Radiant and youthful
In your 20s your skin's cells regenerate approximately every 20 days, so new plump cells reach the surface of
the skin fast. In your 30s, it's every 30 days, and in your 40s – well, let's not go there. So what’s a gal to do?
In the chair
A dermabrasion treatment is a quick fix for dull skin. Superfine crystals are blasted onto the surface of the skin to exfoliate superficial cells so that your complexion looks fresher and more refined.
Two or three treatments have a positive effect
on the skin, but a fourth –and subsequent treatments –
can do the opposite. So think twice before you go overboard. Dermabrasion should always be performed by a qualified therapist at a reputable salon, spa or aesthetic
medicine clinic.
At home
Woolworths Dermo Recovery Facial Re-Texturising Kit (R225) contains fine crystals, hydroxy acids and Vitamin C to boost skin radiance.
Apply a measure of Dr Sebagh Pure Vitamin C Powder Cream (R1200) directly to your skin – the powder
turns to cream as you apply it –for immediate radiance. We also love the convenient Skinvitals C-Brighten Cloth Facial Treatment Mask (R29,99). Apply Environ C-Boost (R165) morning and evening under your day and night
cream. This light cream-gel is an excellent long-term investment for a younger looking skin.
Fake it fast
If you're short on sleep, Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener
(R250) is a holiday in a jar! Apply the sheer cream under your eyes and over your eyelids before you
apply your make-up.
Benefit Lemon Aid Color Correcting Eyelid Primer
(R205) hides those pesky little blood capillaries on your eyelids that look worse when you're tired. A touch of Elizabeth Arden Let There Be Light Radiant Skin Lotion SPF15 (R180) gives all skin tones an instant glow, and if your skin is sallow, Make Up Forever Corrective Make Up
Base No.02 (R250) will brighten it up before you apply your
make-up.
Rested and refreshed
Fresh and healthy looking skin is packed with moisture, but as we age, the capacity of the skin to
hold water decreases. Although it's important to drink at least two litres of water a day to hydrate your body from within, a lot can be done from the outside to maintain a plump and fresh looking skin.
In the chair
Restylane Vital is a new injectable that specifically targets dehydrated skin and loss of elasticityand tone on
a deep level.Restylane is well known as a filler for deep lines, but Restylane Vital promises fresher,more youthful looking skin because it introduces more hyaluronic acid into your skin, increasing the skin's ability to hold
water.
Results are immediate and also cumulative – over time, your skin regains the freshness and plumpness of youth. The treatment is not limited to use on the face –it can also improve skin on the neck, décolleté and hands. A single treatment lasts for several months and
the effects can be maintained by repeating the treatment twice a year. Call (011) 706 2518 to find a specialist in Restylane Vital closest to you.
At home
Hydrated skin looks more youthful because cells are plumper. We love Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light (R195). The gel-cream formulation immediately makes skin look lovely
without feeling oily or clogged. Also try Guerlain Super Aqua-Day Refreshing Cream (R595), Yves Saint Laurent Hydra Feel Comfort Hydrating Water Crème (R495) and L’Oréal Hydrafresh Ultra-hydrating
gel-créme (R84,95). Chanel Précision Gentle Polishing Gel (R360) is an exfoliator and hydrator in one.
The spongy particles remove dead skin cells without parching the skin, so your skin feels soft and clean.
Fake it fast
A moisture-rich foundation won't make your skin look powdery or dull. We love Clinique Supermoisture
Makeup (R198); the lightweight texture keeps your skin looking fresh all day. If you prefer more coverage, try Bobbi Brown's new Moisturizing Cream Foundation (R300). The
modern formulation has a wonderful light, moist feel.
Firm and smooth
As skin starts to lose its firmness, you start to look tired, and it seems that no amount of R&R can make
you look better.
In the chair
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures for women between 35 and 50 are on the up and up. Less invasive equals less downtime, fewer risks and, when performed by a skilled medical specialist,can delay or even do away with the need for cosmetic surgery later in life. Both Titan and Thermage
firm skin the non-surgical way. Titan uses infra-red light to tighten and firm, while Thermage relies on radio frequency technology.
The new kid on the block from Syneron Medical Ltd. is the Matrix IR. 'Banking' collagen for the future is what all these treatments do, with results visible over
time. For more information on Matrix IR, call Argento on (031) 561 4028.
At home
Products that contain peptides and retinol combat inflammation, improve skin structure and boost
cell communication, all necessary to improve skin tone. Innoxa Skin Lift & Firm contains Matrixyl, which promotes firmer, smoother skin.
Dior Capture R60/80 XP Ultimate Wrinkle Restoring Créme Light (R855) packs firming ingredients
derived from stem cell research into a remarkably light-textured cream. For precise application, try Good Skin Tri-Aktiline Instant Deep Wrinkle Filler (R350) with
Argireline and antioxidants, Garnier UltraLift Deep Wrinkle A (R124,95) or RoC CompleteLift Lift Pen for
Eyelids and Bags (R220).
Fake it fast
Clarins Eye Revive Beauty Flash (R295) immediately tightens the skin around your eyes so that your makeup
lasts longer and looks lovelier. Revlon's Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer with Botafirm (R135) keeps foundation looking fresh and helps to smooth lines.