Angelina's skin smoother to Brad's bingo-wing buster, can you trust these DIY
Once the preserve of dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons, many hi-tech anti-aging treatments are available for home use. And, surprisingly, Experts Say That MOST work.
Here, give medics Their leading guide to the Most Innovative devices ...
ACID ACNE THE ERASER
(Peeling Act by Jules Nabet, 109 pounds, julesnabet.com)
THE CLAIM: An at-home facial 'peel' That Removes dead skin and impurities, Allowing skin to regenerate naturally.
THE SCIENCE: Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane. It dissolves the bonds holding the older layers of skin in place - which eats away to reveal the new skin beneath.
It has a very small molecule That Is Able to penetrate deep into the pores, killing Propionibacterium bacteria That causes the spots.
HOW TO USE: Leave on for no more than five minutes. May sting slightly. Safe to use up to twice a week.
This contains 20 per cent glycolic acid naturally - anything stronger Must Be Applied in a clinical environment.
EXPERT OPINION? 'With any peel you are damaging the skin. This is weak enough That it's low risk, but strong enough to make a difference, 'says Dr John Quinn at the Private Clinic. 'Even so, keep Within Their timings.'
Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting warns: 'If You Have sensitive skin, rosacea or melasma be very wary and seek professional advice.'
THE jowl TIGHTENER
THE CLAIM: Uses electrical current to firm and tone the face, lines and wrinkles targets. Celebrity fans include Madonna.
THE SCIENCE: Computer Aided Cosmetology Instrument (CACI) technology has been used to treat stroke patients in the U.S.. Microcurrent - a low level electrical current - mirrors the body's native electrical activity. Here, it is used to exercise facial muscles, tightening and firming them. Clinical Trials Have Shown it to be efficient in treatment of wound healing.
Use around jaw-line, forehead and nose-to-mouth lines three times a week. Takes ten minutes to do the whole face and 12 treatments to see results. You can not feel a thing.
EXPERT OPINION? 'This is very promising, "says Dr Bowler. But Dr Bunting warns: 'If you've had recent Botox wait at least two weeks before trying this.'
THE 'torturing' SKIN SMOOTHER
(Medik8 Titanium Dermaroller by, £ 50, skinbrands.co.uk)
THE CLAIM: A small rolling pin studded with metal needles Hundreds of 0.2mm That is run over the skin. It may sound like a form of torture but puncturing the skin causes it to regenerate, plumping out wrinkles, smoothing scars, and evening out hyperpigmentation, cellulite and stretch marks on face and body. Angelina Jolie is said to be a fan.
THE SCIENCE: A 2009 clinical trial Dermaroller Helped Showed That the appearance of the facial atrophic scars (Which cause a depression in the skin - Such as acne scars).
HOW TO USE: Divide the face into areas - forehead, cheeks, nose and chin - and then roll upwards and across. Some manufacturers say it's safe to use daily but experts say MOST use only once or twice a week. It may feel uncomfortable. Skin may look and feel red and raw after use, although this settles after a day or so.
EXPERT VERDICT: 'Controlled Undoubtedly skin wounding has positive effect on collagen to,' says Dr Mervyn Patterson, cosmetic doctor and director of Woodford Medical.
'Clinic-use rollers have longer needles, Which reach the lower layers of the skin where collagen is formed. Home-use versions have Shorter needles, so are safer but less effective. It may cause minimal bleeding. '
CLICK THE HAIR ZAPPER
(Philips Lumea Precision Plus, £ 449.95, johnlewis.com and Tria, 375 pounds, triabeauty.co.uk)
THE CLAIM: Light-based hair removal at home. Treats face and body hair, Including upper lip, bikini line and the underarm. Used by reality TV star Kim Kardashian.
THE SCIENCE: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) travels down the hair shaft into the hair follicle, zapping it and putting it into a 'resting phase', Which causes the hair to fall out and the follicle to several weeks for REMAIN dormant. Hair removal is not permanent but can REMAIN smooth skin for up to six weeks in between treatments with Sustained use.
HOW TO USE: Shave areas so you Intend to treat the light That Reaches the root energy efficiently. Unshaved hairs may be burnt and smell unpleasant. May feel like the snap of an elastic band against the skin and possibly some itching or prickling, Which may last for up to an hour.
EXPERT OPINION: 'We used this in our clinics in conjunction with laser hair removal, "says Dr Bowler. 'Read instructions extremely carefully - used on dark skin it can cause serious burns,' says Dr Quinn.
