Perfect skin — instantly
LATELY, I have noticed a lot more wrinkles developing around my nose and mouth, and I have even been considering Botox or fillers. Is there anything I can try that’s less drastic?
Sheila, 62, Cheshire. BoTox, fillers and even lasers are becoming more common in helping to smooth out lines and wrinkles on the face, but they’re not always the answer.
Cosmetic doctor Dr Darren McKeown has seen an increase in patients asking for treatment on what they call ‘bad skin days’.
‘For some, cosmetic procedures are almost becoming an addiction,’ he says. ‘Every time they have a bad skin day, or notice another wrinkle, they want to book another procedure. But this approach is all wrong.
‘Cosmetic medicine works well when used in moderation. I only want to help slow the ageing process, not stop it entirely. Anything more than this and you risk looking unnatural.’
He adds: ‘When you feel skin needs a boost, the answer should be good skincare or cosmetic products.’
Dr McKeown is the latest cosmetic doctor to bring out an instant skin-perfecting product — Stop & Wow!, which launches in September (£24.60, QVC). ‘Instant skin perfectors are like a hybrid between advanced skincare and a cosmetic product,’ he explains. ‘They are designed as a “quick fix” for your complexion.’
Usually containing microparticles that sit within imperfections on the skin’s surface, these products deflect light, providing a camouflage effect.
Skin perfectors are particularly effective on open pores and uneven texture. With a whole host hitting shelves this summer, I tried out a few of my favourites. Estee Lauder New Dimension Shape + Fill Expert Serum (£62, esteelauder.co.uk) LAUNCHING on September 1, this concentrated formula works to define the contours of the face. I noticed plumper skin and improved fullness around my cheeks. Studio 10 Miracle Effect Priming Serum (£68, studio10beauty.com) Promising results in 15 minutes, this contains type 1 collagen to replace elasticity, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and anti-inflammatory extracts to reduce puffiness. The difference in my skin is amazing: it blurs my wrinkles! Cult 51 Immediate Effect Serum (£95, cultbeauty.co.uk) A powerful serum with instant results, this serum is formulated to reduce deep lines and wrinkles. It gets to work fast, and my skin feels as though it has regained elasticity. Clarins Super Restorative Remodelling Serum (£80, clarins.co.uk) For mature skin, this uses plant extracts to prevent the melting of fatty tissue. There’s a big difference in the smoothness of my skin, and it appears to lift sagging jowls. Amazing Cosmetics Anti-Aging Face Primer (£25.99, feelunique.com) THIS two-in-one moisturiser and primer reduces pores and uses botanical ingredients that act as moisture magnets. My skin felt hydrated all day long. Lacura Expert Wrinkle Smoother (£4.99, Aldi, from August 16) THE least expensive product I tried, but this works well, instantly reducing wrinkles — and it also claims to stop new ones forming.