Nearly a generation ago, a Japanese monk noticed that the hands of sake brewery workers were extremely smooth. He developed a compound called Pitera by extracting nutrient-rich materials during the yeast fermentation process for making the alcohol. Now, Pitera is the key ingredient in the SK-II skincare line of products that promises miraculous anti-aging effects and younger-looking skin.

Found at counters in 18 Saks Fifth Avenue department stores across the United States, SK-II is a subsidiary of Max Factor, Inc. The SK-II signature skin care line features four anti-aging products: a facial treatment cleanser, gel, oil, and moisturizer. SK-II's Facial Treatment Essence face cream promises to stimulate skin renewal and promote younger looking skin.

SK-II groups the rest of their products into specific needs categories: anti-aging, illuminating, refining, nourishing, and boosting. Each and every product contains the ''magic'' ingredient, Pitera. The company touts Pitera, a combination of vitamins, amino acids, proteins and more, as a miracle for natural skin rejuvenation.

The Cost of Beauty
Paying for this skin miracle isn't cheap, though. Sold exclusively through Saks Fifth Avenue locations and online, no full-size product is under the manufacturer suggested price of $50, and most are $100 or more. There are options, however, to test a product before buying. SK-II offers a single-use packet of their Facial Treatment Mask for $15. Also an option is eBay, where these products can be found at a subtantial discount.