Big beauty questions

We all want to look youthful but why have surgery when softer options can be just as effective - and cheaper? This week, Dr Aamer Khan and skincare specialist Lesley Reynolds argue out how to look your best for Christmas...

Q

My neck and chest really lack any elasticity. I usually cover up in jumpers but all my party outfits show this area off. What can I do? Rachel, Cambridge

A

DR AAMER SAYS: An injectable moisturiser, like Profhilo, can rejuvenate your neck and décolletage. Different from Botox or fillers, it’s designed to boost moisture levels at the deepest level, delivering a brighter, bouncier and more even textured skin. Made from hyaluronic acid, found naturally in the skin, the treatment is painless with no downtime and can be carried out in your lunch hour. It involves five injections around the treatment areas, just underneath the surface of the skin rather than deep in the tissue. This gradually spreads through the surrounding tissues over the following weeks, boosting elasticity and plumpness. Two to three treatments a month apart is recommended for the best results, lasting around six to nine months, but you’ll notice an immediate improvement after one, with no bruising. From £300 per treatment.

LESLEY SAYS: The neck and chest doesn’t produce as much oil as your face so it needs extra care. Exfoliate your neck and décolletage weekly to help stimulate cell rejuvenation and keep it glowing. You will also get rid of dead, dull cells, which can block the effectiveness of any other products. Moisturise your chest in the morning and evening using upward strokes – there are some effective creams specially formulated to firm and tighten this area. Vichy Neovadiol Phytosculpt Neck & Face, £30, contours and plumps the skin. Use No 7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Serum Boost Sheet Mask, £27, once a week. You can also boost skin health by taking a supplement. Vitamin C helps support collagen production, while Vitamin E will help hold more moisture and elasticity.

Q

I’m keen to explore ‘lunchtime’ treatments to help me get my spark back. What’s the best option ahead of social events, and failing that, is make-up a back-up option

Nina,Dundee

ADR AAMER SAYS: One of the best lunchtime treatments for improving skin tone and texture is Forma. It’s a noninvasive treatment using radio frequency energy to help contract the skin and stimulate new collagen, the building blocks of your skin. It suits all skin types, is painless, has no down time and is ideal for those who prefer a natural-looking approach, rather than using needles or laser. It feels like a warm massage, using a small hand piece which can treat all areas of the face. Most patients see tauter, smoother skin after six to eight treatments, spread across once a week. From £300 per treatment. You should also check our website – www.harleystreetskinclinic. com – for full details on treatments that can put the spark back from top to toe.

LESLEY SAYS: Have you tried using oils? They are a quick and easy way to add an immediate glow to your skin. Mix a few drops with a matte foundation for a really natural and dewy glow. Or dab some on post-foundation and blusher to give gloss to cheekbones. You can also apply to damp skin after bathing to add a sheen. Try Pixi Rose Quartz Soothing Oil, £24. As for make-up, this time of the year calls for glam, so be bold and don’t be scared to experiment. Try patting on In Your Dreams Golden Mirage Biodegradable Glitter, £6 (www.inyourdreams.com), over your lippy, and use Barry M Glitter Rush Body Glitter £4.59 on bare shoulders and cleavage. Rimmel Jelly Highlighter in Shifty Shimmer, £8.99, will add a glow to cheekbones.

Q

I’m happy with my appearance, apart from the two stubborn lines in-between my brows. I just look angry all of the time! Are there any treatments or trickery to hide this?

Ann,Morecombe

A

DR the short AAMER vertical SAYS: lines Called that look Glabella like the lines, number 11, are often the first wrinkles to appear on the forehead and can make you look cross. They usually develop as a result of the thinning skin, sun damage and constant muscle movements. The best way to treat them is with

Botox injections to relax the facial muscles that causes frown lines. The 20 minute treatment softens lines over the following days but best results are seen after two weeks. Expect to pay around £150 for a one off session.

LESLEY SAYS: There are some very effective beauty tricks you can try. Realine Frown Patches, £28 for 30 (Amazon), are a natural alternative to Botox and are designed to smooth lines as you sleep. Similar to old Hollywood forehead taping tricks, pull your skin taut, pop on a patch and sleep for a smoother appearance. You could also try a targeted serum like Indeed Labs Nanoblur, £14.99, to help plump and fill. Smooth it on under or over make-up or mixed with moisturiser.

It won’t make your lines disappear, but it can give forehead skin a smoother appearance.