Beauty buffs everywhere are fully aware that the price of premium brand skin products can make your eyes water - not only in terms of the cost but, frequently, in terms of the claims made - few of which seem to be backed up with cast-iron proof in the form of quantifiable data. The survey sample sizes always seem to be ridiculously low, don't they? For example 90% of 30 women tested said our product made their skin glow!
As a marketer, I understand how market research works of course, but that doesn't stop me wanting MUCH bigger sample sizes to validate some of these claims.
Once you're over 50 and either approaching menopause or in the middle of its clutches, there comes a time when you look in the mirror and think "you know this cream / serum just isn't making any difference".
As a marketer, I understand how market research works of course, but that doesn't stop me wanting MUCH bigger sample sizes to validate some of these claims.
 |
| Too much sun can play havoc with our skin in later life |
The last one I tried "Creme de la Mer" left me decidedly unimpressed. It's a really heavy, sticky cream that has to be warmed between your fingers before applying. I have found Astral or Nivea to be just as good for a fraction of the price.
Luckily I smoked only briefly in my twenties and was able to give up more or less instantly because I was so terrified of what it was doing to my body. I remember reading that for every cigarette you smoke you can knock approximately 5 minutes off your life - or something like that.
And I've never been a big sun worshipper because, being a natural redhead, I found I burned to a crisp very easily and couldn't stand the heat.
I think it's true that you can spot the face of someone who has indulged in too many ciggies and sun sessions because their face tells the tale. I was horrified to hear on Channel 5's recent programme - "Tantastic - Fifty Shades of Orange" that over 2000 people die of skin cancer in the UK each year alone.
Heavy smokers tend to sport those nostril to lip vertical liplines which I think are incredibly ageing and that's without the extra depth the habit gives to the wrinkles you develop anyway.
I do currently suffer from very dry skin and have some flaky patches around my mouth but I figure this is down to my age.
My one bad habit is a frequent glass of red wine and, as we know, alcohol can be incredibly dehydrating and bad for your skin.
I could certainly do with a freshening up and if I was brave enough to consider cosmetic surgery I would get my eyes done.
Today, though, there is a range of non-surgical treatments which offer the chance to improve your looks without the risks of surgery, and consequently at a more reasonable cost.
These treatments include:-
Anti-wrinkle injections
This is probably the best known and most popular non-surgical treatment, otherwise known as Botox®. It is a natural purified protein produced by Clostridium Botulinum Bacterium which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause lines to form over time. It works by temporarily reducing the contractions of those muscles that can cause permanent lines to create a smoothed, rejuvenated appearance.
Chemical Skin Peels
Surprisingly, skin peels have been in use for over 60 years for therapeutic skincare and dermatology because they are effective for a wide variety of conditions.
Today's peels, such as the NeoStrata®, are formulated with Alpha-hydroxyacids (AHAs), Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) and Bionic PHAs, which have been clinically proven to improve the visible signs of aging.
A chemical peel can help to reduce the visible signs of aging on more mature skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, discolouration and blemishes to give the skin a fresher, more youthful look.
They can also be of great benefit for younger skins as they help to treat acne.
 |
| We all want to keep the plump pout we had in our youth! |
Dermal Fillers
Most of us have heard of Juvéderm®, which is a range of hyaluronic acid based, anti-ageing injectable products.
Hyaluronic acid has amazing, long-lasting hydration properties as it can absorb and retain more than 1,000 times its own weight in water. The makers of Juvéderm®, Allergan, have extended the range to include a selection of specialist formulations to suit different needs such as hydrating, filling and smoothing.
The original product, Juvéderm® ULTRA is a non surgical dermal filler used for filling fine lines and smoothing wrinkles, for a soft, natural look. It contains 0.3% Lidocaine, a local anaesthetic to make the injections as gentle as possible.
There is also Juvéderm® Ultra Smile, an injectable, hyaluronic acid filler which has been specifically formulated for the lips to provide plumpness and volume. It also works to smooth fine lines and enhance the mouth area as a whole. As the lip area is delicate and sensitive, it is formulated to contain added local anaesthetic which makes the treatment as comfortable as possible.
I think the most important thing when considering non-surgical cosmetic treatments is to find a provider with a good track record and excellent pre- and after-care such as The Hospital Group.
It is important to find a provider with fully qualified professional staff who will ensure the treatments you are considering are right for you and who will take the time to explain the procedure and what will happen during, and afterwards.
For me, non-surgical treatments are certainly something I may consider in the future. I'm not brave enough to go for full cosmetic surgery and I certainly would not want to risk 'cosmetic surgery tourism' , where saving a few hundred pounds may involve a much higher level of risk than undergoing such procedures in a fully vetted and well maintained cosmetic surgery provider in the UK.
Prices start at around £150 per Botox Syringe® and around £200 per Juvéderm® Syringe. Your provider will tell you how many syringes you will need.
Just make sure that you are having treatment for you. Anything that safely boosts your self confidence is worth the investment I think.
*collaborative post
It is important to find a provider with fully qualified professional staff who will ensure the treatments you are considering are right for you and who will take the time to explain the procedure and what will happen during, and afterwards.
For me, non-surgical treatments are certainly something I may consider in the future. I'm not brave enough to go for full cosmetic surgery and I certainly would not want to risk 'cosmetic surgery tourism' , where saving a few hundred pounds may involve a much higher level of risk than undergoing such procedures in a fully vetted and well maintained cosmetic surgery provider in the UK.
Prices start at around £150 per Botox Syringe® and around £200 per Juvéderm® Syringe. Your provider will tell you how many syringes you will need.
Just make sure that you are having treatment for you. Anything that safely boosts your self confidence is worth the investment I think.
*collaborative post
