There are all kinds of anti-ageing wellness experts out there, all of whom recommend different things for your skin. However, we’ve found three experts – a plastic surgeon, a facialist and a dermatologist – to give you their top tips for looking after your wellbeing, and gaining gorgeous skin in the process.
The Plastic Surgeon: According to NYC-based cosmetic surgeon Dr. Shirley Madhère, ‘I pick up Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Foaming Face Wash, $6 [£3.60], whenever I’m in London. It’s a gentle cleanser that’s perfect for both my oily T-zone and the dry periphery of my face. After cleansing, I mist alcohol-free SanRe Rosy Fresh Organic Revitalizing Facial Toner, $26 [£15.90], to restore moisture. Then I put on a multivitamin concentrate like (1) Lierac Mèsolift Serum, $60 [£36.70], and a sheer moisturizer, such as (2) Natura Bissè The Cure Sheer Cream, $160 [£97.80], mixed with (3) La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer with sunscreen, $32 [£19.60]. Most of these are water-based, so they don’t feel heavy.’
She adds, ‘I alternate a clay mask and an apricot scrub that I got from an Ayurvedic doctor in India. The scrub is gentle, and the clay extracts impurities from the pores as it soothes the skin. When my skin feels dry, I apply (4) Acure Argan Oil 100% Certified Organic, $15 [£9.20], at night. And (5) Crème de la Mer, $150 [£92], is my repair cream. I bring sample-size jars on trips to use throughout long flights. Both of these help prevent water loss from the skin, yet they absorb rapidly and don’t feel greasy. I warm a dollop of La Mer or a few drops of oil between my hands, then place them on my face and neck.’
The Facialist: Not only does Mamie McDonald tend to some very famous faces – such as Beyoncé, Chloë Sevigny, Eva Mendes, and Jay-Z, to name a few – but she also searches out the best natural products for her supersensitive skin. McDonald explains, ‘Because I battle rosacea and eczema, I avoid perfumes and chemicals, and I don’t like to strip my skin. M’Lis is one of the best organic chemical-free skincare lines I’ve found. I use its gentle (1) Wash Herbal Cleanser, [£15.90], as a face and body wash.’ However, it’s not just the products she uses, but the foods she eats that give her a gorgeous, glowing complexion. ‘I avoid spicy foods that trigger my rosacea, and eat raw fruits, vegetables, and berries, all wonderful sources of antioxidants that contribute to great skin,’ she says. ‘I even make masks with fresh berries and yoghurt. I also drink plenty of water to detoxify and hydrate.’
The Dermatologist: For dry skin solutions, NYC dermatologist Dr. Misbah Khan is the woman to know. Not only is she an expert in the field, but she is cautious about caring for her own hypersensitive complexion. Dr. Khan notes, ‘I wash my face with Elure Advanced Facial Wash, $35 [£21.40] —and lukewarm, not hot, water—morning and night. It’s mild but takes off oil, dirt, perspiration, and makeup…For anti-ageing, I layer a prescription retinoid over my night cream once or twice a week. The retinoid penetrates through, but it’s much less irritating on my skin.’ She also points out, ‘My sensitive skin doesn’t tolerate chemical exfoliation well. Once a week I use Clarisonic Refining Skin Polish, $25 [£15.30], with the (1) Aria brush, $199 [£121.70], which is gentle but leaves my skin radiant…I do anything I can to maintain hydration, which helps prevent my skin from drying out and keeps eczema at bay. I have a humidifier in my bedroom and keep it running all year round. I even take a small Air-O-Swiss Travel Humidifier, $40 [£24.50], on the road.’
