SHISEIDO LAUNCHES FIRST SERUM TO TRIGGER NEW SKIN CELL GROWTH

Shiseido, the Japanese luxury skincare company, has scored a first in skin care technology with the launch of a new anti-ageing serum that stimulated the skin to produce younger cells.




Bio-Performance Super Corrective Serum, with a relatively cheap price tag of £82, for a top of the range cosmeceutical with proven scientific trials, launches in the UK on Saturday (27th February).

Already top stores such as Harrods are holding client lists waiting to be the first to try this innovative technology.

Bio-Performance Super Corrective Serum contains two ingredients, together called Bio-Regenerist, which have been shown to promote the production of the skin's fibroblasts by up to 27%.

Fibroblasts are cells in the epidermis (skin layers) which are responsible for producing the key constituents of firm and young skin including collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

Shiseido is so confident that this new product works that it has not hesitated in declaring that it works right from day one - in trials on 222 women 100% said their skin felt more resilient - while 92% said they felt their wrinkles has been smoothed.

Shiseido's approach in the development of this new serum was to look at recent developments in regenerative cosmetic medicine, in particular the use of epidermal growth factors (EGF) which cosmetic doctors extract from a patient's blood serum and reinject into the face to encourage skin cell proliferation.

The serum's two key ingredients, in the Bio-Regenerist complex are extracts from
safflower and yeast, which stimulate an increase in EGF protein, which in turn signals the fibroblast cells to renew and proliferate.




As a result these younger cells are able to produce more collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid - targetting wrinkles sagging, dullness and lack of radiance.

This new product is aimed at women (and men) aged 30+ when the skin first starts to deteriorate.

Shiseido Bio Performance also contains Rose Apple Leaf Extract an antioxidant to help the fibroblasts fight oxidative damage including sun; Super bio-Hyaluronic Acid N – a humectant and Super Plant Bio Exfoliant to natural resurfacing

On sale from 27 February it costs £82 for 30ml. For stockist information call 0207 313 4774.





Results before and after one week of use



Results before and after three weeks of use

ACTRESS HELEN MIRREN TO FRONT BOOTS NEW ANTI-AGEING RANGE?

BOOTS is to launch a new range of anti-ageing skincare aimed at the more mature woman in the New Year.

Boots is planning a huge TV and print campaign for No 7 Lift & Luminate which will be fronted by a new celebrity. The product is due on the shelf on January 27.

Though officially lips are sealed until near the launch date, a Boots insider let slip this week that it is a "really good actress." In that case it would mean the lovely Helen Mirren (pictured below) must be the front runner!

The insider said that lovely actress Keeley Hawes (below right) who is the current face of Boots No 7 Protect & Perfect, is too young at 33 years. This is surprising as the product has flown off the shelf, with most purchases being made by older women, after it was given top scientific acclaim on TV for its ingredients.


Life & Luminate is the name of the new range and it contains several of the key ingredients from the Protect & Perfect range including an extract of lupin.

Boots say the difference between P & P and L & L is that the latter not only reduces wrinkles but also firms and brightens skin - and it does it in just four weeks. It also contains a patented mix of "energising" ingredients including Hawaiian Algae and vitamin C that help to make it feel younger.









There are four products so far in the skincare range - the Lift & Luminate Day Cream - pictured below (50ml, £19.50), which also contains at SPF15






















Night Cream - pictured below (50m, £20.50) which also contains shea butter and glycerine























Eye Cream - below (15m, £16.50) with peptides




Instant Illusion Wrinkle Filler - right- (30ml, £16) with particles fill in lines to deflect light and "blurr" wrinkles


The original Protect & Perfect Serum (30ml, £18).


Ingredients in Perfect & Protect:
Contains ingredients:Cyclopentasiloxane, Aqua, Butylene glycol, Dimethicone corsspolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycerin, Dimethicone copolyol, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Polysorbate 20, Magnesium sulphate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium PCA, Retinyl palmitate, Methylparaben, Propylene glycol, Lupinus albus, Carbomer, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Panax ginseng, Morus alba, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3.

ANTI-AGEING LAUGHTER - CARTOON BY MIKE FLANAGAN

Click here to return to www.elixirnews.com

THE CRAZY WORLD OF ANTI-AGING THROUGH THE EYES OF CARTOONIST MIKE FLANAGAN

And this is Mike:



SEE MORE OF HIS WORK AND FIND OUT MORE at www.webjam.com/flantoons2008

NEW GENERATION ANTI-AGING TECHNOLOGY FROM MEDIK8

Medik8, is the brand name for a collection of innovative skin products created by UK scientist Elliot Isaacs.

Originally the range begin with several core products aimed at people with worrying skin conditions such as rosacea. But the range recently added some new serious anti-aging products with optimum concentrations of all the major ingredients proven to help skin rejuvenation, packed so that they do not loose their potency and at fairly decent prices compared to bother cosmeceuticals on the market.

Isaacs knows his skin/ingredient science in depth - he is a graduate of
The University of Leeds - Pharmacology and Physiology Department. With nearly 10 years experience in cosmeceutical formulation, he was recently honoured with the prestigious Grade A Membership of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists.


Elliot has witnessed all the recent trends in anti-aging skincare including the rush for Retin-A® in his father's chemist shop when he was a small boy. This planted the seed early-on for developing a scientific skincare brand.

In the late 1990’s his sister began to develop a skin redness that would not go away. One skin cream she used appeared to contain the right anti-inflammatory actives but paradoxically seemed to be causing more irritation than it calmed. So he turned his own hand to making a product which turned out be and still is Medik* bestselling product Red Alert® in 2004.

The new range is available through expert doctor and other skin professionals but you can view online at the new website www.medik8.co.uk/



We particularly like the new Vitamin C serums C-Tetra (3%) and CE Tetra (7%) for stimulating collagen. The serum sinks into the skin immediately, leaving it softer looking immediately...CE Tetra which is aimed the older lady or man costs £60 (30ml). This product is unique as no other company offers Terahexadecyl Ascorbate in serum form and at such concentrations.

Use with the Hyra 8 moisturiser £49 (50ml:



Other new products include a great ani-cellulite cream £34 (90ml)


Also new is the Retinal 40 Boost Concentrate - a highly concentratedserum which you add to the Hydra8 Moisturiser - £75 (5ml.

ORGANIC REJUVENATION FROM NEW ZEALAND

Eating lots of Vitamin C is one of the best ways to boost your immunity naturally, especially in winter. Newly launched in the UK is JASON Natural Cosmetics which are packed full of the powerful antioxidant Ester-C which is the main active ingredient in their new anti-ageing collection.

This comprehensive range consists of nine hard-working products which by the way are great value for money. The unique formulation of pure active ingredients penetrates deep into the skin to minimize the signs of ageing and fight free radical damage revealing softer, smoother, more radiant, youthful skin. Regular use of these skin-smart products will intensely hydrate the skin, restore suppleness, improve skin elasticity and leave skin healthier and younger looking.

Our favourite is the Max Instant Facial which exfoliates and hydrates the skin with the oils and Ester C and gives you an instant glow! Every product has the aroma natural orange oils is orange.(unfortunately our blog turns them blue!).JASON is available in Whole Foods, selected Waitrose Supermarkets, John Bell & Croyden, Fresh & Wild, Planet Organic and selected Health Food Stores nation-wide.

Super-C Cleanser 6oz. RRP £9.95
Combines the antioxidant Ester-C with natural surfactants to gently cleanse your face. In convenient and travel-friendly pump packaging, this citrus-scented cleanser is divine solution for wiping away the day’s dirt.

Super-C Toner 6oz. RRP £9.95
The Ester-C complex combines with natural botanicals for a fresh antioxidant-rich toner, ideal for minimising pores and balancing the skin’s Ph.

Ester-C Lotion 4oz. RRP £14.95
Synergistic blend of Ester-C, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin E help stimulate collagen production, giving you a youthful glow. This light formula gives the perfect amount of daily hydration.

Ester-C Crème 2oz. RRP £14.95
This rich formula drenches the skin in moisture; helping to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Ingredients include antioxidants Ester-C, Vitamin E and Alpha Lipoic Acid.


Ester-C Hydrating Masque 2.5oz. RRP £14.95
A treatment masque that erases dry spots and leaves your skin feeling silky soft and dewy fresh. A perfect pick me up for skin in need of a moisture surge.


Ultra-C Eye Lift 0.5oz. RRP £16.95
Brightens and lifts tired eyes with natural antioxidants, healing Aloe Vera Gel and soothing Rosehips. No need for the scalpel with this clever eye lift!


C-Lite Skin Toner Balancer 1oz. RRP £16.95
This product naturally minimises the appearance of age spots and other skin discolourations while balancing skin tone.

Hyper-C Serum 1oz. RRP £24.95
Ester-C, Sodium Hyaluronate and Alpha Lipoic Acid blend together in this fruity, fast-absorbing serum to boost collagen production and combat signs of ageing.


Vita-C Max Instant Facial 4oz. RRP £24.95
This luxurious natural facial treatment maximises the antioxidant benefits from the rest of the Ester-C range. The light creamy texture absorbs quickly into skin to help fight signs of ageing.

More about the Jason range

JASON is committed to creating distinctive, pampering products that delight the senses, soothe the soul, respect the planet and animals and promote health and well-being in our daily lives.
Providing safe, effective, natural and affordable personal care products since 1959,

JASON is a pioneer of the eco movement committed to caring for you and your family from head to toe. JASON products are free from any synthetic ingredients that harm the environment or irritate the skin and have not been tested on animals. JASON products do not contain Parabens, Sodium Lauryl / Laureth Sulfates, mineral oil, lanolin or petrolatum.

PHOTONOVA SKIN REJUVENATION - the latest hot anti-ageing treatment in Harley Street

Two weeks ago I was invited to take part in a patient trial of Photonova, a non-invasive skin rejuvenation using infra-red light. So I go to the Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic in London for the treatment.

The clinic is the first in the UK to have this Swedish technology. First of all I have another Salt-a-Peel dermabrasion to prepare my skin for the treatment. After a thorough cleanse salt particles are blasted across my skin to remove a surface layer of dead cells. Then I have a rejuvenating mask with alpha hydroxy acid which is helped into my skin with ultrasound. My skin feels wonderful. This is my second treatment so I know how great my skin will look afterwards. This treatment costs £90 and a course is recommended with top-ups every so often.

The treatment is carried out by the clinic's head aesthetician, Liz Hood, who is also going to carry out a Photonova treatment on my face.

First of all my face is covered in a thick clear gel - this allows the infra red to reach my skin without burning it. The infra red comes from the head of the device which is passed over my face a total of five times.

Each pass delivers a known quantity of infra-red heat energy into the tissue which heats the water inside the dermis and this stimulates the fibroblasts (the collagen-producing cells) responsible for keeping the skin young and supple. It also kick starts them into producing new collagen over the next few days and weeks.

Since the treatment I have had comments from a number of people on how young my skin looks. "You haven't got any wrinkles" they say! Liz, tells me I can expect further improvement over the coming weeks. I can see that my slightly sagging chin has lifted which always takes a few years off any ageing face!

This is a great treatment because you can do it over the lunchtime. It does hurt a little and there is some redness but in my case this went in the next hour. Well worth £500 if it lasts a year or so.

Liz loves treating her patients and is full of tips and advice. She wouldn't let me leave without a touch of mineral makeup - so I left glowing..

WHEN DO WOMEN START TO WORRY ABOUT AGEING?

Women start to worry about losing their looks at the age of 28, according to a survey by Olay Regenerist which polled the views of 4,000 women. So is this true, or does 28 sound too young?

Well I confess I began worrying about ageing even earlier than that. I was only 23 when I made my first visit to a health farm - determined to stem the ageing tide that might happen to my body.

That was followed not long after by a visit to Tyringham Naturapathic Clinic, near Olney in Buckinghamshire, where I was prepared to undergo colonic irrigation to turn back the clock. And that was a quarter of a century before Princess Diana tried it out at the Hale Clinic in London.

Always a women ahead of my time - my paranoia about ageing and getting wrinkles peaked at the age of 28. I recall that was when most of my friends were getting married and maybe that was the start of it - if I had wrinkles I would definitely not get a husband. I thought I already had one foot in the grave!

It was also the start of my interest in the more expensive anti-ageing wrinkle creams - I became a devotee of Clarins - I had the saggy bust cream, the craggy neck cream, the anti-cellulite cream etc etc. Sometimes I couldn't find enough bits of my face and body to put everything on. I would always carry Clarins Eye cream in my handbag and rub it into my non-existent crows feet several times a day just in case.

I recall going to department stores on wrinkle cream forays, determined to get the latest and best in Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Harrods. Over the years I have spend a small fortune on anti-ageing wrinkle creams.

And to cap it all I always wondered why those ladies selling the stuff looked like extras from the Night of the Living Dead with bright red hair, yellow teeth....and wrinkles.... And they frequently say - "don't use it round your eyes". Oh dear I have just spend £50 on a wrinkle cream for the only place I have wrinkles - around my eyes and I can't use it!

On one occasion I bought a wrinkle cream by Chanel that was aimed at the 50+ woman. I thought, well that must be good. I paid for it later that night when the sensitive skin around my age 35 eyes balloned up in an allergic reaction.

It does make you wonder about human psychology when we are prepared to spend thousands on anti-ageing creams when there is scanty evidence that they work. Hope springs eternal and its hope in a jar that we just keep buying.

CALORIE RESTRICTION & REJUVENATION

CALORIE RESTRICTION DIET

Its day four of my calorie restriction and detox diet - I am trying to keep to around 600 calories but eating the right kind of nutrients. So far it's not been too difficult. I have not been particularly hungry.

I put this down to the new Arkopharma diet pill I have been taking which seems to kill the appetite, combined with the David Kirsch meal replacement which contains a mega amount of nutrients - everything required by the human body including flaxseed and whey protein - I added a few blueberries, strawberries and blackberries to the vanilla flavour for breakfast.

So for the past three days I have eaten less than most people have eaten in a day or even at one meal - so have I lost any weight. I got on the scales this morning - and the answer is no - though I can see the marker moving slightly to the left! I assume that my body is in denial at the moment and I have quite a bit of fat to live off at the moment and there will be a dramatic movement downwards any day. Still I have been cycling everywhere...

INFRA RED SKIN REJUVENATION

The Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic is the only clinic in the UK to have PHOTONOVA, a new Swedish technology which uses infra-red light to rejuvenate the skin on the face and body.

So I pop along to see head aesthetician, Liz Hood, to find out what it is all about.

Liz shows me their new machine and also tells me about her own experience - its great at lifting the sagging jowel area - one of the first areas to go where ageing is concerned.

This technique involves passing the head of the device over the skin a number of times. Each pass delivers a known quantity of infra-red heat energy into the tissue. The infra-red light delivers heat energy into the tissue which heats the water inside the dermis and this stimulates the fibroblasts (the collagen-producing cells) responsible for keeping the skin young and supple. It also kick starts them into producing new collagen over the next few days and weeks.

Most clients, Liz, tells me will see a marked improvement in the first two months after the one treatment which declines afterwards, so you would need a top up between 9 and 18 months afterwards.

This is a treatment that you could do in your lunch-hour or after work because it doesn't do anything invasive to your skin. Some people may experience a little bit of redness.

This treatment will cost about £500 when it is officially launched following the current patient trial that is being carried out by the clinic. I agree that I will be part of the trial and Liz gives me a patch test to make sure there is no adverse reaction. I will let you know what happens...

In the meantime I try a very gentle salt dermabrasion called Salt-A-Peel. I have never ever had dermabrasion as my skin is ultra-sensitive and if anyone is going to have an allergic reaction or go red it will be me.

Liz tells me that it will leave my face radiant and smoothe. Nevertheless I am a bit worried as Liz blasts my face...

After the dermabrasion Liz covers my face is a masque containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid amd uses an ultrasound device to help my skin absorb the nutrients. This treatment usually lasts an hour but I only want a taster - so 20 minutes later I look in the mirror. There is a bit of redness but minutes later its gone and my skin feels beautifully soft.

Afterwards I have a moisturiser with 30 SPF sunscreen and a mineral-makeup foundation to protection my new skin from the sun and London pollution.

This treatment costs £90 and its recommended that you have at least one a month. My skin looked even better the next day.

NEW SPAS AND TREATMENTS

DE VERE HOTELS NEW LUXURY SPA AT THE MANSION HOUSE, WOKEFIELD PARK, NEAR READING,UNITED KINGDOM

This week saw the launch of the brand new Spa at The Mansion House. It's situated in a beautful middle of the Berkshire countryside, the hotel sits in a huge country park, filled with mature trees next to US PGA-standard 7000-yard championship golf course, boasting elevated tees and nine lakes for a different challenge.

Easy to get to, particularly if you don't want to drive, its a a 15 minute drive from Reading BR station - so great for a weekend break. You can spa, exercise, walk and play golf - all great destressers.

The new spa has a sauna, jacuzzi and steam room as well as a natil studio. And the gym actually looks out onto something interesting for a change - the park.

All treatments use products from an Italian range called Gerard's, which only uses natural ingredients and pure essential oils, certified organic. There are four product lines, basic, silver, gold and luxury, each made from concentrated flower and plant extracts.

These are some of the innovative treatments on offer:

Great Tea Abdomen: This is the celebrated treatment featured on British TV's Channel 4, Supersize vs Superskinny, in which a journalist lost 5 inches from her abdomen area in one treatment! This non-invasive "colonic irrigation" involves the application of a green tea and caffeine mask, followed by a firm colonic massage, and a seaweed mask. Sounds good to me!

Bamboo Massage: I saw this one being carried out - it did look like a form of human origami! Bamboo massage oil is used alongside a powerful massage incorporating natural smooth bamboo canes. The beautician uses reflexology, stretching and deep massage to give you a very stimulating and re-energising experience.

Other delights at this spa include, Chocolate Facial and Body Therapy; Caviar Facials, Chakra Stone Massage, Seaweed Cellulite Treatment, Soy Soy Body Massage and Pepper Aroma Detox.

On the beauty side there are manicures, pedicures, a hair studio and fantastic mineral makeup from GloMinerals. Prices are fairly reasonable at around the £60 mark.

Bookings and info at http://www.deverevenues.co.uk/

THE NEW PHYTO-FERMETE BODY TREATMENT FROM YON-KA AT THE ADAMINA SPA KENSINGTON, LONDON

French beauty house Yon-Ka has developed a new body firming treatment called Phyto-Fermeté that uses its specialist products, GALBOL 190 and PHYTO 152, along with a new bandaging technique.

This treatment is wonderfully relaxing and its now available at the ADMINA , a beautiful spa in a converted bank in Kensington High Street (Commonwealth Institute end).

GALBOL 190 and PHYTO 152 - which contain natural ingredients such as rosemary - have previously only been used for toning within other treatments; this is the first time one has been based exclusively around them.

The new one-hour treatment has been designed to help combat sagging skin, particularly in problem areas around the bust and hips, behind the knees and under the buttocks.

It begins with an aromatic compress on the feet and ankles, accompanied by relaxing acupressure techniques.

My treatment was carried out by Yon-Ka's UK training manager Elaine Bryant - who is a world-leading expert in different massage techniques. She is also a devotee of spa etiquette - all the things that a beauty therapist/masseuse should do to make their client feel at ease in what is a very personal 1:1 situation.

GALBOL 190 and PHYTO 152 are then worked into problem areas, followed by a brief massage with Energising Huile Corps 3.




Sagging areas are then bound with bandages, which are infused with essential oil-based Emulsion Concentrée, and wrapped in an isothermal blanket for 20 minutes.
The final touch is a refreshing massage of the entire body using GALBOL 190.

Weekly or twice-weekly treatments are recommended for six to eight weeks, with top-up sessions once a month an option thereafter.

GALBOL 190 and PHYTO 152 are also available in the format of 'at home' Phyto-Fermeté Ritual products to prolong the effects of the spa treatment.

Yon-ka products are made of quality nutrients and have a cult following with those in the know. The essential oils in the products smell wonderful and are easily absorbed into the skin leaving it soft and fragrant.

Contact the Adamina Day Spa for details on + 44 (0)207 7511 611

CALORIE RESTRICTION - CAN IT BUY YOU EXTRA TIME ON EARTH?

CALORIE RESTRICTION AND LONGEVITY

While those who are jumping on the cosmetic surgery bandwagon - may look younger on the outside it is only a short-term triumph.

A balanced diet and sufficient exercise are the real Holy Grail of anti-ageing! It also true to say that better living conditions and medical interventions keep a lot of people living longer than they would typically.

Whilst the nutrient reservratrol, found in red wine and grapes, seems to be the only hope so far of an anti-ageing pill, that is aside from gene and stem cell therapies which are not available for financial and ethical reasons to most of us, is there anything we can do to extend our life?

Currently, the only proven method is calorie restriction, which it is estimated will add an extra five years to life expectancy. There is the argument that living on such a diet is really not worth it for so little reward and the pain of eating virtually nothing for years on end. It is also likely the suffering and misery and subsequent depression caused by this sort of supreme effort to stay super skinny would definitely take years off anyone's life!

I suspect there is a happy medium - eating in moderation: a healthy diet that will save you from having to have a "nip and tuck" and will help you look younger and be healthier.

Scientists agree that a decent diet cuts your risk for many of the diseases of ageing, including cutting your risk of hereditary diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Eric Ravussin, a scientist at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana estimates that if you start to eat 15% less from the age of 25 you might get an extra 4.5 years. But so far this finding is restricted to mice and fruit flies and may not apply to humans!

One of the main arguments for hanging around longer is that you will still be here when drug therapies are found for Alzheimer's and cancer.

One theory on calorie restriction is that it decreases the release of one of the two thyroid hormones - triiodothyronine (T3), which then slows metabolism and tissue ageing.

As one of those who has a low metabolic rate this is extremely good news and must be the reason I look younger than most people my age! Hmm.. I discovered on a recent trip to La Prairie Clinique in Montreux that I have a very low calorie requirement - 1,200 calories a day just to same the same weight. A typical calorie restriction diet is 1,600 calories so I would need to go even lower.

It makes commonsense to eat sufficient nutrients for optimum health. You only have to look at some very thin people and long-term anorexia sufferers to see that deprivation of nutrients will prematurely age you rather than helping to keep you young. Those socalled "Social X-rays" usually have very badly lined skin...and the future health consquences of bad nutrition include osteoporosis amongst other things.

As part of my own rejuvenation regime I am going to keep my calorie intake below 1,000 a day. This is because I need to loose some pounds and want to give myself a pyschological kick-start. But I will make sure I get key nutrients.

To help me I am trying a new "diet" pill from the French company Arkopharma.I hesitate to call it a diet pill because it is not a synethetic drug (with unpleasant side effects) but a completely natural herbal remedy which is a new edition to their 4.3.2.1. detox drink. It is aimed at taking the edge of those hunger pangs that tend to sabotage your good intentions. It helps cut hunger pangs, detoxes and encourages fat burn.



I am not a great fan of supplements with strong smells - this is fairly strong - but if you take the tablet with a large glass of water it's it fine - there is no taste and no kickback. You take two tablets a day, one in the morning and one at lunch - I suspect this is because it contains herbs that may interfere with sleep if you take them too late.

There is more about 4.3.2.1. Shape Up Ultimate in my earlier blog below - but I will give you feedback on how it goes.



Another helpful diet supplement is to add fibre to meals. This helps stop any possible sugar spikes that may make you feel hungry. Metabolic Modulator is a great product containing beta glucan (porridge oats) which is virtually tasteless so great for adding to soups, smoothies etc. More info at Vitality Shop

I also find it difficult to keep to a diet if there is temptation in the fridge - so its empty! And if I do feel hungry or need something filling but nutritional I will reach for a mega nutritional shake from David Kirsch Wellness. These shakes contain everything known to help you stay on track and loose those pounds including chromium (keeps blood sugar stable) and iodine to keep the metabolism up.

I will be off to Harley Street in London again later this week to speak with a nutrition about the best way to eat for beauty, vitality and good health.

My own conclusion on calorie restriction is that it may well give you a buzz - hunger does apparently; but long-term it would be very miserable for very little gain. On the other hand I suspect changing the way we view good and diets may do the trick. Rather think of it has a beauty and health regime rather than a diet? Or are you eating an poison that is seriously damaging your body or a rejuvenating nutrient?

ANTI-AGEING THAT DOESN'T COST THE EARTH!

The cost of anti-ageing creams keeps spiralling upwards. Nevermind the ingredients, the higher the price the more claims that are made for them.

So its refreshing to learn that some of the leading names in the UK high street are fighting back with creams that deliver the latest magic ingredients at a fraction of the price.

Two big names ALDI and SUPERDRUG unveiled their autumn and winter beauty collections this week and ELIXIR went along to investigate:

At last I was able to get my hands on a pot of that Siana Moisturising Anti-Wrinkle Cream with Q10 that has been flying off the shelves at ALDI. Looking at the ingredient list I can see why it has been such a big hit.

I cannot rave more about CoQ10 as an anti-ageing ingredient. I take it as a supplement because it helps energise every cell of the body. Doctors in Japan, where most of the world's supplies are made, give it to heart patients. It is also a very powerful agent against gum disease and Alzheimer's.

The list of other ingredients in this cream is phenomenol: bioflavones from the elderberry blossom, vitamins C and E, provitamin B5, Aloe Vera, Algae, papaya extract, phospholipids and many more including UVA/UVB sun filter SPF4. It also smells and feels great on the skin and the packaging is classy - unbelievable for £1.89!

SUPERDRUG is also big on value-for-money anti-ageing products and has its own brand OPTIMUM and will be introducing a new range of handcare in the autumn. The Optimum Line Decrease Eye Cream (pictured) is a new addition to the range also.



The store's customers have also been clammering for anti-ageing hair products, in particular the SAMY FAT HAIR range from the US, which will go into stores this autumn. There is nothing more ageing and upsetting than thinning hair whatever age, and whatever sex. So this really is a big hair range.



The range includes a pommade, shampoo, conditioner and a thickening serum. The serum, works by thickening each strand of hair with FH4 Thickening Complex–a blend of natural extracts and proteins which penetrates each hair strand, increasing the strand’s diameter and expanding the hair from the inside out. The result–thicker, fuller, stronger hair that holds your style all day long. Superdrug has yet to price these for sale as they are not in the shops yet, but they look to be very reasonable at say between £4 and £6.

GOTH & GLAM

Last winter's smoky eyes have become darker and more defined, according to the experts at Superdrug.

"Apply black and charcoal shadows in layers to encircle the whole eye. Lips are beautifully defined and can be a matt stain or slick and glossy but should always be pigment rich and have a colour deep enough to dive into!"

Great value is this Colour works Mini Cube. For just £6.99 you get four eyeshadows, two blushers, a matt powder, a loose powder, brushes and mirrors.

MINERAL MAKEUP - AN ANTI-AGEING MIRACLE!

I have become a great fan of mineral make-up, which began when I was sent a sample of a wonderful Jane Iredale product called Liquid Minerals Foundation. The actual product looks magical - tiny little beads suspended in a concoction of anti-ageing ingredients.This foundation really is amazing. Mineral makeup is also great value for money and a foundation can last for a year.

Why is mineral make-up anti-ageing?

They are mostly powders, made from natural rock sources, which sit on the skin and do not block the pores. So they don't fall into all those lines and wrinkles like your average foundation. They glide on with a brush and give great coverage. You can put on as many layers as you need to, particularly in areas that need extra coverage such as scars. As well as having broad-spectrum UVB and UVA protection usually up to SPF 20, they are also virtually non allergenic. Many cosmetic surgeons recommend using mineral makeup after some peels and lasers because it protects the skin.

The minerals, which have special light reflective qualities also come in some amazing colours, which can also be converted to nail varnish and lip glosses by adding to clear varnish and gloss. The look is minimal but fresh and young.

The most wonderful, as far as I am concerned is what they do for ageing eyelids - the seem to get rid of the crepey look that you get with many shadows.

SMOKEY EYES, WITH COLOUR by INIKA

Today I experienced a Smokey Eyes makeover from INIKA's resident makeup artist Hana Sutherland.

Hana really knows her stuff: older women should not, for example, try using dark shading if they have lost the hollow on the eyelid as a result of the fragile skin stretching - it will only make it look worse and make your eyes look smaller. Her tip is to use light, bright colours like Peach Fetish (love the name!).

The good news is that you are never too old for the smokey, sensual look that is big now and going to be even bigger this autumn. Older ladies just need to be more subtle with the application.

Here Hana explains how to get that look: “Smokey eyes are a great look, but by adding a hint of colour we can make the eyes even more dramatic and drop dead gorgeous!”

Hana suggests two different ways to do this, depending on your skin tone.

Darker Skin Tones
Products:
• Inika Black Eye Liner £11.00
• Inika Vegan Shadow Brush £9.00
• Inika Thunder Eye Shadow £10.50
• Inika Purple Haze Eye Shadow £10.50
• Inika Gold Dust Eye Shadow £10.50
• Inika Lash Me Purple Mascara £14.00

“Start by smoothing black eye liner all over the eye lid, avoiding the brow area, blending it out to the corner of the eye.

“Then, take a tiny bit of Thunder on your brush and gently press down, to create that fabulously dark finish and blend out again. Using Purple Haze, blend from the middle of the eye out to create the illusion of black moving into purple and ‘spot’ the centre of the lid with gold to make the eye ‘pop’. Perfect smokey eyes with this season’s ‘must have’ purple! Finish with Inika’s special edition Lash Me Purple mascara.”

Fair Skin Tones
Products:
• Inika Sage Eye Liner £11.00
• Inika Chocolate Eye Liner £11.00
• Inika Vegan Shadow Brush £9.00
• Inika Golddust Eye Shadow £10.50
• Inika Forest Gold Eye Shadow £10.50
• Inika Aubergine Eye Shadow £10.50

“Softly smooth Inika Sage Eye Liner over the eyelid before frosting Inika Golddust over the top, including the brow area. Line the upper and lower lid with Inika Chocolate Eye Liner and gently smudge to create a softer look.

“Press Inika Forest Gold Eye Shadow right across the lid, blending out to the corner of the eye, and then finish with a layer of Aubergine to add depth to the colour.”
“Adding colour to the smokey eye look brings out the colour of the eyes and adds a new dimension that just brings eye make up bang up to date for evenings,” said Hana.


Inika Mineral Cosmetics are available at www.inikacosmetics.co.uk or call 0845 045 0664 for your nearest stockist.

Watch out for our Podcast interview with Hana in which she will reveal all the latest tips to take off years with the right makeup.

WRINKLE ERASERS AND FAT BUSTERS

RegenTriPollar skin-tightening and anti-cellulite treatment

I was recently invited to try a new anti-ageing treatment using a new machine from Israel where scientists are world-leaders in aesthetic devices - they make many of the electronic machines that you see in clinics today.

One of the newest skin tighteining and anti-cellulite machines uses Regen TriPollar radio waves and I tried it out recently at the Pasha Clinic in London's West End in Maddox Street.

This is a really great treatment for anyone who wants to rejuvenate their face, reduce tummy fat, sagging thighs and even tighten underarms. It doesn't hurt and you see results straight away.

The machine uses a unique combination of radio waves to zap sagging collagen beneath the skin. Basically the radio waves heat up the collagen, in effect damaging it. New, young and rejuvenated collagen grows back over the next few days.

I decided to give it a go on my underarms. The waves are directed onto the skin with a metal device - it doesn't hurt and you only feel a mild heating sensation and it takes only 15 minutes to do each underarm. I could see the tightening after the first treatment but the effect continues usually goes in minutes. About six-eight weekly treatments are needed to achieve desired results.

I was very pleased with my result and would highly recommend this non-invasive method of toning up one of the most notoriously difficult bits to do anything about. I was also able to see the results on another client who had the treatment on her face. Even though she was only in her late 20s there was a definite lift around her jawline.

What is unique about Regen Tripollar is the combination of two radio waves - mono-polar and bi-polar which means that the treatment is able to penetrate both the deep and shallow tissue at the same time as protecting the surface of the skin from any possible burning.

The clinic also told me that this is an ideal complementary treatment for anyone considering Liposuction, which is an invasive cosmetic surgical procedure carried out in a hospital. The Regen tightens and conditions the skin so that you get a smoother overall effect.

SmartLipo

Another revolutionary non-surgical fatbuster is SmartLipo which first came onto the market about two years ago and was the first real alternative to Liposuction. This uses laser energy to zap fat cells and sculpt the body. The fat is removed by a canula and also by the body itself. SmartLipo also tightens the skin. It should always be carried out by a qualified medical doctor, cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist because although it is a minimally invasive treatment you may need local anaesthetic.

Before and After SmartLipo treatment

I have not tried this treatment but I was invited to the launch of a new advancement in this procedure - SmartLipo MPX - which will be available in the UK in the next few months. Again this improvement is gained through combining two different laser wavelengths so that there is less bleeding, bruising and swelling that with traditional liposuction. SmartLipo is made by the US company Cynosure and has received the approval of the US's Food & Drug Administration(FDA) which is extremely rigorous.

If you can't wait, the Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic at 98 Harley Street, London, W1, is offering 20% discount on SmartLipo together with Micro Suction. This is carried out with a local anaesthetic and the fat micro suction gives improved results in combination with the SmartLipo.


At the Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic, this procedure is carried out by one of the UK's leading experts in facial and body aesthetics, Dr Aamer Khan, who is pictured left.

Dr Khan's practice likes to stay ahead of the competition by utilising the newest technology to deliver the safest results with the best possible outcome for patients. So he gets our recommendation.

Lumenis Active FX

Another new launch this year is a non-invasive treatment for winkles - the Lumenis Active FX. This uses a laser to "pixelate" the skin. Again working on the proven fact that damaging collagen makes it rejuvenate.

There are some really great before and after pictures which demonstrate how well this works on sagging jowels, eye wrinkles and bags and even acne. Click here to see the Lumenis Before and After pictures

The cost of all these treatments? Since every treatment is bespoke we are not able to quote specific costs and you are advised to ask the practitioner.

ANTI-AGEING AND DIET - WE SEEK ADVICE FROM A WORLD EXPERT

Firstly, I would like to apologise for those of you who have been following my diary and waiting on the latest news - I promise regular reports from now on - from the front line of anti-ageing around the world. The reason for the absence of our blog was the exciting challenge of relaunching our magazine ELIXIR INTERNATIONAL. We pleased to let you know that it will be going on sale as a superglossy quarterly in W.H. Smith, Tesco and luxury hotels and spas in the UK, and there will also be international distribution including on cruise ships, spas and other luxury outlets.

I have decided to kick-start my own anti-ageing regime with a visit to Professor Nadir Farid MBBS, FCRP (Lon), FACP in London's Wimpole Street. Prof. Farid, pictured left, is a world-leading endocrinologist - that is a seriously qualified expert in hormones.

As anyone in anti-ageing knows hormones are the body's chemical messengers and which unfortunately decline with age or get unbalanced and cause all sorts of health problems from depression, to overweight, infertility and loss of libido.

Prof Farid is a particular expert in fertility, polycystic ovary syndrome(PCS) and weight issues caused by insulin resistance - that is when the body keeps producing more insulin to get rid of sugar in the blood, with the end result that many of us end up putting on dangerous weight around the middle and may even be on the way to getting type 2 diabetes, a heart attack or stroke.

I visited Prof Farid at his clinic, The London Endocrine Clinic where we discussed the current obesity epidemic. He says that 50% of the population suffers from insulin resistance which is says was a valuable asset in the days when we were hunter gathers and we had to live through food shortages and famine.

But in today's world when there is too much food, particularly too much of the wrong food and we are all eating too much sugar and carbohydrate its is causing a big problem.

Dr Farid obviously knows what he is talking about - the desk in his consultation room has the photos of happy mothers who were able to conceive after his advice and treatment. There are also the letters from men and women who have been able to transform their bodies by loosing weight after his treatment.

How does he do this? I find out for myself by undergoing a consultation. Prof Farid is very thorough. First of all he undertakes a detailed lifestyle questionnaire which includes: diet, sleeping patterns, work & lifestyle balance, allergies, whether you have suffered from weight & food issues such as anorexia, bulimia, compulsive eating disorders, alcohol and any other personal and health issues.

Next a weigh-in at the scales, blood pressure measure and a physical examination. In my case Prof Farid remarks that although I am only slightly overweight, but if he were a betting man that he would bet that I am too insulin resistant। He is also concerned about my high blood pressure। This is shocking news to me as I have never suffered from high blood pressure. I can only put this down to stress and not cycling and jogging as frequently as I have done. I know I must deal with this and get back to a disciplined regime.

Next I am to take a whole lot of blood tests - everything from my hormone levels including insulin, to oestrogen, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid to the nasties such as bad cholesterol (LDL) and those other fats tryglicerides.

During the course of our conversation I learn that Prof. Farid is himself insulin resistant. He keeps it in check with a Low Glycemic Diet which is the diet he recommends to patients - that is eating foods that release their energy slowly into the blood stream. These are mostly high-protein foods rather than carbohydrates such as bread, pasta and potatoes. He also says he has given up alcohol completely because of the carbs. This is not good as I know that a glass of red wine is highly recommended for its anti-ageing properties - not only the magic ingredient resveratrol which is found in red grapes but also because it helps keep down LDL levels and is helpful against heart attack and stroke.

I will let you know the results of my blood test when I get them. In the meantime I am going to see the dietician at the clinic and I will also share these recommendations with you.

In my next blog I will also tell you about some of the latest non-invasive anti-ageing treatments for sagging skin - on the face, arms and tummy and anywhere else for that matter. These new treatments are really exciting because whilst I believe "no pain no gain" these are not painful and surprise surprise they do work!I will let you know what happened when I tried them out.

TODAY IS THE START OF MY REJUVENATION JOURNEY

AVRIL's REJUVENATION JOURNEY BEGINS HERE...

I am lucky because my genetics mean I don't look as old as perhaps I should. I know that I cannot change my chronological age but I change my biological age.

You may be wondering why anyone would want to do this? My answer to that is that we are all living longer, mainly because of modern medicine, but we are not necessarily living a better quality of life.

The developed world is suffering from an epidemic of lifestyle diseases including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, stroke and Alzheimer's - mostly caused by eating too much of the wrong food and taking too little exercise. The cost of treating these self-induced illnesses is crippling public health systems.

Meanwhile health administrators question the value of treating the elderly. Is it worth it? There is no dignity for the elderly in the current socio-economic climate - not a week goes by without some horror story about an elderly person who died in a hospital corridor.

So it makes sense, as we age, for us to take control and keep ourselves as healthy as we possibly can. We can enjoy ourselves, our family, our friends and our life more if we are fit, agile and as happy as we can be. We can do this by adopting a positive lifestyle including a healthy diet and exercise, managing our life-work balance and stress.

My anti-ageing journey will take you to the world's top anti-ageing doctors and clinics. I will show you how you really can turn back the clock...