Skincare doesn’t start above the neck! Lisa Burn asks the experts for their tips, advice and product recommendations
WORDS: LISA BURN
We spend a lot of time – and money – caring for our face with cleansers, serums, SPF, moisturisers and face masks, but how much attention do we give our body? Shower gel, lotion (when we remember), sunscreen on holiday, hand cream (sometimes).
Yet there are so many beauty products and treatments available to help keep the years at bay and address the skin issues we see in later life. Products that can fade age spots, even out skin texture, help smooth lumps and bumps, and firm up loose skin. As well as diet and exercise, it’s time to bring all-over skincare to the fore.
Loose Skin
When we get older, our muscle mass decreases and lack of muscle tone can result in skin looking saggy, which is especially apparent on the upper arms – known very unflatteringly as bingo wings.
“As we age, and also as a result of hormonal changes such as menopause, we can lose up to 30% of collagen in our skin,” explains Katy Eccles, education director at PRAI Beauty. “This means it becomes slack and looser, especially noticeable in areas where the skin is thinner such as the neck or upper arms.
“You can address this in a number of ways, including a healthy diet, introducing weights into your exercise regime to help keep muscles and skin toned, as well as looking for targeted skincare products,” she advises.
Cigdem Kemal-Yilmaz, chemical engineer and founder of education platform Skin Masterclass (skinmasterclass.com), says treatment also depends on the severity. “Minor sagging has the potential to be reduced with collagen-stimulating topical products, whereas more moderate sagging may require a non-invasive treatment, such as laser therapy.”
Texture
Uneven-textured or bumpy areas on the body are often the result of a build-up of dead skin cells, sun exposure, acne, and dehydration,” explains skincare expert and founder of SkinSense, Abi Cleeve. “Additionally, skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea can be causes.
While you may need to consult a dermatologist, there are steps you can take to improve the look of your skin she says. “Gentle exfoliation and hydration can really help, so look for products that provide moisture and more targeted solutions like retinols or AHAs to encourage c
