8 Anti-Ageing Experts Share Their Personal Care Tips

Have you ever experienced anti-ageing wellness envy? You shamelessly stare at your hairdresser, dermatologist, or dentist and think, How the heck does she pull it off? What’s the secret to her great hair, pore-free complexion, or flawless teeth? Well, read on to find out how the beauty industry’s top experts take care of their own wellbeing, so you can better take care of yours.

 

1. Open Sesame: According to Lisa Hedley, founder and creative director of the Mayflower Inn and Spa, ‘First thing every morning, I massage organic sesame oil from the health-food store all over my body. Working it in wakes me up and really gets my blood circulating. Plus, the oil hydrates my skin, giving it a healthy glow. Then I jump in the shower—the oil naturally cleans away dead skin cells.’

 

2. Go Fish: ‘Anti-inflammatories are the best anti-agers out there,’ asserts Arlene Noodleman, MD, medical director of the Age Defy Dermatology and Wellness Centre. ‘From improving heart and immune functions to helping hair grow and skin look supple, they truly do wonders. I take three 500 milligram capsules of omega-3 fish oil in the morning and at night. I look for labels that say, “molecularly distilled for purity,” which means pesticide-free.’

 

3. Java Stripped: ‘I avoid stained teeth by drinking my coffee quickly,’ says cosmetic dentist Elisa Mello, DDS. ‘If you sip it over the course of an hour, it keeps coating and recoating. The same goes for other staining liquids, like tea and dark juices.’

 

4. Turn the Base Down Low: Joanna Schlip, celebrity makeup artist for Physician’s Formula, notes, ‘I’ve stopped using foundation every day, because it settles into wrinkles and makes them more noticeable. I start with a concealer just where I need it (under-eye area, blemishes, etc.) and follow it with an all-over application of tinted moisturiser.’

 

5. Simple Plan: Karen M. Horton, MD, plastic surgeon and reconstructive microsurgeon at the Women’s Plastic Surgery Centre, details, ‘Because I’m a plastic surgeon, companies send me so many skin-care samples—and some of them have 10 different steps! But I’m realistic, so there’s no way I’m going to sign up for some huge beauty system that costs hundreds of dollars and requires a commitment that I’m not willing to make. Honestly, here’s my daily skin-care routine: I go home, wash my face with a drugstore cleanser, put on a moisturiser, and fall into bed. I find that this simple regimen works well for me.’

 

6. Ditch the Sweet Tooth: ‘The number-one ingredient that I avoid in my diet is processed sugar,’ says Ava Shamban, MD, dermatologist and owner of the Laser Institute for Dermatology and Skin care. ‘The reason: It speeds up the ageing process by binding to and eventually weakening the collagen in your skin, which can lead to premature wrinkles and sagging. I eat lots of vegetables and fruits every day—and I steer clear of Twinkies at all costs!’

 

7…and Scrub It On Instead: ‘In the shower, I lather my hands with a mild cleanser, add a handful of white sugar, and slather it all over my face and body,’ celebrity makeup artist Carmindy reveals. ‘It makes my skin so smooth and creates a great canvas for makeup.’

 

8. All-Night Hair Care: Laura Hittleman, corporate director of beauty services at Canyon Ranch, admits, ‘At night, I straighten my hair with a flat iron and put it up in a loose ponytail right above my forehead—it’s not cute, but I don’t care—and wear it like that all night. When I take it down in the morning, it has such a youthful bounce to it.’

Categories: anti, anti ageing, care, celebrity makeup, makeup artist, nbsp, omega-3 fish oil, plastic surgeon, sesame oil, skin, skin care, white sugar

Problem Areas of Your Body and How to Make them Look Younger

As you age, your skin naturally becomes more fragile. The outer layer of your skin, which is called the epidermis, starts to thin even though the number of cell layers remains constant. On top of that, the number of pigmented cells, or melanocytes, begins to decrease, and the melanocytes that are left begins to enlarge. For these reasons, aging skin will appear thinner, paler, and clearer. The aging process is inevitable, but there are ways you can conceal or slow that process down. Here are some common problem areas associated with aging and some of the things you can do to make them look younger.

 

Double chin

A double chin is a layer of fat that sags down from around the neck. There are several causes of a double chin: age, genetics, and excess weight. In the past, there were few methods of improving the look of one’s neck other than surgery. Today, less invasive techniques exist. Ulthera is a skin-lifting procedure that utilizes ultrasound to encourage collagen growth under the skin. It has been shown that one treatment alone can radically improve the contours of sagging double chins. Still, the neck lift remains the best option for permanently eliminating the issue. Performed by a plastic surgeon, a necklift improves the appearance of your neck by removing or altering excess skin and fat.

 

Wrinkles

As we age, the elastin fibers in our skin begin to wear out. This is what causes wrinkles. There are a number of anti-wrinkle creams that are both affordable and effective. The best creams will include retinol, a form of vitamin A and a wrinkle smoother that reduces lines quickly. Retinol is an essential vitamin for skin health, and it will encourage collagen growth and can help unclog pores. Many women don’t get enough of the desired results from using anti-wrinkle creams, so they enlist the help of a facelift to smooth away wrinkles and tighten the skin on the face. As we look at the history of facelifts, it is easy to see that these procedures have improved with technological advancements and today they are fare less invasive, with quicker recovery times.

 

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that appear blue or red, and you’ll typically find them on your legs as you age. They are caused by weakened valves in the veins and sometimes referred to as “spiderweb” veins because of their web-like appearance. There are some over the counter creams that will help the circulation within your legs and possibly reduce the visibility of these veins. Smaller varicose veins can be treated with lasers, which cause the veins to collapse and disappear. Larger varicose veins will need to be treated with sclerotherapy. This method involves injecting the veins with a solution that causes the veins to collapse and disappear.

 

Baggy Eyelids

As the skin begins to the thin around the eyes, it may also start to sag. Applying a moisturizer will help the skin keep its volume. As you get older, this skin will become more saggy, so if you start to experience this type of drooping early in life, you might consider a procedure to help keep the skin tight in that area. Baggy eyelids can be treated with an intense pulse light, which smooths out the skin. Usually, this procedure costs around $800, and should always be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon who can safely eliminate the extra skin, while making your face look natural.

 

Age Spots

Age spots are caused by the exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation over one’s lifetime. Even if you protect yourself in the sun, you might still see these spots pop up as you get older. The best way to get rid of them is through laser treatment. Usually, one or two treatments are needed, at $400 to $700 per treatment, after which you should see major reduction in the spots, and hopefully a more even skin tone. These spots are typically found on the arms and legs, but you can also get them on your face, and other areas that have had high exposure to ultraviolet rays over the years.

 

While the tips listed above might dramatically improve problems you might have with your skin, the best way to look young is to save yourself from the preventable causes of aging. Protect your skin from sun exposure by wearing sunscreen and avoiding sun tanning. If you’re a smoker, quit smoking immediately. Eat a healthy diet full of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, in addition to vitamins A and B. As you age, you’ll notice differences in your skin and body, some of these can be remedied, and others cannot. There are plenty of products and procedures available to help you look younger, however, nothing keeps you looking young like a healthy, happy lifestyle.

Categories: age spots, anti-wrinkle, baggy eyelids, body, collagen growth, double chin, encourage collagen, plastic surgeon, problem areas, varicose veins, wrinkle creams, younger

Skincare Experts Share Their Personal Beauty Regimes

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.’

Categories: anti ageing, dermatologist, face, facialist, gentle, la mer, plastic surgeon, skin, wash, Water

Windows to the Soul: How to Improve Your Under-Eye Area

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then most of us have got very dark and puffy windowsills. When it comes to anti-ageing wellness, dark circles and bags under your eyes are a dead giveaway, and one that affects many-a-person’s wellbeing. According to dermatologist Valerie Goldburt, MD, PhD, of NYU Langone Medical Centre, ‘I hear patients voice complaints several times a day.’ However, the good news is, once you work out what your particular eye-problem is, there are some effective, wellness fixes you can try.

 

1. Morning-after puffy eyes: Water building up under your eyes could be due to a cold, seasonal allergy or sinus infection. Goldburt explains, ‘We have the thinnest skin around our eyes, so it’s the area that’s most influenced by the in-and-out flow of fluids.’ Another reason for puffy eyes might be that you ate too much salty food last night, or cried a lot. Goldburt clarifies, ‘Water always travels from areas in the body where there’s low salt concentration to tissues where there’s more salt.’ If your puffy eyes are due to hay fever or colds, over-the-counter medications, such as neti pots, will probably sort your eyes out. Sleeping on your back with an extra pillow under your head also encourages the water not to collect in your eyes. Goldburt says, ‘The earlier you start changing your sleep position, the better, because after a few years under-eye bags can became permanent.’

 

2. Dark Circles: Unlike puffy eyes, dark circles are often not temporary or caused by something in your life. Rather, pigmentary issues are often inherited, and the natural ageing process also contribute to dark circles as the skin around your eye becomes thinner and exposes the tiny blood vessels that lie just below. That said, New York makeup artist Kimara Ahnert asserts that you can still do something about it. Choose a concealer than matches your skin tone and, if you have mild discoloration, make sure you pick a liquid formula. For more prominent shadows, coverage with a cream or cake concealer is best, just pat the concealer on lightly from the inner corner of your eye to just past the outer corner. Joseph Eviatar, MD, a New York ophthalmic plastic surgeon, notes that dark circles caused by extremely thin skin are ‘really difficult to treat, [but] eye creams that contain caffeine may help a bit because they constrict the underlying blood vessels.’

 

3. General quick fixes: If you just generally want more youthful-looking eyes, start by quitting smoking and applying sun cream to your eye area on a daily basis. Both smoking and exposure to UV rays weaken your collagen production, which causes premature wrinkling and sagging. Another top tip from Goldburt is to apply a moisturiser to your eye area every night. ‘You don’t need to spend a lot,’ Goldburt assures. ‘Almost any drugstore moisturiser will provide the hydration you need.’ However, Goldburt’s number one tip is to use a prescription retinoic acid – the vitamin A cream that goes by the generic name tretinoin – as part of your daily skin care regimen. According to Goldburt, ‘It’s the single best thing you can use to prevent wrinkles and improve existing lines.’ Brent Moelleken, MD, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, adds ‘We have patients who swear by’ using a haemorrhoid cream on puffy eyes. ‘But we suggest a retinol eye cream instead.’ If all else fails, why not try the classic, cheap options of placing cold spoons, slices of cucumbers, chilled tea bags, or even a package of frozen peas under your eyes. The cool temperatures – rather than any special properties of cucumbers or peas – reduce swelling.

Categories: blood vessels, Dark Circles, eye area, eyes, goldburt, lot goldburt, moisturiser, plastic surgeon, puffy, Puffy Eyes, skin