The universal quest for the secret to youthful good looks has led to a discovery flowering in Asia’s own backyard – the orchid.

The graceful flower, known for its delicate petals and ornamental leaves, has been singled out by luxe French beauty brand Guerlain as holding the key to youthful beauty.

Out of 30,000 species of orchids that exist in nature, Guerlain’s scientists have discovered three breeds that have particularly powerful anti-ageing powers.

While they are not Singapore’s beloved national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim, they are hardy breeds native to China’s Yunnan province.

The result – a new and improved version of the brand’s star product, the ultra-luxe Orchidee Imperiale Exceptional Complete Care Cream.
Priced at $597, it will be launched at Tangs Orchard next Wednesday and at Takashimaya Department Store the following day.

Dr Frederic Bonte, the scientific communication director of Guerlain’s research department, says: “We were fascinated by the orchids from the vanda coerulea family, which thrive on the top of trees 60 to 70m tall where they are exposed to harsh weather conditions such as high ultra-violet radiation and extreme heat and cold.”

The director and his team of three other scientists were at the regional press launch of the cream in Siem Reap, Cambodia, last October, where they presented the results of 10 years of research into the flowers.

After experimenting on over 100 types of orchids, the research team discovered a powerful anti-ageing molecular extract from three breeds of orchids.

The main action of this extract is that it “turns back cellular time”, says Dr Bonte, by slowing down the mechanisms that lead to ageing of the cells.

This means that cells stay young and active for a longer period of time, he explains.

In just 14 days of using the cream, he says, visible differences include reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firmer skin and a more even toned and radiant complexion.

Compared to the first-generation cream, which was launched in 2006, results can be seen twice as fast and are about 50 per cent more effective, he adds.

In fact, long before the research team discovered the skincare benefits of the orchid, the flower has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

“Orchids are traditionally used in Chinese medicine to fight inner heat caused by overheating of the liver,” says Francois Gerard, Guerlain’s agricultural engineer.

“According to TCM beliefs, the liver is connected to skin health.”

Those who need further convincing need only look to the longevity of these orchids.

“There are orchids (still flowering) dating back to 1850 in orchidariums,” says Dr Bonte.

“And while nobody knows the exact lifespan of orchids in the wild, as far as we can tell, these resilient breeds can survive for many years on their own.”

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This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.