How to keep your skin in top shape
We all want younger, firmer skin – and collagen is key to turning back the clock. We asked Scotland’s experts for the latest advice on reclaiming our youth
THERE’S an army of lotions, potions and vitamins out there for us to take in the battle to stay youthful. But what we really need is collagen – and lots of it.
Boosting collagen results in younger-looking, more radiant and plump skin. As we age, our collagen production declines. But Scotland’s beauty experts say we can get it back.
“Collagen makes up more than 75 per cent of our skin and the smooth plump appearance of young, healthy skin is down to the presence of healthy collagen levels,” explained Fiona Fowley of award-winning Edinburgh salon collection Zen Lifestyle.
“Many things cause the breakdown of collagen production levels – age, bad diet, sun exposure, smoking, poor sleep and alcohol – and this leads to aged skin.
“Through developments and new technologies in the beauty industry, you can now stimulate collagen production.”
Fiona said there’s a number of different ways to promote collagen production. Targeted and advanced treatment is one. Then there are products geared towards increasing that youthful experience. You can even drink yourself younger.
She added: “A combined approach is always best to maximise results.”
Here, we reveal the top ways to regain your collagen. THE UPLIFT Anna Richardson of Channel 4’s How Not to Get Old is a fan of Ulthera, a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound and the body’s natural healing process to lift, tone and tighten loose skin by stimulating collagen production deep within the tissue.
Anna’s go-to London doctor for this is celeb favourite Dr Rita Rakus, who also has a monthly clinic in Edinburgh where prices start at £1990. (www.drritarakus.com)
Glasgow cosmetic surgery firm Cosmedicare, based in Royal Crescent, offer non-invasive Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound to lift and tighten the skin by stimulating collagen production. Prices depend on the area. (www. cosmedicare.uk) LIGHT IT UP That A-lister glow can be achieved through lightonly skin rejuvenation. Zen Lifestyle offer LED red light therapy treatment Omnilux.
It stimulates the body’s natural processes to counteract ageing’s effects.
The Omnilux treatment (£48 or £10 combined with any other facial) has an instant lifting, hydrating effect and causes a production of collagen. (www.zenlifestyle.com) THE LIFTING MASSAGE Elemis’ Pro Collagen facial is a seriously anti-wrinkle facial with clinically proven results.
After one treatment, it reduced the number of wrinkles by up to 94 per cent and improved skin firmness by up to 57 per cent.
It’s all down to specialised lifting massage techniques combined with professional strength anti-ageing formulations. Spa at Glasgow’s Blythswood Square Hotel offer this 55-minute treatment for £87. (www.blythswoodsquare.com) DRINK YOURSELF YOUNGER Skinade is a natural peach and mangosteen collagen drink that boosts natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in as little as 30 days.
Fiona Fowley said: “Delivering essential micronutrients in liquid form, it aims to rebuild the collagen matrix in your skin, reducing oxidative stress and increasing moisture and hydration as well as the natural hyaluronic acid production within the dermal layer of the skin. Tone is improved, as is texture and suppleness.”
Developed by UK scientists and only available in selected skin clinics, Skinade is designed to provide a perfect ratio of liquid to active ingredients in order to create one of the most advanced, effective and bio-available skincare products on the market.
Skinade is sold in 30-day packs and costs £105 from Zen Lifestyle from June 1. (www.zen-lifestyle.com) YOUTH IN A BOTTLE Murad’s Rapid Collagen Infusion (£65) uses winged kelp to smooth skin by fostering natural collagen and elastin. It also boosts skin’s resilience and plumps dehydrated skin to reduce wrinkle depth appearance. Decleor’s Prolagene Lift & Firm Day Cream (£75, John Lewis) is an anti-ageing moisturiser to firm and add radiance. Its key ingredients of L-Proline complex and soy extract help to boost the development of collagen and restore firmness. Hyaluronic acids fill in wrinkles.