Even though skin is the body’s largest organ, taking care of it is too often seen as a narcissism, a superficial cosmetic upkeep for the vain and the dandy. Here’s a truth bomb: it’s self-care at its purest form, all under the auspices of the epidermis, from protecting oneself against the elements to seeing the first signs of an internal misalignment and, of course, being the harbinger of ageing. Investing in our skin’s upkeep and care is essential on a primordial—nay, cellular—level.

Here’s where La Prairie’s raison d’être comes in, as the famed Swiss beauty brand has homed in on skincare for the past 90-plus years, long before it was fashionable among the famed and those burdened with great fortune. Back in 1931, at Clinique La Prairie, Dr Paul Niehans’s discovery of the significance of cellular therapy as an essential component of skincare was a game-changer, a key that “unlocked the secret of eternal youth,” as per the brand literature.

Each year, historically sceptical of brands that sell hope in a jar, the grooming editors of Robb Report investigate the science and significance of a range of skincare products—particularly the dearly priced ones—with a fine-tooth comb. La Prairie has consistently been among the top draws; its iconic Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil, and White Caviar Eye Extraordinaire are counted among a treasure trove of balms and salves, serums, and oils. La Prairie has offered skincare and elixirs, innovative care routines, and formulations from its native Switzerland to the visages of the most prominent denizens of the world.

Adding to the formidable range, La Prairie introduces the futuristic Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream. In close partnership with Swiss longevity clinic and wellness resort Clinique La Prairie, this is the latest arrow in the quiver that fights against time and age. Using “High Longevity Science,” the Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream has already shown incredible, visible results. For those expecting immediate results, user feedback reveals the skin instantly feels softer, smoother, and not as coarse or sun-damaged as it was pre-application. With steady use, suppleness and elasticity visibly return in fine form within two months. A certain luminescence appears and a smoother skin tone, devoid of blemishes, creates a palpable aura of wellness; the tired look—especially from around the eyes—dissipate dramatically.

“The ‘High Longevity Science’ of Life Matrix carves out a unique approach centred around cellular information modulation, enabling skin cells to behave like a more youthful version of themselves,” says Dr Daniel Stangl, La Prairie’s director of innovation. As the culmination of empirical research housed in a pristine diamond-cut jar, this rejuvenation cream is a happy marriage of science and technology, but the secret to eternal youth comes at a price.

Retailing at HK$15,520 (US$1,950) for a 50-millilitre tub, it’s not an insignificant investment in… yourself.

All images courtesy of La Prairie.