The Chestnut Tree Of Life — New Korres Castanea Arcadia Wrinkle Rewind Anti-Aging Collection

We’re nearing the season of chestnuts roasting in an open fire, to quote Nat King Cole, so it only seems fitting that we put a spotlight on a new skin care range that centers on the anti-aging powers of the tree that bears these sweet nuts. The Korres Castanea Arcadia skincare collection is powered by a molecule derived from the Arcadian chestnut tree: Active HALupeol, active Lupeol in a hyaluronic acid shell. Here’s the fascinating part (at least if you’re a bit of a science nerd like me!): it’s long been known that, when ingested, Lupeol, which is both a phytosterol and triterpene, can have tremendous anti-inflammatory benefits. But, until now, it wasn’t commonly found in skincare due to its inability to be dissolved. Korres’ scientists, however, figured out how to tackle that obstacle by developing the aforementioned proprietary HALupeol molecule. The hyaluronic acid shell that encases the active lupeol allows the substance to penetrate deep into the epidermis for maximum efficiency. Because hyaluronic acid is such a superb humectant, capable of attracting and binding up to 1,000 times its weight in water, the HALupeol molecule also helps to deliver long-lasting hydration and to make the skin appear instantly plumper and smoother. But back to Lupeol: in addition to its antioxidant properties, this substance has been found to stimulate the synthesis of HSP 47, a “chaperone” protein that facilitates the assembly of procollagen molecules. Because of its HSP 47 induction, Lupeol has been found to stimulate the production of Type 1 collagen — the very same collagen type that we cease to produce in sufficient quantities as we age (and which, when absent from the skin, can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, droopiness, and an overall loss of volume).

Both the Korres Castanea Arcadia Wrinkle Rewind Day Cream ($54 at HSN.com and KorresUSA.com) and the Korres Castanea Arcadia Wrinkle Rewind Night Cream ($59 at HSN.com at KorresUSA.com), then, contain HALupeol, along with European chestnut leaf extract, which contains antioxidants like rutin, quercetin, and apigenin that prevent against free radical damage. Both also contain Natural Hexapeptide-11, a polypeptide that has been clinically shown to increase skin firmness and elasticity.

While they have a shared ingredient core, each of these products has its own singular composition. The Korres Castanea Arcadia Wrinkle Rewind Day Cream, for instance, contains: oat extract, which soothes inflammation and smooths the skin; Japanese honeysuckle flower extract, a natural anti-inflammatory said to also help brighten the skin; sweet almond oil, which is rich in vitamin E; sunflower seed oil, which is rich in linoleic acid and can help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture and protein loss; and lactic acid, an AHA that’s been shown to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

I’ve been using the Day Cream for months and am quite smitten with it. First, it has a rather unique and pleasant scent — herbal and slightly nutty with just a hint of citrus. Second, like most Korres creams, it has a velvety feel that’s delightfully indulgent without being overly viscous or balmy. While it can feel a tad heavy when you first apply it (certainly heavier than, say, the Wild Rose day cream), the skin absorbs it with relative rapidity. That said, it can leave your complexion looking a bit shiny (particularly the T-zone area), so do prepare to apply a mattifying primer or a matte BB cream if you intend to go makeup-free. Also, and this is really important, the cream doesn’t offer SPF protection so it’s imperative that you apply sunscreen over it! Because it contains lactic acid, which is an AHA, it’s all the more important that you shield your skin from the sun. I typically use the Murad Invisible Shield since it’s completely clear and weightless, so I’d highly recommend applying that over this cream for best results.

As for the Korres Castanea Arcadia Wrinkle Rewind Night Cream, it contains the aforementioned HALupeol, European chestnut leaf extract, and Natural Hexapeptide-11, but it also features: fatty acid-rich shea butter, which gives the cream a truly sumptuous texture and also works to stimulate collagen production and soften the skin; soybean oil, which has a small molecular structure that allows it to penetrate deep into the epidermis, where it can stimulate collagen and elastin production and also maintain the skin’s elasticity thanks to its lecithin content; apricot kernel oil, which is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E, and which can both moisturize and clarify the skin, making it ideal for both women with dry and oily complexions; chamomile extract, which soothes the skin; sunflower seed oil, which helps to fortify the skin’s natural barrier; jojoba seed oil, which enhances the skin’s restorative properties and moisturizes and softens skin without clogging pores; and oat extract, which soothes inflammation and diminishes redness.

Both products are top-notch, but I’ve gotta say the Night Cream is particularly impressive — within four weeks of using, you’ll likely notice a significant improvement in terms of your skin’s radiance, smoothness, and elasticity.

I’ve been using both of these products for some time now —  as I moved from New York to Texas — and was really impressed by the fact that, despite the climate changes, I never experienced a bad breakout or had any adverse skin reaction, which I attribute to this combo (and, again, my dedication to applying sunscreen!). That said, if the words “wrinkle rewind” have you anticipating some Benjamin Button effect, you should probably adjust those expectations a bit! Yes, the Wrinkle Rewind line can prevent and combat some visible aging signs, but there’s no magic wand that can turn back time. Also, the effects are best gauged after 3-4 months of using these products regularly, so do be patient and stick with your regimen — once you do, you’ll likely be pleased with the results!