Thanks to a swag of effective new creams and treatments, anti-ageing without going under the knife is now more than a sales pitch — it’s achievable, writes Kelly Baker.
Next time you’re out, take a look around and you’ll discover something life affirming. Women are retaining their beauty or becoming more beautiful as they age. Some of this is due to changing attitudes.
Unlike our mothers, today’s women believe they’re as lovely as ever. Also, we have groundbreaking beauty products and clinically proven treatments at our disposal.
In pictures: Ten ways to look younger instantly
“Thirty or 40 years ago, women hit a certain point when they began to believe their beautiful days were behind them,” says principal scientist with Olay, Dr Sian Morris.
“Today’s women … never give up on their looks, nor do they feel that beauty is only for the young.”
Here we look at exactly how these beautiful women are turning back the clock and how you can, too.
Treatments
In the past 50 years, dermatologists, cosmetic and plastic surgeons have successfully developed and refined several techniques for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, and easing scars, spots and other blemishes.
The procedures detailed below can be used to treat the entire face or a specific area. They achieve similar results, although via different methods. In recent years, these treatments have been vastly improved, so they’re now even more effective and less painful. Here are the best of the best.
Fraxel Re:store
What it does: This transformative laser removes pigmentation, spots and scars, and evens out skin tone. It can also reduce fine lines and improve texture. Fraxel Re:store has the capacity to stimulate collagen and produce tissue repair, giving skin that dewy, youthful look we all love.
How it feels: Fraxel Re:store treats tiny fractions of the skin at one time with wavelengths of light or laser. If you don some anaesthetic cream beforehand, the treatment is relatively comfortable. I’ve had my décolletage treated and chatted through the entire procedure — no sweat. And the results were impressive.
What it costs: Costs vary depending on the area covered, but you’re looking at roughly $1500 for the full face.
Fruit Acid (AHAs) Peels
What it does: AHA peels are used in various concentrations to treat a range of skin problems, including acne scars, sun spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and they promote collagen growth. The depth of an AHA peel is proportional to the time before the solution neutralises on the skin, which means it can be controlled very accurately, says Libby Harkness, author of The Australian Guide To Cosmetic Surgery (Coulomb Communications). “AHAs are usually used for superficial peels, often referred to as lunchtime peels because they are quick to do,” says Libby.
How it feels: Mildly irritating up to ‘Oh my gosh, take it off this instant!’, depending on the intensity of the solution. If you have a low pain threshold, tell your therapist before she begins.
What it costs: An AHA peel costs from $100 to $150.
Related: Bizarre beauty treatments
Microhydrabrasion
What it does: This deep-cleansing, exfoliating treatment is the love child of microdermabrasion (which sees a mechanical exfoliating probe passed over the skin to sandblast away the top layer of dead skin cells), a soothing facial (there’s water and aloe vera involved) and a vacuum cleaner (which sucks up the dead skin cells). It leaves skin looking fresh and shiny new. Ask the therapist to show you what she sucked off your face. It’s gross, yet fascinating.
How it feels: Oddly, it’s kind of relaxing. Think an exfoliating facial with some gentle stroking and you’ve got the idea.
What it costs: Prices vary depending on the clinic, but generally, you’re looking at $100 per treatment. A series of four to six are recommended for maximum results.
Discover the best anti-ageing lotions, potions and creams in the August issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly.
Your say: Do you think women over the age of 40 are more concerned about their looks than they were in the 1960s and 1970s?
Video: The science of perfect skin
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