As we age, skin often loses its elasticity, plumpness and smoothness, and we'd attribute it up to the loss of hydration, and the body's inability to replenish collagen and elastin that's been lost throughout the day. While this is true, there's also a process of skin ageing called senescence that has been overlooked due to how little we knew about it.
What is senescence?
Healthy skin cells undergo cell division everyday (through a process called mitosis) to replenish cells that have been lost to environmental or UV damage, or through skin's natural shedding processes. Senescence is when cells stop dividing but does not die off, essentially becoming what is described as zombie-like cells. These senescent cells can accumulate in the skin and spread the ageing phenotype to its neighbouring cells, impairing skin's ability to self regenerate.
Researchers at Chanel have researched on the field of senescence alongside the University of Vienna in the last 10 years to understand the processes of cell senescence as well as how to prevent it. Through extensive research, they've discovered the revitalising powers of the Camellia japonica 'The Czar', the red camellia flower characterised by its radiant hue and golden anthers.
Rich in protocatechuic acid and other phytonutrients, the red camellia extract is able to improve cell vitality by up to 67 percent according to in-vitro tests. By improving cell vitality, skin cells are able to self-regenerate, thus preventing and correcting the signs of ageing.
Your secret to younger skin unveiled
N°1 DE CHANEL offers an innovative and sustainable approach to beauty, combining skincare, makeup and fragrance that pay homage to nature. At the heart of all its products is a flower emblematic to the house of Chanel. With the Camellia Japonica 'The Czar' forming the red camellia extract present in its products, this breakthrough ingredient keeps skin cells function at full capacity, so it's able to bounce back from aggressors and regenerate from damage.
The full range of N°1 DE CHANEL includes skincare, makeup and a fragrance.
Naturally rich in antioxidants, the red camellia extract supports skin vitality and keeps cells energised for a longer period of time. N°1 DE CHANEL is the new generation of anti-ageing skincare that not only takes inspiration from nature, but also respects the environment.
Love your skin, and the environment
Extensive care has been taken to develop formulas with ingredients that have been sustainably sourced and from natural origin. The formula include up to 76 percent of camellia-derived ingredients—not just the petals, but everything from seeds, and yeast so the plant does not go to waste. Even the seed shells are repurposed into packaging for the Revitalizing Cream. The packaging for the entire range is also designed to be eco-friendly, either through the use of recyclable materials like glass or the removal of excess packaging like cellophane plastic wrappers and paper leaflets.
In August, Chanel included two new additions to the range to enhance the anti-ageing skin ritual that targets cell senescence.
Red Camellia Revitalizing Essence Lotion
N°1 DE CHANEL Red Camellia Revitalizing Essence Lotion, $150, Chanel
Housed in a frosty glass bottle, this milky gel turns into a water-like texture on contact with skin, imbuing it with hydration that lasts throughout the day. The formula is rich in niacinamide and red camellia extract to help restore skin's youthful glow. Niacinamide is able to visibly reduce the appearance of pores, while improving skin's texture and plumping out fine lines.
Revitalizing Body Serum-in-Mist
N°1 DE CHANEL Revitalizing Body Serum-in-Mist, $125, Chanel
The hydration of a lotion, efficacy of a serum and convenience of a mist are combined in the Revitalizing Body Serum-in-Mist. Dispensing as a cloud of fine milky mist, this skin hydrator is enriched with camellia water and other active ingredients to soothe and nourish skin without feeling heavy. It's formulated with 93 percent natural ingredients with 41 percent camellia-derived ingredients to preserve the youthfulness of skin. Delivering instant freshness, this alcohol-free mist also offers up to eight hours of hydration and instant comfort.
Experience the clinically-proven powers of the red camellia flower with the N°1 DE CHANEL range, and start on your anti-ageing journey today.
The N°1 DE CHANEL Red Camellia Revitalizing Essence Lotion ($150) and Revitalizing Body Serum-in-Mist ($125) are available at all Chanel boutiques and counters and on Chanel's E-Shop
Art Director & Stylist: Jiawa Liu
Director: Nicole Lily Rose
Cinematographer & Colourist: Cheyne Tillier-Daly
Models: Aalyah Ross, Cathy Wolf (IMG Models); Cynthia Wu (Select Model Management)
Makeup Artist: Clotilde Puvis de Chavannes
Hair Stylist: Tomoko Ohama
Nail Artist: Philippe Ovak
Project Director: Michelle Ngadino
Producer & Casting: Clara Rea
Video Editor: Benjamin Mack
Camera Assistant: Claire Lepercq
Makeup Assistant: Julie Antoine
Hair Assistant: Mélina Bouamama
Fashion Intern: Summer Wong
Production Assistants: Apolline Baillet; Eleonora Dal Bosco
Production: The Beige Pill
Special thanks: Hôtel Madame Rêve