Healthy living
Anti-ageing
Get glowing
Feeling a bit drab and grey? Find out if beauty products could help put some colour and shine back in your cheeks, with the help of Dr Tamara Griffiths, Consultant Dermatologist and founding member of the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group. Written by Lisa Kjellsson
The Body Shop Vitamin C Re-texturising Peel
What the blurb says: The next best thing to a facial in just 15 minutes. A face mask with a zingy zesty fragrance that gently peels away surface dead skin cells and shrinks enlarged pores to reveal a smoother, tighter and brighter complexion.
How it’s supposed to work: Antioxidant Vitamin C, pumpkin, papaya and apple enzymes work together at stimulating cell renewal, encouraging collagen production and rejuvenating the skin.
The dermatologist’s comment: “Antioxidants such as vitamin C will add protection against the sun's damaging rays, but needs to be stabilized in a topical application as it breaks down very easily. Fruit acids act as gentle peeling agents to remove dead skin cells and reveal plumper’ cells underneath”.
Price: 50 ml £12. Available from The Body Shop stores nationwide.
Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask
What the blurb says: Much more than a superb deep-cleansing treatment, this luxuriously smooth mud mask is integral to the Hungarian spa tradition, – a nourishing blend of purifying clay and mud sourced from the bed of Lake Heviz .
How it’s supposed to work: Minerals, vitamins, calcium and magnesium actively re-energise and brighten the skin as the mask draws out impurities.
The dermatologist’s comment: “Clay and mud masks will temporarily reduce oiliness and ‘shine’.”
Omorovicza Complexion Enhancer
What the blurb says: Providing SPF 15 protection from sun rays, this tinted complexion enhancer conceals imperfections and gives the skin an even matte finish, whilst preventing premature aging.
How it’s supposed to work: Naturally shielding from UVA/B rays, Zinc Oxide prevents sun damage and complements minerals in the Hungarian healing waters, whilst the Pannon Complex provides powerful anti-oxidant defence. Ruby Crystal lends the skin instant radiance, helping to “blur” fine lines and minimise the appearance of imperfections.
The dermatologist's comment: "Zinc oxide acts as a sunscreen to protect skin from premature ageing."
Price: 50ml £72. Available at Harvey Nichols stores nationwide and online www.shop.harveynichols.com
Estee Lauder Futurist Age-Resisting Makeup SPF15
What the blurb says: This lightweight liquid-gel foundation for mature skin combines the science of skincare and the art of makeup for normal, dry and ageing skin to help correct the visible signs of past skin damage and make it look vibrant, youthful and beautiful in an instant by smoothing the skin’s appearance and evening out skintone.
How it’s supposed to work: Whey protein supplements the skin’s natural collagen production, sodium hyaluronate binds moisture to the skin for long-term benefits, di-chromatic pigments (colour particles coated in moisturisers) optically retexturise the surface of the skin.
The dermatologist’s comment: Reflective particles may reduce the appearance of shadows and make the skin look smoother by reflecting light, but do not have an active biologic effect on the skin.
Price: £25. Available at all Estee Lauder counters nationwide and online. www.esteelauder.co.uk
*All prices and availability were correct at the time of going to press in 2007.
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Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
