Why plant power is a real skin saviour
WHEN it comes to skincare it’s easy to assume that the best products on beauty counters are the most high-tech. However this isn’t the case as there are many natural flower, plant and fruit-based ingredients that have powerful skin benefits too.
Plant extracts used in beauty products contain active molecules that can work wonders, from boosting collagen to fading age spots. We’ve rounded up the best natural ingredients that will solve all your skincare problems.
IMPROVE SKIN TONE
Look for: Glycolic acid from sugar cane and natural crystals.
Try: Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub, £65 (cultbeauty.co.uk). This exfoliator contains ruby crystals and organic red tea extract to buff away dead skin cells, leaving skin brighter and clearer. It can be used daily and over time will improve the appearance of fine lines while reducing pore size.
BOOST COLLAGEN
Look for: Plant stem cells. Try: Stemcellutions Restorative Moisture Drink, £70 (harleystreet skincare.com). Plant stem cells boost collagen levels by stimulating the skin’s rejuvenation process.
This moisturiser from our own skincare range contains a potent combination of apple stem cells, antioxidants and peptides.
Use morning and night to help restore elasticity and keep skin hydrated.
BANISH ACNE
Look for: Black willow bark, prebiotics.
Try: Oy Clear Skin Purifying Serum, £14 (greenpeople.co.uk). This lightweight formula helps to balance the skin and reduce acne-forming bacteria with black willow bark and tea tree extract.
It also contains rosehip oil to prevent scar formation. To use, gently pat on to any blemishes and reapply throughout the day.
SMOOTH WRINKLES
Look for: Carotenoids, sunflower oil, pomegranate oil or naturally derived vitamin A.
Try: Green People Age Defy + Cell Enrich Facial Oil, £32 (greenpeople. co.uk). Deeply nourishing, this facial oil is enriched with a blend of 20 active ingredients including sunflower oil and blackcurrant.
Apply a few drops after cleansing morning and night to restore skin elasticity and soften wrinkles.
CALM REDNESS
Look for: Daisy extract. Try: Dr Hauschka Melissa Day Cream, £27 (johnlewis.com). Ideal for irritated and combination skin this natural and organic moisturising cream contains daisy extract, which is a potent and fast-acting skin soother. It also contains witch hazel and carrot to calm redness and reduce oiliness while balancing the complexion. DEEP CLEANSE Look for: Maca, mineral clays and oats.
Try: Odylique Three-In-One Maca Mask, £20 (odylique.co.uk). Maca root powder is sold as a superfood supplement and has a host of benefits. Its high levels of amino acids make it useful in beauty products too. This deep-cleansing mask also contains green and white mineral clays and organic Fairtrade sugar cane and mint.
PLUMP SKIN Look for: Hyaluronic acid, sunflower oil.
Try: My Trusty Sunflower Face and Body Oil, £8.99 (mytrustyskincare. co.uk). Beautiful skin begins with good hydration and this natural formula is rich in essential fatty
Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and anti-ageing advice
acids sourced from sunflower oil as well as rose oil, neroli, bergamot and rosemary.
It is light enough to wear under make-up and contains no parabens or artificial perfumes. Clinical trials showed a significant increase in skin hydration for up to 24 hours and profits from every purchase are donated to the NHS.
AT THE CLINIC
Cell therapy, also called Recell, involves transplanting cells from your own body to treat and repair skin imperfections such as scars. It is a good natural alternative to laser treatment.
A small biopsy is taken from an area close to the skin being treated. Sample cells are then separated to produce a special solution that is sprayed on to the treatment area.
The treated area and biopsy site are covered with a dressing for up to a week. This allows the cells to multiply, restoring the skin’s structure and pigmentation.
It’s a one-off treatment and prices start from £1,500. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy helps to rejuvenate skin using your own blood cells. A blood sample is taken and the platelets are separated out and injected back into the face or body. The platelets release growth factors that help the body repair itself by stimulating cells to boost collagen production.
The result is skin that looks plumper and revitalised. It is a safe, natural treatment and highly effective at tackling sun damage on the face, hands and neck. No recovery time is needed and results last up to 18 months. From £1,500. Fat grafting, where fat is harvested from one area of the body using liposuction and transferred into another, can be used to restore lost volume to the face, plump up thin lips, reshape the bottom or breasts, rejuvenate hands and add shape to calves.
Minimal recovery time is needed and there should be little bruising, swelling or discomfort after the procedure. However the results are not permanent and you may need a top-up treatment annually. Cost from £2,500, depending on the size of the area treated.
For advice on cosmetic surgery consult your GP. For more of Lesley’s tips see lesleyreynolds.com