Botox, fillers, products Anti-agers that work

All the treatments and tricks to keep you looking younger for longer.

Eek! My 30s are fast approaching, and people are saying I should have started treatments already. Really?

There are no rules, says Dr Mignon Laub of the Just Skin Aesthetic Clinic in Cape Town. “Some women in their 20s can look like they’re 32, and then there are 32 year olds who look 25.”

But the experts do agree on one thing when it comes to good skincare products: you can never start too young! “Go for a good chemical exfoliator and an alpha hydroxy cream, which you can use day and night. And don’t forget sunblock – it’s the most important anti-ager of all,” says Dr Laub.

Curious about Botox and fillers? “Start these when you notice that lines remain, even when you’re not moving your face,” Dr Laub suggests. “Botox works brilliantly as a preventative measure. But do be conservative – use small amounts on targeted zones.”

What ingredients should I look out for in my skincare to see a difference in my complexion?

Retinoids These tackle everything from dark spots to wrinkles and sagging. Use them every other night to see how your skin reacts before making them a daily habit. Antioxidants “Formulas with multiple antioxidants are best for brightening and preventing wrinkles,” says dermatologist Dr Jeannette Graf. “Studies suggest that individual antioxidants become more potent when combined with others.” That said, they will not do you any good if you don’t wear sunscreen! Alpha hydroxy acids At-home peels with alpha hydroxy acids make skin glow and they can smooth lines and wrinkles over time. Use them on the nights when you’re not using retinoids. Ellagic acid Age spots and melasma are stubborn, but this berry extract fades discolouration on all skin tones.