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…
Q I’m exhausted, and it’s showing around my eyes. How can I get a bit of perkiness back?
Louise,Aberdeen
A
DR AAMER SAYS: The skin around the eyes is drier and more vulnerable because it’s thinner and has fewer oil glands. If the area under the brow lacks volume, eyes will appear droopy and tired. Thinning skin will also emphasise veins and wrinkles, but you can plump up the area using a hyaluronic filler. Injected at the side of the temples and above the tail of the brow, this will restore the arch and open up eyes. Botox will reduce the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet around the eyes. Results last four to six months. From £200 per session. If you hate the thought of injectables, you could try Pelleve, a radio frequency skin tightening treatment using a hand-held device that stimulates collagen production to gently lift sagging eyelids. A course of six treatments, once a week, will give best results. From £179 a session.
LESLEY SAYS: As we age, eyes look smaller and become more lined. First, swipe on Pixi Eye Zone Brightening Serum, £14, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and adds a youthful radiance. Avoid dark as well as glittery shadows, which can emphasise lines and make eyes appear smaller. Obsession Be Obsessed with Eyeshadow Palette, £6, features 10 golden and burnt shades. Try dotting one of the light golden shades in the centre of your upper lid to give your eyes that wide-awake look. Swap black eyeliner for greys, browns and copper colours. Or to make the eyes ‘pop’ use a blue liner like L’Oreal Paris Infallible Gel Crayon Eyeliner, £4.99, along your top lash line. Don’t over conceal under eye shadows as this will only draw attention to the problem.
Q I’m in my 40s and have developed dark spots. How can I get rid of them?
Sheila, Bolton
A - DNA common also the be brown damage. DR pigmentation melanocytes due cause to AAMER pigment hormonal While of patchy create - occurs UV SAYS: to imbalance, help pigmentation, exposure an as Hyper- shield excess cells is injury called against of the melanin it most can or ageing. fade and red spots. A flaky Dermamelan Expect skin, and a week’s one chemical month downtime peel of aftercare. will of peeling help to From SmartXide £1,200. laser For resurfacing a more intense will destroy treatment, pigment to eliminate discolouration. One treatment will help to reduce skin irregularities and refine texture, targeting age spots, and boosting collagen levels. From £300 a treatment, three sessions gets the best results.
LESLEY SAYS: Use a broad-spectrum sun cream daily to prevent the problem from getting worse. You can also build up your skin’s UV defence with astaxanthin, an antioxidant that helps to boost sun protection and decrease inflammation. Find it in Age Defy Astaxanthin, £34.00 for 60 capsules (greenpeople.co.uk). A good skincare routine helps. Try Eucerin’s Anti Pigment range, which includes an Anti–Pigment Spot Corrector, £16, containing Thiamidol, an ingredient that helps to reduce melanin production. Be persistent, and use daily to see an effect. For instant results, disguise! Choose a long-lasting foundation with high coverage like Vichy Dermablend 3D Correction Fluid Foundation, £23, which gives a lovely natural finish over which you can apply blusher and highlighter for a glowy finish.
Q I’m wearing a jumpsuit to an upcoming Christmas party with quite a low-cut back, but I’m not confident about showing it off. Are there any steps to making my back look better?
Fiona,Barnstaple
A
DR AAMER SAYS: For many women, going backless is just as difficult as going sleeveless, but there’s plenty you can do to get your back in shape. Fractora uses radio frequency technology to help to promote collagen and skin tightening. The hand piece looks a bit like a hairbrush with fine needles. RF energy is passed through these needles to heat up the skin. One treatment, from £300, before a big event will make skin look taut, fresher and more vibrant. You’ll need to factor in a week’s downtime where skin is red and can be flaky.
LESLEY SAYS: Just like your face, your back can get clogged with oil and dead skin. Regular brushing will freshen up skin tone and target any blocked skin cells. Use long, firm strokes in an upward direction but take care when brushing more delicate skin. Finish with a spritz of Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Back Spray, £5, or, if there’s a lot of spots, opt for a more intensive treatment like No7 Youthful Glycolic Peel Kit, £25, which will help to calm breakouts. A tan can do wonders for glow and tone. With practise, you can do it yourself using the ModelCo SelfTan Back Applicator, £8. It’s like a giant mitt with handles and helps you to reach awkward areas.