The Big beauty Questions
We all want to look youthful, but why have surgery when softer options can be just as effective – and much cheaper? Husband-and-wife team Dr Aamer Khan and skin care specialist Lesley Reynolds argue it out in the pages of best…
QThe undersides of my arms are really flabby. How can I firm them up? Suzie, Durham
ADR AAMER SAYS: As we age, the skin on the arms generally gets softer, which causes it to sag, and it tends to worsen during the menopause. Weight loss can also be a contributing factor. A quick, painless non-surgical treatment that can help is Reaction. This combines two technologies – vacuum massage and radio frequency (RF). The massage improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, while the heat produced by RF stimulates new collagen growth for better skin thickness and tone. You’ll need six treatments for maximum effect. From £200. When there is lots of excess loose skin, a surgical arm lift may be more suitable. However, expect significant downtime and a scar that often runs from armpit to elbow. From £3,500.
LESLEY SAYS: Exercise will help shape your arms. If there’s a layer of fat over the muscles, cardio exercises and a healthy diet will help shift it. Cut down on carbs like white bread, white rice, cakes and biscuits, along with processed food, and replace them with lean protein like grilled chicken, salmon and green, leafy vegetables and fruit. Resistance workouts will then help contour the arms. Try bicep curls with a dumbbell to tone the upper area, and tricep dips will help to shape the outer arm. The right skin care, along with fake tan, can also instantly make arms look smoother and more toned. Exfoliate arms a couple of times a week, and always massage in a moisturising body lotion after showering – I like O’Keeffe’s Skin Repair, £10.99. Don’t expect miracles, as arms are notoriously difficult to treat, especially if you have lots of loose skin. Your best bet then would be to invest in shrugs, little light sweaters and dresses with sleeves, or just flaunt your arms with pride!
QI have dark shadows underneath my eyes. What has caused them and how can I get rid of them? Olivia,Rhyl
ADR AAMER SAYS: Dark shadows can be difficult to treat as they can have a variety of causes, from not enough sleep, dehydration and allergies to depression and genetic factors. One of the main causes, however, is a loss of volume, which gives the illusion of a shadow. This is easily fixed by injecting micro droplets of hyaluronic acid filler, which will immediately make the eye area lighter and brighter. Results will last up to a year. From £450. If you have discolouration due to visible blue blood vessels, PRP therapy uses the platelets and growth factors from your own blood as an injectable to help stimulate the regeneration of skin cells and new collagen to brighten the area. You may need up to three treatments, every two to three weeks. From £450 per treatment.
LESLEY SAYS: For thin skin, use Nip+Fab Retinol Fix, £9.75, nightly. With repeated use, retinol can stimulate collagen production, making skin less thin and improving dark circles. It can take up to six months before you see the difference. Always wear SPF during the day when using retinol as it makes skin sun sensitive. If the problem is increased pigmentation, then Nivea Q10 Plus Vitamin C Eye Cream, £10.99, can help brighten the area over time. When it comes to hiding shadows, you can’t beat concealer. First apply a colour-correcting primer – orange is best to neutralise brown shadows. Rimmel Insta Colour Correcting Primer, £6.99, comes in a range of shades and blurs imperfections. Apply No 7 Instant Radiance Under Eye Concealer, £14, on top, using a shade slightly lighter than your foundation. Finish with powder to set.
QI’ve always hated the shape of my nose and as I’ve got older it seems to be getting flatter. l would love to change its shape. What are my options? Elsa,Somerset
ADR AAMER SAYS: As we age, the supportive structure of the nose can weaken and change shape, leading it to become thicker and wider. Balancing proportions between the nose and face is the biggest challenge. A liquid nose job is suitable for those unhappy with the shape. The 20-minute treatment will build up a flat nose and can also uplift the tip, as well as even out any depressions. A topical anaesthetic is applied before hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are injected under the skin. The filler forms a spongy layer in between cells, adding plumpness to specific areas. Most patients need around three to six injections, with instant results. There is little downtime, although there may be some bruising. Results last up to one year. From £500.
LESLEY SAYS: Try contouring with highlighter. Sleek MakeUP Cream Contour Kit, £10.99, includes a mixture of shades that so you can create your own shade. Simply apply a thin line of highlighting concealer down the centre of the bridge of your nose. Start at eye-level, and stop about half an inch before the end of your nose. This will create the illusion of a smaller nose. You can use your finger or a small, angled brush to apply the concealer. Then, use a darker concealer to draw lines down both sides of your nose – the closer they are to the centre, the thinner your nose will look – then blend well.