How to age less
WE ALL WANT TO LOOK YOUTHFUL, BUT WHY HAVE SURGERY WHEN SOFTER OPTIONS CAN BE JUST AS EFFECTIVE – AND MUCH CHEAPER? DR AAMER KHAN AND SKIN CARE SPECIALIST LESLEY REYNOLDS ARGUE IT OUT IN THE PAGES OF BEST...
Whether it’s bumpy arms or a bothersome bottom, Dr Aamer and Lesley’s Harley Street clinic is full of clients keen to improve their appearance. Is surgery the best route, or can you find your answer in a product? Our husbandand-wife team discuss the options available.
I’VE GOT BUMPY ARMS, LIKE HAVING PERMANENT GOOSE BUMPS! HOW CAN I MAKE MY SKIN SMOOTHER AGAIN?
DR AAMER SAYS: Called keratosis pilaris, this is genetic, occurring when too much keratin, the protein found in the skin’s outer layers, builds up in the hair follicles. They get blocked, causing the surface of the skin to go bumpy and red. It’s common on outer arms and thighs but can appear anywhere on the body. You can’t eradicate it, but a course of professional glycolic peels, once a week for six weeks, will get rid of the top layer of dead skin, leaving it clearer and smoother. It’s suitable for all skin types and doesn’t involve any downtime. After it, use a glycolic lotion daily to help keep skin smooth. From £80 a peel.
LESLEY SAYS:
You might be tempted to scrub, but using a loofah or a grainy exfoliator may irritate the bumps. The same goes for picking or squeezing! Avoid hot showers and keep the water tepid. Use a face cleanser containing salicylic or glycolic acid on the affected areas; this will penetrate the follicles to help loosen dead skin cells. I like Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Purifying Cleansing Wash, £7.99. Then use a body lotion containing the same ingredients. Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion, £14.50, gently exfoliates skin and minimises irritation. Slather it on every day to encourage smoother skin within a week or two. Also, use an SPF if you’re going sleeveless, as UV rays can aggravate your goosebumps.
DR AAMER SAYS:
Although laser technology has come on in leaps and bounds, the procedure isn’t for everyone. Not all lasers suit all skin and hair types, and some don’t suit all areas of the body. The procedure works best on pale skin, and your legs shouldn’t show any signs of tan – including fake – as it targets and destroys the dark hair follicle, easier to pinpoint when skin is lighter. Strong pulses of light are aimed at the hair follicle, causing a burst of heat that damages or kills the cells that cause hairs to grow. It only works on actively growing hairs, which is around 15-25 per cent – this is why it takes multiple sessions to zap them all.
Expect each session to last up to an hour, and keep treated areas out of the sun after each session. Avoid this treatment if you’re planning a holiday soon! Let the leg hair grow slightly (1-2mm) so that it’s easier to access. A small test should always be carried out before treatment. From £300 a session.
LESLEY SAYS:
There are other home solutions available besides waxing! There are now some great hand-held, light-based DIY hair removal gadgets you can use at home. The results can be excellent, and it will work out a lot cheaper than going to a clinic. They are good for hair on most parts of the body, including the legs, but these devices are not as strong as a professional laser, so you may need multiple sessions. The Silk’n Infinity Hair Removal Device, £229 (currentbody.com), uses eHPL technology, creating pulses of light to permanently remove hair growth without stubble, ingrown hairs, redness or irritation. It feels a bit like being pinged lightly with an elastic band. The device also connects to your smartphone via the Silk’n Infinity app, which allows you to create your own customised treatment programme. The Silk’n Infinity is suitable for all skin tones, including the darkest skin colours.
I’M FED UP WITH WAXING AND WOULD LIKE TO TRY LASER HAIR REMOVAL ON MY LEGS, BUT IS IT SAFE? Jenny, Sheffield
I HATE MY VERY LARGE, SAGGY BOTTOM. CAN YOU RECOMMEND A TREATMENT TO HELP MAKE IT LOOK FIRMER AND NEATER? Tess, Cardiff
DR AAMER SAYS:
Many British women are pear-shaped but, to get a smaller, firmer bottom, I recommend trying BodyTite, which can remove lumps and bumps and excess fat. It can also be used to sculpt the undersides of the bottom to give a little uplift. It’s a one-off treatment with permanent results, which can be done under a local anaesthetic.
A radio frequency probe is inserted under the skin, which heats and melts fat. This is then sucked out; at the same time, the probe tightens the skin. Compression garments must be worn for at least two weeks afterwards, 24/7, and you will have to avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks. Expect to be bruised and sore for a few days. You’ll see best results around three months later. From £2,000.
LESLEY SAYS:
A classic trouble spot, the bottom is comprised of skin, fat and other tissue and ages similarly to the face. A host of factors cause it to sag, including fat loss, decreased elasticity and lifestyle habits. Thanks to the female hormone oestrogen, all women are prone to carrying fat on their lower half – but it’s much healthier to have a fat bottom than a fat tummy. Storing fat around the middle increases the risk of heart disease.
Although you can’t alter your rear’s natural shape, you can build up muscle and shed excess weight through diet and exercise. But don’t crash-diet, because you will lose muscle as well as fat, which will only make things worse.
Aim to keep muscle tissue toned by eating protein every day. Tuck into wholegrain foods that release energy slowly, and limit refined sugar to keep blood sugar stable. Include zinc-rich foods, such as eggs and chicken; these can help prevent stretch marks.
Activities that work the legs – running, cycling, walking and swimming – are all great bottom boosters. Short on time? Buttock clenches will also help firm up those muscles, and you can do them anywhere. Stand with feet apart and clench your bottom muscles. Hold for a few seconds and repeat for one to two minutes. Lunges and squats are also good. You should see a difference after three months of exercise and diet.