Healthy living
Anti-ageing
Lose ten years in an instant
Can you believe the beauty products’ promises? Lisa Kjellsson takes a closer look
You want to look fabulous for your daughter's wedding, your college reunion or an important business event but you need results now, not in months You know it's impossible... or is it? We've checked out the products that promise instant results for fine lines and enlarged pores and found out how they work, with the help of Dr Tamara Griffiths, Consultant Dermatologist and founding member of the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group.
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm
What the blurb says: This instant fix will revive any complexion and transform skin from tired and jaded to smooth and glowing with one application. The skin regains firmness and suppleness and make-up looks exceptionally radiant.
How it’s supposed to work: Contains algae extracts and witch hazel to help tighten pores. The idea is that the cream in contact with the skin remains soft and pliable to fill out fine lines, while the cream in contact with the air sets to a firming.
The dermatologist’s comment: “Witch Hazel is an astringent that will reduce oiliness and make the skin feel tighter, though can sometimes cause dryness”
Price: £24. Available at larger Boots stores and Clarins counters nationwide. For stockists, call 0800 036 3558.
Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch
What the blurb says: This silky-smooth, oil-free ‘dab it on where you need it’ skin perfector fills and smoothes as it glides invisibly over the skin and becomes almost like a much younger-looking second-skin!
How it’s supposed to work: Micro-pearls of dehydrated Acacia lodge themselves in wrinkles and like tiny sponges swell and plump the skin as they absorb moisture, while Line-Minimiser Pigment reflects more light.
The dermatologist’s comment: “Botanical or plant-based extracts are popular but in many cases more research is needed to understand how they might work in skin creams.”
Price: 15ml £20. Available at larger Boots stores and Clarins counters nationwide. For stockists, call 0800 036 3558.
Omorovicza Instant Plumping Cream
What the blurb says: Lending “beauty sleep” a new meaning, this deeply nourishing, instant plumping cream restructures the skin by filling expression lines and wrinkles, leaving the complexion smooth and hydrated.
How it’s supposed to work: Hyaluronic Filling Spheres penetrate the deep layers of the skin and swell to provide increased volume and smooth surface imperfections. Omega 6 Ceramide replenishes dehydrated skin and restores softness and elasticity.
The dermatologist’s comment: “Ceramide occurs naturally in the skin and helps to keep it moist by maintaining a protective barrier. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which draws water into the skin, but applied as a cream is unlikely to penetrate into the dermis, which is considered by dermatologists to be ‘the deep layer of the skin’”.
Price: 50ml £83. Available at Harvey Nichols stores nationwide and online www.shop.harveynichols.com
Dr Nick Lowe Non Surgical Line Eraser
What the blurb says: Created by leading UK dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe, this is a safe, non-invasive alternative to cosmetic surgery, designed to effectively fight visible signs of skin ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines.
How it’s supposed to work: An algae-derived extract gives a tightening effect. At the same time, a peptide complex helps relax muscles.
The dermatologist’s comment: “Red algae is a botanical agent which has been purported to act as an anti-inflammatory, and evidence suggests some peptides may have rejuvenating effects.”
Price: 30 ml £19.95. Available at larger Boots stores. For stockists, call 08450 70 80.
Matis Réponse Corrective Wrinkle Eraser
What the blurb says: A facial relaxant and smoother that acts effectively on expression lines and signs of wear and tear. It’s a complete treatment combining the three actions of myorelaxation, filling the wrinkle and restructing the skin.
How it’s supposed to work: The active ingredient M2R rapidly reduces muscle contractions and the depth of wrinkles while hyaluronic acid micro spheres swell up to 30 times their volume; this filling and plumping effect results in an almost immediate smoothing of the wrinkle. The high-performance Biopeptide CL is an active ingredient that stimulates collagen synthesis, resulting in diminished wrinkles and thicker, firmer skin.
The dermatologist’s comment: “Some peptides may stimulate the main supporting structure in the skin, collagen. However, evidence is still variable and the type, concentration and absorption of the peptide is important”.
Price: 30 ml £55. Available from leading salons and spas nationwide and mail order. For stockists, call 01322 290 101 or visit www.matis-uk.com
*All prices and availability were correct at the time of first publication 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.
