Many of us rely on makeup as the secret to eternal youth. From covering up dark circles with concealer to adding a flush of colour with a rosy blush – it’s the perfect little pick-me-up.
But, of course, it’s never that simple.
And if you’re using the wrong products or the wrong techniques, you may not end up quite as fresh faced as you had hoped.
From using too much powder foundation to forgetting to use SPF, many of our go-to habits could actually be making us look older.
We speak to skin expert Paul Banwell to find out exactly what we should and shouldn’t be doing.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Our skin naturally gets drier as we age
To keep your skin hydrated, Paul says you can use simple methods to keep looking youthful.
He says: “You can use a high intensity moisturiser, or use indigestible products like a liquid collagen drink – I recommend Skinade, the leading collagen drink which is carefully formulated, a mixture of vitamins and minerals which results in optimal skin health.”
Avoid wearing too much makeup
Wearing oil based products can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Paul says: “The effects of clogged pores can be aided with medical facials like the photogenic facial from TBC Skin atelier, or microdermabrasion, followed by Dermalux LED treatments.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Alternatively, I’d recommend a hydroxyacid boost for pH equilibrium and chemical exfoliation – Rationale’s Catalyst Range is best.”
However, you can also make a difference by making small changes at home.
Paul says: “Similarly, overusing fragranced and alcohol based products may dry out the skin, and in turn cause premature lines and wrinkles.
“Try to use oil free products, and aim to use hydrating foundations and creams.”
Make sure you prepare your skin from pollution
Pollution can be responsible for skin dryness, dullness, clogged pores and skin ageing.
Paul says: “Some tips for shielding your skin from pollution are wearing sunscreen, using a good moisturiser to create a barrier between your skin and pollutants and double cleansing your skin – use a product like the Rationale Catalyst cleanser.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Sun exposure, both UV and infrared, can result in sunburn which also causes ageing issues for the skin as the years pass.”
Don’t wear too much powder foundation
They’re often credited with giving us a matte, flawless finish but powder foundations can be one of the worst culprits when it comes to ageing. Paul says: “Avoid powders, as they tend to set into the fine lines of wrinkles which can make your skin look flaky.
“For immune protection, and a product which can be used during a Sunday night ritual to make your skin look fresh and luminous for the week ahead which means you won’t need to wear foundation, use the immunologist mask – to be performed weekly (the pot lasts 6 months).
“It hydrates and reduces inflammation in problem/ sensitive skin.”
Be wary of amplifying wrinkles with concealer
While concealers are great for hiding flaws and imperfections, they can also draw attention to any unwanted lines and wrinkles.
(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
Paul says: “Concealers might be covering the dark circles, but they also accentuating fine lines, so make sure to only apply concealer to the inner half of your under eye.”
It’s important to use eye cream
Prepping the skin before wearing makeup is also key to a youthful glow. Paul says: “Skin around the eyes is thinner that the rest of your face and shows age faster!
“Eye creams and products that contain Retin A, a form of vitamin A, are most effective and promote the stimulation of collagen and elastin to tighten the skin.”
Use sun cream every single day
Suncream shouldn’t just be reserved for your annual holiday or trips to the beach. Rather, it should be part of your daily skincare regime.
Paul explains: “UV exposure causes 90% of skin damage. Even people who already have signs of premature skin ageing can benefit from making lifestyle changes.
“We should all be protecting our skin by using SPF 30 or higher which gives your skin a chance to repair some of the damage.
(Image: Getty)
“Fine lines and wrinkles absolutely have a part to play here too, and the best way to eradicate these is through protecting the skin against phototoxic damage and minimising loss of skin integrity.
“Collagen peptides in a drink like Skinade will increase collagen turnover and are proven to minimise fine lines.
“At the Banwell clinic, we offer Ultimate Sunscreen protection with Rationale B3-T, which will ensure skin is not affected as strongly when in sunlight.”
Always, always take your make-up off at night
After a long day, it can be tempting to just roll into bed without a second thought for your skin. But you may end up paying the price as a result.
Paul says: “Sleeping in your makeup can result in the breakdown of healthy collagen which leads to premature skin ageing. Make sure to take your makeup off thoroughly, and I’d recommend a Plasma Shower facial to boost cleansing of the skin, using stem cell technology.
“Plasma showers alone help improve texture and quality of skin but can be boosted by various mesotherapy treatments including stem cells, hyaluronic acid and vitamins.
“Essentially it encourages hydration, which is essential for optimum physiological functioning of the skin and to optimise all biological processes and immune protection.”
