinctive scent, so if you are nose-sensitive be prepared. It’s hard to describe – clinical rather than artificial. It comes in a weighty blue and copper tube that feels fancy when you’re using it.

I am not always great at using it consistently, particularly since we test out so many products as part of our job, but I have found that when I do, my skin looks noticeably better. My tone is more even and less red, the texture is better, scars look more faded, and I would tentatively say that it seems like I get fewer spots. 

I would like to say, however, that the product is definitely on the higher end of the spectrum price-wise, and if you cannot afford it, please do not worry. There are a lot of great options out there that are more affordable and also very effective. If this is something that you can afford, I would highly recommend. 

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS 

If I were communicating to an alien only using hand gestures, I would describe it with... Just a solid thumbs up. Or through elaborately miming the process of cell renewal. 

It sounds like... A reassuring older German professor telling you ‘efferyzing vill be alright’ and in the background the sound of a fire crackling.

If it was a meme it would be... Sorry to this man. Totally unrelated but it’s my favourite meme. 

The fictional character who would use it is... Bette Porter from The L Word.