SWAP BOTOX FOR NOTOX!
Looking younger doesn’t have to involve a needle. We try out the new pain-free ways to a perkier face...
We've seen what Botox can do to our favourite celebrities' faces and, frankly, it's terrifying. No one wants wrinkles or saggy skin, but the thought of freezing our foreheads isn't an attractive option either. Thank goodness, then, there's been a Botox backlash of late. According to research*, sales dropped by more than 18 per cent last year, as a host of new anti-ageing treatments hit the market.
"The tide has turned towards non-invasive methods, which are less risky and painless, to repair or prevent deep-set wrinkles," confirms anti-ageing specialist Dr Nirdosh (Drnirdosh.com). So what are the new, non-needle wrinkle-busters on the block - and do they really work? Fabulous investigates...
SWAP BOTOX FOR...
A PILLOW
The claim: Cupron satin pillowcases and
eye masks promise to reduce fine lines and wrinkles as you sleep - and
clinical trials have proved that this can happen after just four weeks of
using them. A copper formula woven into the fabric of both products reacts
with the moisture released by your body while you sleep, speeding up the
renewal of skin cells and plumping up your skin, making it appear younger
and helping to erase wrinkles.
Our tester: Eve Hayes, 53, a local government officer from Ennis, County Clare, says: "I underwent treatment for breast cancer last year and it really took a toll on my skin. It became wrinkly and dull, and I was looking for a natural way to rejuvenate my looks. The pillowcase was softer than regular cotton and the eye mask was also really comfortable. After four weeks of using them, my skin feels much softer." 9/10
Where can I buy? Cupron pillowcase, £22.95; eye mask, £9.45. Go to Cupronireland.com.
SWAP BOTOX FOR...
VICHY LIFTACTIV RETINOL HA
The claim: This new super-ingredient face cream combines retinol A complex and hyaluronic acid to plump up the surface of the skin and reduce deep wrinkles.
Our tester: Joy Barber, 31, a marketing manager from Sheffield, says: "I've always had dry skin, and now wrinkles are starting to show around my eyes. I've used anti-ageing creams before with mixed results, but I was impressed by this - it was light and sank in easily. After a week, my skin felt smoother and more hydrated. My wrinkles are still visible, though." 6/10
Where can I buy? Vichy Liftactiv Retinol HA, £26, is available from larger branches of Boots.
SWAP BOTOX FOR...
THE TITAN LASER
The claim: As we get older,
our collagen fibres start to slacken, leading to saggy skin and that jowl
effect. This new salon-based laser treatment uses infrared beams of light to
help collagen fibres tighten again, leaving skin firmer and smoother.
Our tester: Wendy Lovering, 47, a hairdresser from Birmingham, says: "My skin started to sag after I lost 2st, and it was also pretty sun-damaged. I was worried about the laser but, other than a slight tingle, it was painless and each session only lasted an hour. I noticed an effect immediately, but the real results came after the third session - my skin looks tighter and smoother." 8/10
Where can I try? Titan treatment costs between £350 and £750 per session. Three sessions are recommended. Call 01608 677264 for clinics nationwide.
SWAP BOTOX FOR...
THE ILIFT
The claim: This hand-held device
combines infrared rays to stimulate collagen production and plump out the
skin, and micro-massage to tone the face. Just switch it on, place the tip
on your problem area and press lightly in a rotating motion. Use for 15
minutes a day at home and you can expect to see results within a month.
Our tester: Asha Bola, 38, a single mum from Brighton, says: "Using sunbeds in my 20s gave me bad pigmentation and fine lines around my eyes. But after using the Ilift for six months, my skin feels really smooth and firm. I don't even wear foundation any more. It's easy to operate and now I only have to use it twice a week." 7/10
Where can I buy? The Ilift costs £244.67 from Iliftuk.com.
SWAP BOTOX FOR...
YOTOX
The claim: This is a series of yogic
facial exercises which are proven to have a Botox-like effect on the face.
They tighten sagging skin by toning facial muscles, and boost blood
circulation and oxygen to the face to create a glowing complexion. Starting
to do them in your 20s can help slow down the ageing process, but they're
especially useful in your 30s and 40s to maintain a youthful appearance.
Practising at home for 20 minutes three times a week will give results
within a month.
Our tester: Margherita Dal Praz, 48, a teacher from London, says: "After just one hour-long session, my skin looked smoother, youthful and more radiant. After doing the exercises for six months, I've seen a lift to my once-saggy jawline. They're so easy, I even do them in the shower!" 8/10
Where can I try? Buy The Yoga Face: Eliminate Wrinkles With The Ultimate Natural Facelift by Annelise Hagen (Avery, £12.99).
4 YOTOX MOVES TO LOOK 10 YEARS YOUNGER
1 Start to hum, then massage your face with your fingertips in
small circular motions, focusing on crow's feet around your eyes, and the
jawline. Do for one minute a day.
2 Open your mouth, and massage from the hinge of your jaw, down the jawline, to the chin, using your knuckles in circular movements. Repeat three times.
3 Grin as widely as possible, hold for five seconds, then pout, with your lips protruding and brow furrowed, for five seconds. Do five times, getting faster each time.
4 Finish with the 'lion's roar'. Breathe in deeply, then exhale loudly with a roaring sound, pushing your tongue out as far as possible and stretching your mouth at the same time. Repeat three times.
PHOTOGRAPHY: LANCTON HAIR & MAKE-UP: SARA BOWDEN MODEL: KATE M AT MOT MODELS *ACCORDING TO THE LA TIMES
This article has 3 comments
I have seen the results of my friend who has had cosmetic acupuncture which is fab! Banished the fine lines without injecting anything into her face! I am not too bothered about it yet being pre 30 but I when the time comes I will be giving it a go :)
By Kirsty. Posted July 19 2009 at 8:45 PM.
I am a 31 yr old women and have started getting fine lines and i have to say it really bothers me :(
I would love to try botox but can afford the rates !!
So at the moment im sticking to a good face cream & i am going to try those facial moves to fill out those small groves
By Miow. Posted July 15 2009 at 5:23 PM.
I started doing facial exercises in my forties. Now in my sixties I look a good ten years younger than my age. It should be stated that the face needs to be moisturised beforehand ,otherwise the lines could get worse. Soaking in the bath is a good place to do it. I promise you it works!
By sue burns. Posted July 12 2009 at 6:57 PM.