The Top Stories of 2004/Beauty: Cosmetic Remedy

This year, cosmetics companies helped

make trips to the dermatologist’s office few and far between with the proliferation of the at-home kit. L’Oréal blazed a trail in July with Refinish Micro-Dermabrasion Kit, the mass market’s first two-step peel, priced at $24.99. In September, Neutrogena launched Advanced Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System, a $29.99 kit developed with dermatologists.

Prestige brands also took advantage of the trend: In September, La Prairie introduced Skin Caviar Intensive Ampoule Treatment, a $500, two-step process said to firm and brighten the skin. Lancôme’s four-step Resurface Peel Resurfacing & Soothing System, $145, which launched in October, features glycolic acid and was created with dermatologist Dr. Tina Alster.

“You have an aging population who has come to the conclusion that they deserve to look good, whatever level income they have,” said Wendy Liebmann, president of WSL Strategic Retail. “It’s a really smart shopper audience out there who is well informed and is increasingly familiar with a lot of the new medical offerings. They want to have access to those kind of treatments, whether they can afford to go to a Park Avenue dermatologist or not.”

Indeed, the new kits aim to mimic the doctor’s office experience as much as possible: The Lancôme Resurface Peel includes a petri dish, application brush and prep towelettes in addition to two treatment products. And the end is not in sight for the category. In January, Good Skin will launch All Bright, a $30, two-step facial peel featuring citric acid and lime extract. “It will continue to develop as new therapies develop,” said Liebmann.