The BIG beauty QUESTIONS
Q I have very large visible pores on my T-zone. Is there anything I can do to make them smaller? Abigail, Norwich A As we age, the skin around pores becomes less elastic, making them appear larger. Make-up, trapped oil and dead skin cells can also block pores and make them more visible.
You can make them appear smaller. Follow a good skin-care routine. Use an acid-based cleanser like CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser, £12, which combines salicylic and hyaluronic acids to leave skin smooth. Twice a week, BeautyLab’s Micropolish Microdermabrasion, £45, will help remove anything your cleanser can’t shift. Stick to a lightweight moisturiser that easily sinks into the skin and doesn’t get trapped, like Bioderma Hydrabio GelCream, £15.20. Silicone primers, like M&S Autograph Hydrating Confidence Boost Primer, £12.50, can help make them appear smaller, so foundation sticks to that smooth surface, not into pores. Retinol before bed promotes cell regeneration, and will also help to shed old skin cells in order to prevent them causing blockages. Try the Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, £4.20. Finally, don’t forget to wear SPF30 daily. Lesley Reynolds from the Harley Street Skin Clinic answers your big dilemmas QEvery morning I wake up with puffy eyes. Are there any natural remedies? Olivia, Newcastle AWe’ve all been there – lack of sleep, alcohol, stress and allergies are all contributory factors. It can sometimes be down to water retention, too much salt in your diet or just from tossing and turning during the night. A quick, easy fix for puffiness is a cold compress – try slices of chilled cucumber or soak two teabags in cold water and chill in the fridge, then place over the eyes for 10 minutes. Or take a flannel, soak in cold water and put into the freezer for a couple of minutes, then place over the eyes for a few minutes. Finish with a soothing eye cream. Then distract with lashings of mascara! Q I’ve got thin, crepey skin on my legs and arms. How can I improve its appearance? Fiona, Peebles
ASkin
that has turned crepey basically lacks thickness. Culmulative sun damage is the main culprit, causing a change in skin texture, along with natural ageing, pollution, smoking and rapid weight loss. Women in their 40s and 50s are more prone due to hormonal changes.
Check with your doctor, as hormone therapy may help.
Use a rich body moisturiser to help plump the skin. Formulas that contain elastin, retinol, antioxidants and antiageing peptides are a plus, since they help thicken the skin’s foundation. I like Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion, £7.99.
Dry brushing daily with Holland & Barrett Eco Bath Natural Bristle Brush, £9.99, before you shower will also help. Tuck into collagenboosting foods, including Vitamin C-loaded fruits like mango and oranges, and carrots ,which contain antioxidants. Tuna and salmon are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that help create stronger cells. Protein is important, so eat lean meat once or twice a week, plus plant protein, like peaches and berries.