TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Behind its grayish ugly appearance, volcanic ash of Mount Krakatoa in West Java is claimed to be advantageous for skin treatment. An Indonesian cosmetic and beauty company, Martha Tilaar Salon Day Spa, offers the benefit of the volcanic ash through their product Krakatoa Hot Lava Treatment.

Instead of using the recently-spilled volcanic ash, the company compounds the product using volcanic ashes of Mount Krakatoa that is over a thousand years old.

"After going through a one-year research in the laboratory in France, Mount Krakatoa volcanic ash is found to be good for the skin," said Martha Tilaar Salon Day Spa Treatment Developer, Mien Rogin, on Tuesday.

Mt. Krakatoa ash is rich of sulphures which are good to stimulate the forming of collagen to prevent wrinkles and keeping the skin young. Other minerals that contained in the ash are titanium dioxide and boronitride - good to moist, tighten, and brighten the skin, said Mien. "There is magnesium contained in the ash which can prevent rash."

ISMA SAVITRI