There are trips that feel like an escape, and then there are trips that feel like a reset—like pressing pause on the busyness of everyday life and giving yourself the rare chance to breathe, recharge, and glow from the inside out. My recent journey to Aix-en-Provence was exactly that: a week dedicated to wellness, beauty, and discovering the science behind skincare innovation. It was the perfect balance of French charm, natural beauty, and a newfound appreciation for the incredible ways our skin can heal and renew itself.
The heart of this trip was NAOS Global, the home of Institut Esthederm, a luxury skincare brand I’ve admired for years. To not only use their products but to step into the very world where they’re created felt surreal. From the laboratories where their iconic cellular water is developed to the serene moments of trying the newest Age Proteom Advanced Serum, it was a journey of discovery in every sense.
Experiencing the Future of Skincare
The highlight of this wellness week was being introduced to the Age Proteom Advanced Serum, a product that quite literally changes the way we think about aging. What makes it remarkable is its foundation in ecobiology—a scientific approach that works with the skin, not against it. Instead of layering on quick fixes, this serum strengthens the skin’s natural abilities to protect, adapt, and restore balance on its own.
The results are nothing short of fascinating. With daily use, skin is said to age twice as slowly. Imagine giving your complexion not just a temporary glow but a true extension of vitality and resilience. Each morning, I made it the very first step in my routine, and I could feel the difference instantly. Lightweight, refreshing, yet deeply nourishing—it’s the kind of product that makes you fall back in love with your skincare ritual.
Standing inside the NAOS laboratories and hearing how their unique cellular water mimics the natural hydration process of skin gave me such an appreciation for the detail and science behind each bottle. It isn’t just luxury skincare; it’s innovation rooted in respect for the body’s own intelligence.
A Provençal Dream
Of course, no week in Aix-en-Provence would be complete without being swept up in the beauty of the region itself. Our home base was Les Lodges Sainte Victoire, an enchanting retreat that feels as though it was pulled from the pages of a French fairytale. Nestled against rolling vineyards and the iconic Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the property is a haven of peace. Mornings were spent wandering through gardens kissed by lavender, while evenings lingered over dinners that celebrated the flavors of Provence.
There’s something about the pace of life here that immediately softens the edges of your mind. The colors are warmer, the air fresher, and the people endlessly welcoming. Every moment reminded me that wellness isn’t just about what you put on your skin—it’s also about the environment you place yourself in.
From Provence to Marseille
Our journey stretched beyond Aix, weaving through the sunlit landscapes of Provence and leading us toward the lively port city of Marseille. The contrast was exhilarating: from the calm and quiet of vineyard mornings to the bustling charm of a seaside metropolis. With locals as our guides, we got to experience both worlds through their eyes—sipping pastis at tucked-away cafés, listening to stories of tradition, and learning how deeply rooted beauty and wellness are in French culture.
What Wellness Really Means
Looking back, this trip was so much more than product testing or even travel—it was about redefining what wellness can be. It’s science and nature working together. It’s slowing down long enough to listen to your body. It’s standing in a lavender field in Provence and realizing that beauty is not only something we wear but something we live.
The Age Proteom Advanced Serum quickly became more than a skincare product to me; it became a symbol of what this trip represented: resilience, balance, and honoring the natural rhythm of life. Just as Provence moves at its own gentle pace, this serum encourages the skin to trust itself, to adapt, and to flourish.
A Lasting Glow
As I packed my bag to leave, I slipped my bottle of Age Proteom Advanced Serum safely inside, knowing it was coming home with me—not just as part of my routine, but as a reminder of this incredible week. The glow I carried wasn’t only from the serum but from the memories: the laughter shared over long Provençal meals, the serenity of Les Lodges Sainte Victoire, the excitement of Marseille’s waterfront, and the deeper appreciation for how beauty and wellness are intertwined.
Sometimes the most luxurious thing we can give ourselves is time—time to slow down, to care for our skin, to nourish our spirit, and to savor experiences that remind us of life’s natural beauty. My week in Aix-en-Provence was all of that and more. And I know the lessons—and the glow—will stay with me for a very long time.
