Five anti-aging skin secrets from GoodHousekeeping.co.uk
International consultant Wendy Lewis shares her top anti-ageing secrets
Time your treatments For day, use a moisturiser with an SPF15 plus antioxidant vitamins A, C and E to offset environmental ageing. Look for formulas with the new high potency antioxidant idebenone. Soy is a great emollient that fades age spots and can even slow down hair growth. At night, when there's no risk of sun reaction, use a retinoid (vitamin A) formula. Don't overdo creams It's a common mistake to use too much moisturiser but not enough real protection. Pick lighter, no-shine textures that work well under make-up and avoid pore-clogging, petrolatum-based formulas. Don't use too many products together, either, or you could risk reactions. Most importantly, follow the instructions to the letter and give creams time to work. And don't forget your neck - for me, your face ends at your bustline.
Choose your regime shrewdly First work out your budget. You can buy cheaper cleanser and skip toner altogether, but do spend on anti-ageing products. Buy brands you love and will keep on using regularly. Go for high potency products with active ingredients above 1% concentration - check what's nearest the top of the contents list. But beware: the longer the list, the more likely it is there'll be preservatives that could irritate.
Consider Botox It's the most effective de-ager on the market and gives near instant, long-lasting results. Botox-style creams and serums can't freeze the muscles that cause creases, but peptides - their active ingredients - relax and plump skin and, in time, replace proteins. The results aren't dramatic but after at least six weeks' use, the skin surface will look smoother.
Try a skin peel Clinical peels reduce hyper-pigmentation and fine lines. Take-home kits are much milder and need to be used more often but they're good exfoliators. They won't take away lines, but they deep-clean, freshen and brighten skin. Don't overdo it, though, particularly if your skin is sensitive.
Wendy Lewis has advised clients on anti-ageing skincare and cosmetic surgery treatments for the past 20 years. Her best advice? ‘Be realistic.'
