Imagine watering a dead plant and it comes back to life with a jolt – well, this is the idea behind Kiehl’s new moisturiser Rosa Arctica for dry and mature skin. It’s made with a rare bloom from the Balkans called Haberlea rhodopensis which grows on shady rock crevices on limestone and remains in a near-death state longer than any other plant by minimizing water loss. When the flower finally springs back to life it rebuilds its cells for re-moisturisation – no wonder it’s known as the Resurrection flower.
We also enter a period of ’anabiosis‘, which is decreased cellular vitality, turnover and barrier function, and by the age of 40 the skin turnover cycle slows down from 28 days to 40 days.
Day 1 – So Kiehl’s are saying that using Rosa Arctica leads to increased cell vitality and acts as a barrier against water loss. The cream is surprisingly firm, not all soft and gooey. It’s important that the cream is warmed up a bit before applying to the face to help it melt in or else you’ll look like you’ve applied a rash healing cream. It takes a while to sink in and only in the areas that are thirsty. I noticed heating up around my nose, cheeks and forehead – a sure sign something’s happening. There’s no scent or parabens and it looks, feels and smells quite pharmaceutical.
Its definitely working, as on the first application the ‘jolt’ is that the skin goes a little reddish and visibly plumper. I’ll try it a bit more and let you know if it ‘wakes up’ the skin cells and how it does on fine lines and wrinkles – I’m expecting softening not elimination. There’s no SPF so you’ll need something on top, although it’s good as a barrier with its Vitamin E antioxidants. However, it’s quite greasy with its cocoa and shea butters, highly refined olive oil and glycerin – but you get a tremendously hydrated skin which will really make a difference on mature skins and give a healthy glow.
I’d agree with Kiehl’s Survey of 40-50 years-old women, 91% of whom said their skin appeared revitalised and rejuvenated. Some consumers have said it’s a bit expensive and you’d have to place a high value on the properties of the flower, as there are plenty of buttery moisturisers out there – but up against Crème de la Mer, which aims to deliver similar results, its doesn’t seem so pricey. If money’s no object try it on your hands too.
Kiehl’s Insider Tip: Use twice daily for a smoother, firmer, and denser appearance. For best application, waken the cream between your fingers and gently pat onto skin. Put on your serums before applying the cream.
Price: £45 for 50ml | http://www.kiehls.co.uk
UPDATE Day 2 - and it’s still working. Flushing my face in patches. I can notice that the jowl lines have firmed out and that the wrinkle creep around my eyes has stopped. Plus the skin looks a lot healthier.
Day 3 – fresher, firmer skin!
Day4 I’m sticking with this one. I put some extra on my jowl and outer eye area as this tagetting is giving me even better results. Main tip? Warm up the cream in your palm before applying and then it gets to work quicker. Day 5 and Day 6 not so red now but wonderful results. Smooth, plump and glowy. I read that some had given up on the cream based on it’s texture – yes, it’s a bit greasy and much stays on the top of the skin so that by the evening you’re desperate to wash it off and try something lighter. But stick with it.
Haberlea Rhodopensis | Resurrection Flower
