I’LL HAVE WHAT SHE’S HAVING!

We quizzed five leading skin specialists for the tips, treatments and products they rely on

The hightech derm

Dr Anjali Mahto, Author of The Skincare Bible, is a consultant dermatologist. It’s only a marker of UVB protection, so while the addition of SPF makes moisturiser sound virtuous, it won’t protect you from UVA, infrared or High Energy Visible Light (HEV), all of which impact ageing. It’s why you need a specialist product. I use

Heliocare 360 Gel Oil

Free SPF50, £24. Along with UV protection, retinoids are the core of anti-ageing skincare, but they should be introduced slowly. Start with a 0.3% retinol, build up tolerance, then move on to a 1%. Once you’re used to your 1%, see a dermatologist for prescription retinoids, as they give the best results. Too much UV light may be ageing, but it’s also essential for creating vitamin D. I take a supplement from October to March, when UK levels of UV light are scarce.

The holistic therapist

Insight, intuition and nature are the driving forces behind Annee De Mamiel’s approach. As women, we store a lot of tension in our jaw. I massage mine, using the second bend in my fingers to pinch, press and roll from chin to ear. We hold puffiness in our faces, so opening up the lymph system to encourage fluid drainage is key to looking youthfully sculpted. Use a flat palm to sweep from behind your ear to the opposite clavicle a few times, then repeat on the other side. My Anchor Sleep Balm, £40, is packed with soothing ingredients and when I rub it on my wrists and chest before bed, it helps me have a better night’s sleep. Support your skin with supplements. Probiotics, omega 3s and magnesium are my holy trinity, but I’d recommend seeing a nutritionist to get a stool test, so you can find out exactly what you need.

The A-list glow giver

‘Super facialist’ Sarah Chapman is known for her celebrity clientele as well as her skinboosting techniques. Clean skin is the foundation of great skin and a good cleansing balm is hard to beat. It encourages skinstimulating massage, and dislodges dirt and dead cells like nothing else. Dehydration makes lines look worse, so as well as drinking plenty of water, introduce a (moisture-binding) hyaluronic acid serum into your routine. My

Skinesis Intense

Hydrating Booster, £59, is a good place to start. To boost skin before a big event, you need a hydrating facial with non-irritating protocols, like massage and LED light therapy. But avoid peels or dermabrasion. I sprinkle flaxseed oil on salads and veg – it’s an easy way to ingest skin-supporting essential fatty acids, which help keep skin hydrated and plump.

The in-demand doctor

Her cutting-edge knowledge and subtle use of injectables mean Dr Vicky Dondos has a waiting list of months. No matter how much we love the feel of a facial scrub, chemical exfoliants work better on older skin. I like salicylic acid and have yet to find anything better than Epionce Lytic Lotion, about £54. Over 40, you need a softer approach to Botox – flatten out the wrinkles too much and you start to lose plumpness. I go lightly on crow’s feet and dial down forehead Botox, supplementing it with a little filler instead. Skin changes after menopause can mean our favourite creams often don’t work as well. This is where newgeneration injectable moisturisers come in. I’ve started seeing great results with Profhilo – 10 injections quench skin and let you keep going with the products you love. (Lasts about six months.)

The old-school facialist

Sarah Carr was recently signed to Liz Earle as head facialist and lifestyle ambassador. I ‘connect’ with my body every morning. It sets a good tone for the day, helping me eat and move more mindfully, which, of course, is positive for skin. It can be as simple as doing arm rolls or stretches. Never leave a salon with a bag of products sold to you on the spot. Good therapists will work with you over a few months to build up a skincare kit, based on your skin’s changing needs. I bookend each day with a pint of water. Skin is at its best when you’re well hydrated and for non-h2o lovers, this is an easy way to boost your daily quota.

Liz Earle Gel Mask,

£19, is a great suit-all skincare standby. I love using it in the morning when catching up on emails – it really brightens my skin.