YOUNG SKIN
Naomi Campbell’s glow guru, Ole Henriksen, dishes on new natural anti-aging ingredient,
Two days from now, I will turn 30.
Quite fittingly, I’m processing this forthcoming chasm between youth and full-blown adulthood at the launch of an anti-aging line. I’ve flown to New York to meet Ole Henriksen, celebrity glow guru (Katy Perry, Ellen DeGeneres, and Naomi Campbell are among his disciples) and founder of a hugely successful eponymous range.
The dapper Dane doesn’t know it yet, but I’m on a mission to squeeze every last drop of youth-preserving wisdom I can out of him. Then I zero in on the framed hashtag for the event: #ByeRetinol. Goodbye to retinol, the gold standard of anti-aging ingredients?
According to Henriksen, it’s time we bade the famed ingredient farewell. As he puts it, retinol and its vitamin A derivative friends are indisputably effective, but they’re also harsh, irritating, sun-sensitizing, expensive, and off-limits during pregnancy. Henriksen says he’s got a gentle, natural sub that’s just as good. Time to get acquainted with bakuchiol.
What is bakuchiol? “Bakuchiol is from India. It’s all natural, vegan, and comes from the babchi herb, which is used in Ayurvedic medicine. What makes it magical is that it addresses every major concern associated with aging. It repairs skin without irritating or sensitizing it, so there’s no acclimation needed. It builds new collagen, evens out hyperpigmentation, makes pores less visible, reduces the look of wrinkles and smooths, firms and tightens skin. It’s also got this beautiful natural violet colour that gives a pearly glow.”
How is bakuchiol different from retinol?
“Retinol is a harsh chemical experience. It doesn’t smell good, and your skin gets red and irritated. These products deliver those amazing results, but it’s all about the sensorial experience, the beautiful smell, the amazing texture, the pearlescent finish. It’s a spa in a jar. We like to teach people to take a deep breath and really indulge in the ritual. It’s that me time, that alone time that really revives you.” How do you recommend using the products?
“Skin care is giving back to the biggest organ of your body and the face that everyone sees. It’s about maintaining extraordinary texture, suppleness and great elasticity over a lifetime. But it’s also then a moment to massage your face, close your eyes and feel the energy of your hands on your skin.
“So, first, massage the serum into your skin and let it absorb for two minutes. You can bring it up all the way up to the eyes. It’s good for all age brackets and all skin types, even sensitive skin because it’s calming, soothing, and non-aggressive. Then you take the Sleeping Crème and massage it on top so they work synergistically.” What’s your philosophy on aging? “I think aging is a gift. Embrace it every single day. Be grateful that you’re able to be a part of this amazing world that we live in. You get older, but you also get wiser.
“When you stay fit and healthy and always embrace the new, and maintain an adventurous spirit, then you can feel young forever. And take good of your skin, of course. That’s a given. And get facials!”