In 2005, American explorer/National Geographic fellow Dan Buettner came up with the concept of Blue Zones to describe areas of the world where people lead measurably longer lives (the term comes from the blue concentric circles used to identify these places in earlier demographic studies). Among the seven regions singled out: Okinawa in Japan, Nicoya in Costa Rica, and – hot spot for world’s highest concentration of male centenarians – the Nuoro province in Sardinia, Italy.
So what might this have to do with one’s complexion, you might ask? Chanel’s logic: The secrets to living healthily for 100 years and up might also offer clues to skin longevity. So, it analysed a famous study on 801 centenarians and discovered key similarities between them: They all kept a healthy diet and social lifestyle, exercised regularly, and managed stress well.
“So what?” you might say – these seem almost a given. But after delving deeper into the cellular level, and through cross referencing the same findings with its own data on skin ageing, the brand discovered what this ultimately means for skin. To keep it youthful for longer, there must be four key factors: good intercellular communication, an ability to adapt to stress, and sufficient cellular energy as well as nutrition to boost metabolism.
With this, it embarked on its latest attempt to do for skin what a freak accident did for Blake Lively’s character in The Age Of Adaline (2015): Prolong it at its optimum. In line with its new direction to use only what’s essential in every product (its logic here: the less you put in, the lower the chances of irritation), its R&D team selected three ingredients that jointly aid in all four aspects. Incidentally, all three can be found in Blue Zones, which might explain the name of the resulting product, Blue Serum ($160).
The first of the magic trio: green coffee beans, abundant in Costa Rica and rich in the antioxidant molecules cafestol and kahweol, which supposedly help skin cells better deal with stress. Next, olive oil – one of Sardinia’s delicacies – boasts essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6 and 9), as well as antioxidants that promise to stimulate cell metabolism, boost energy levels and calm skin. And lastly, the gum extract from lentisk – a shrub found mostly on the Greek island of Chios – that’s packed with nutrients. It contains oleanolic acid that reportedly has regenerating properties and can reactivate cellular communication, allowing skin to better adapt to its surroundings.
All that is infused into Blue Serum. What you get is an essence that not so much fights the effects of ageing, but cares for skin so it gets to and stays at its peak of health. This also means that it’s designed to be universal; suitable for all ages and skin tones – and there’s proof that it works.
According to Chanel, a clinical test done on 133 women showed that – besides improving signs of youthfulness (fewer fine lines, an even skin tone, higher skin density) – it also boosted skin wellness. Cue a boost in radiance, more even texture and a plump, well-rested complexion. All one needs to do: Use it twice daily post-toner.
Coupled with hydrating ingredients that supposedly strengthen skin’s protective barrier, this lightweight gel-emulsion is also said to be able to help skin manage stress and pollution. Now, if only dealing with everything else about growing up was as simple.
The key facts by numbers
801 centenarians studied during research
3 key ingredients used
28 days needed to see visible results
133 women saw younger, healthier skin after use
This story first appeared in Female’s March 2017 issue.
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