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April 24, 2015
THREE | Skincare Report by Takako Kusano, Specialist in Plastic Surgery
THREE | Skincare Report
Experience the Power of Aroma, Medically Proven
Botanical Cosmetics to Use Daily (1)
Takako Kusano opened her own clinic, "Rikka the skin clinic," in Omotesando on October 28, 2010. Her beauty knowledge, shared from her perspective as a board-certified plastic surgeon, has garnered a large following, and she herself is a beauty enthusiast well-versed in the latest information on cosmetics and salons. Naturally, she had been paying attention to "THREE" since its launch last year and had experienced its effects firsthand. We asked Kusano to report on the feel of "THREE's" new anti-aging series, the "Concentrate Line," both as an expert and as a woman.
Text by Yuka KobayashiPhoto by JAMANDFIX
The Satisfaction Felt with the First Line, "Balancing Line"
I first tried "THREE" when I heard about their foundation, right from its launch. It was often a topic of conversation in discussions and roundtables among beauty industry professionals. While many cosmetics come in flashy bottle designs, "THREE's" design is incredibly refined and simple. I usually place importance on the luxurious feel when choosing cosmetics, but with "THREE," its stylishness, unlike that of a typical Japanese brand, really caught my eye. When I tried the foundation, I loved that it wasn't sticky despite being rich in natural ingredients like vegetable oils. After that, I also used products like the "Balancing Lotion." So, I had very high expectations for the new line that was just released.
"THREE Concentrate Cream": Intriguing Texture and Surprising Penetration
The texture of "THREE Concentrate Cream" was truly fascinating. Its dense, rich, and firm texture is something I haven't encountered often in recent creams. It's quite unusual for a botanical cosmetic, too. That felt very fresh. However, once applied to the skin, its penetration power is astonishing, far beyond what the initial feel suggests. I was worried that a firm cream applied before makeup might not spread well and lead to pilling, but the finish was completely different. It sinks into the skin, working gradually and surely. The first time I used it, I was impressed by how well it was formulated. It melts instantly with the warmth of my hands, so I cup my face with both hands and enjoy the scent for a while.
For women, beauty is a process that involves experiencing mental comfort. Even a small amount provides a good slip, making it suitable for massage. With other creams, I sometimes wipe off the excess after massaging, but this one penetrates so quickly that over-massaging might actually damage the skin due to friction. Therefore, a light massage is recommended. Afterward, you can feel a firming effect. The skin tightens, becoming plump and dense. This might be due to the effects of retinol from rose essential oil and island carrot extract contained in this cream. I believe it can be recommended as an anti-aging product for people of all ages, including older individuals.
THREE | Skincare Report
Experience the Power of Aroma, Medically Proven
Botanical Cosmetics to Use Daily (2)
"THREE Concentrate Body Serum" Achieved Body Hydration
"THREE Concentrate Body Serum" is exceptional among recent body care products. I have always advocated for the importance of hydration in body skincare, but conventional body care products rarely achieved this. Personally, before using this body serum, I would spray facial toner onto my body for hydration, then apply cream. This body serum essentially combines those steps into one. The serum, divided into two layers of water and oil, creates a perfectly moist texture when mixed and spreads surprisingly well. After a bath, while the stratum corneum still retains some moisture, I use it from my toes upwards, incorporating lymphatic massage. It doesn't leave a superficial stickiness and also boasts excellent penetration. Many people use body cream after bathing before bed, but heavy textures can transfer to bedding, which I dislike. It feels like it all gets absorbed by the sheets (laughs).
In that regard, this body serum is not sticky at all, even immediately after application. Therefore, it can be used with confidence not only for nighttime care but also in the morning before getting dressed. There's no worry about residue transferring to collars and causing yellow discoloration... this is likely due to the serum's excellent penetration. When you use it, you can feel that it delivers the right amount of hydration where it's needed. It's so convenient that I wish it came in a larger size. I like to use it focusing on areas that will be exposed, such as the décolletage, elbows, and below the knees. I noticed a difference in skin texture immediately after use.
The Power of Aroma, Medically Proven to Work Internally
The effects of the essential oils, which can be enjoyed in both of these products, are highly effective for women whose moods fluctuate. "THREE" is said to be particular about its essential oils, and I believe essential oils have the power to work according to the user's skin condition. Of course, there have been many aromatic cosmetics before. However, the "Concentrate Line," which properly verifies the skin benefits of incorporating essential oils and is uncompromising about its base oils, assures me that it works not only on the mind but also effectively on the skin. Even those who previously thought of aromatic cosmetics as merely "smelling nice, so they must work" can now understand the reasons why these essential oils actually benefit the skin. The fact that all the essential oils in the ingredients are certified by organizations with strict standards, such as the "Soil Association," provides peace of mind for the user.
THREE | Skincare Report
Experience the Power of Aroma, Medically Proven
Botanical Cosmetics to Use Daily (3)
Rose Ingredients That Directly Stimulate Collagen Production
The "Concentrate Line's" focus on rose ingredients, with aging as its concept, is highly logical. It is particularly recommended for anti-aging care starting in the late twenties. From the late twenties onwards, female hormone production declines, leading to a decrease in estrogen secretion and a subsequent drop in collagen production. Rose components directly affect the female reproductive system, so incorporating them effectively can stimulate collagen production from within.
I believe that incorporating the benefits of rose not only for the face but also into the body serum is a great aspect of the "Concentrate Line." From the late twenties to the thirties, women often reach a point in their careers where they take on more responsibility. Skin troubles arising from irregular lifestyles and stress during busy daily lives can manifest in various ways, such as dry acne or allergic reactions. However, many are hesitant about using medication to support female hormone production. While there are creams with collagen, collagen cannot be effectively absorbed through the skin. In this regard, rose components, when absorbed transdermally or transnasally, work effectively within the body, promoting collagen synthesis and leading to skin revitalization.
The "Concentrate Line" features these rose components in the form of essential oils and rose water, along with ingredients like umbelliferous plants, which are said to have a female hormone-like effect. The scent is intoxicatingly comforting and calming. The rose aroma blends beautifully with the other ingredients. Women are sensitive to scents that provide mental and physical comfort. I believe that scents that make us feel good also have a positive effect on our inner selves. The fact that the essential oils used are certified by organizations with strict standards, such as the "Soil Association," provides peace of mind for the user.
"THREE" clearly explains the purpose of its ingredients, allowing users to understand what they can achieve with the product and then experience it through the scent. It shows their confidence in their products. For those who are not yet accustomed to incorporating essential oils into their daily lives, trying the "Concentrate Line" during times of hormonal fluctuation, such as before menstruation, might be a good idea. For women, the process leading up to using skincare products is important. Elements that lift the mood are one of the factors that enhance female hormones. Even for those who enjoy trying various new products, it's beneficial to establish a base with skincare that you can truly feel confident about.

Cream
THREE Concentrate Cream (Right)
Price | ¥15,750 (28g)
Natural-derived content: 86%
Body Serum
THREE Concentrate Body Serum (Left)
Price | ¥8,400 (97mL)
Natural-derived content: 89%
THREE
0120-898-003
www.threecosmetics.com
The effects of the essential oils, which can be enjoyed in both of these products, are highly effective for women whose moods fluctuate. "THREE" is said to be particular about its essential oils, and I believe essential oils have the power to work according to the user's skin condition. Of course, there have been many aromatic cosmetics before. However, the "Concentrate Line," which properly verifies the skin benefits of incorporating essential oils and is uncompromising about its base oils, assures me that it works not only on the mind but also effectively on the skin. Even those who previously thought of aromatic cosmetics as merely "smelling nice, so they must work" can now understand the reasons why these essential oils actually benefit the skin. The fact that all the essential oils in the ingredients are certified by organizations with strict standards, such as the "Soil Association," provides peace of mind for the user.
The "Concentrate Line" features these rose components in the form of essential oils and rose water, along with ingredients like umbelliferous plants, which are said to have a female hormone-like effect. The scent is intoxicatingly comforting and calming. The rose aroma blends beautifully with the other ingredients. Women are sensitive to scents that provide mental and physical comfort. I believe that scents that make us feel good also have a positive effect on our inner selves. The fact that the essential oils used are certified by organizations with strict standards, such as the "Soil Association," provides peace of mind for the user.

Cream
THREE Concentrate Cream (Right)
Price | ¥15,750 (28g)
Natural-derived content: 86%
Body Serum
THREE Concentrate Body Serum (Left)
Price | ¥8,400 (97mL)
Natural-derived content: 89%






