The Power of Orchids
By THÉRÈSE MARGOLIS
They are exotic, mysterious and one of the most sought-after flowers on Earth.
Simultaneously delicate and resilient, orchids are have always been beloved for their singular elegance and instantly recognizable beauty.
Found in nearly every climate, the more than 35,000 species of orchid have carried symbolic and therapeutic weight in countless cultures throughout history.
Orchids have existed on the planet for around 120 million years, and are masters in the art of survival, with some plants lasting more than 100 years.
Orchids have the unique ability to store great amounts of water and they are rich in natural polysaccharides and antioxidant phenols.
The ancient Greeks associated them with fertility and thought that parents who ingested orchid root tubers could control the sex of their child.
Orchids have long been a key ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of asthma and lung diseases, inflammation and even cancer.
In Victorian England, orchids were associated with romance and seduction, and so-called “orchidelirium” drove elite collectors to send profession orchid hunters to the farthest reaches of the planet to bring back the colorful flowers ,spurring geographic exploration and even influencing Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
But orchids are not only some of the most breathtaking of flowers. They are also a key ingredient in many modern medications. as well as in high-end beauty products, known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, act as an anti-oxidant, moisturize, soothe and condition skin, and replenish dry and damaged hair.
Orchid extract has been found to help stimulate skin cell vitality and support cellular metabolism.
Orchid derivatives have also been shown to have stimulate cells to regenerate, strengthen human cell membrane and reinforce the skin’s immune system.
Facial Rejuvenation
It took a very long time — 15 years of scientific study, to be exact, plus more than five months of anxious anticipation and media hype — before it was finally released on the market, but, at long last, Guerlain’s much-awaited Orchidée Impériale Micro Lift Serum is now available in high-end department stores nationwide.
This newest member of Guerlain’s exclusive Orchidée Impériale line not only pampers and repairs skin, but indulges senses in the luxury of rare orchid extracts.
Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Micro Lift represents the ultimate alchemy of technology and nature, combining latest-generation microencapsulation with the extraordinary power of the orchid’s longevity.
Its organically derived formula (92 percent all natural ingredients), with 7,000 micro-sculptors, works like a series of tiny micro-lifts on the skin to produce a visible lifting effect while enveloping the skin in intense comfort.
The micro-sculptors, combined with the revitalizing energy of millions of orchid molecules, create a serum that dramatically diminishes early signs of aging through a subtle tightening mesh.
The orchid, a rare and precious raw ingredient, and the most developed species within the plant kingdom, is the very essence of the exceptional complete care range of Orchidée Impériale.
Convinced of its outstanding potential to reverse fine lines and other early signs of aging, Guerlain established the first-ever orchid research center, the Orchidarium, a platform that spans three countries, each playing a key role in the preservation of orchids and ensuring access to the benefits of their unique properties.
The multinational Guerlain Orchidarium includes a biodiversity nature reserve in China, an experimental garden in Geneva and a basic research laboratory in Strasbourg, France.
This unique center discovered the extraordinary benefits of a duo of orchids — including one that is essential to traditional Chinese medicine — forming the core of the latest cell respiration technology in the Orchidée Impériale collection and culminating with Orchidée Impériale Micro Lift Serum.
Immediately, skin appears smoother, firmer and tighter, and in just one month, skin is brightened, fresh-looking and noticeably lifted.
Body Orchid-Stration
You can slather on the nutritional and protective qualities of orchids over your entire body with St. Ives’ soft and silky Coconut & Orchid Body Lotion.
This Hawaiian-inspired hand and body cream is made from 100 percent natural coconut milk oil and pure orchis mascula (purple orchid) extract to leave skin soft as an orchid petal and smelling like an aloha vacation.
Rich in natural vegetable proteins, minerals and essential vitamins (including vitamin C), coconut milk has been found to be create potent shield that helps to protect skin from external irritants.
And orchis mascula, known for its antioxidant properties, not only fights against the damaging effect of free radicals but also helps eliminate cellular oxidation that can alters the skin protein structures.
Purple orchid extract also works to correct skin’s structural protein damage and ward off premature aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles.
The extract has a unique restorative and rejuvenating effect, and helps dry skin recover by providing moisturization by enhancing its water retention capacity.
Orchid Body Oils
You can also embrace the power of orchids with Clarins’ Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil.
Packed with the curative qualities of blue orchids, as well as an aromatic blend of rosewood, patchouli and hazelnut oil, this hydrating face treatment is formulated exclusively for organic plant extracts to help revitalize dehydrated skin.
The oil restores radiance, tone and vitality to moisture-deprived skin.
The addition of hazelnut oil, rich in omega 9 and vitamin E, softens, soothes and seals in moisture to minimize the appearance of fine lines.
And the sweet-scented, lightweight formula absorbs instantly.
Clarins’ Laboratories have been specialized in blending natural plant extracts and aromatic essential oils since 1954, using the synergy between the fragrant and stimulating power of essential oils and plant extracts to uplift the senses and provide an overall feeling of wellbeing.
Orchid-Endowed Hair
There is also a place for orchids in the world of haircare.
OGX’s Fade-Defying + Orchid Oil shampoos and conditioners are made with orchid extract and grape seed oil.
Sulfate-free, these luxurious hair products are designed to slow color fading, and also have a delicious floral scent.
The lush orchid extract calms frizz and leave tresses with a healthy shine.
Orchid extract has also been found to provide hair with an innate ability to hold moisture all day long, while filtering out the negative effects of UVA and UVB rays that can lead to premature color fading.
Consequently, OGX Fade-Defying + Orchid Oil shampoos and conditioners help to lock in color while moisturizing and replenishing strands for multi-faceted tones.
…Feb. 25, 2021