REFRESH ISSUE 3 JULY 2023

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Facial rejuvanation in your 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond..

ELCOME to third issue of THE REFRESH - and some much needed sunny weather across the country!

The only downside, I can see to the good weather is we're all far more body critical. We can't hide under sweaters and Spanx (winter weather has a few pluses), and find ourselves wishing for celeb perfect curves. But, fear not, the good news is, Non-invasive Fat Removal and Body Scultping can dramatically improve our shapes, see page xx.

At 66, former Coronation Street barmaid and fitness fanatic Beverley Callard seems to have boundless energy...and that is in no small part thanks to Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHT), which she's been taking since her early 50s, when the menopause first hit the popular cobbles star.

'Mood swings, hot flushes, insomnia...I got the lot,’ Beverley admits on page xx. 'Lets just say I have a lot more Joie de vivre now! I have my Oopmh back.' What’s not to love about that! How we look affects our mood, too, and Facial Rejuvenation is booming for the over 50s. So, I explain why it's never to late to turn back time on page xx.

As ever, Dr Aamer and I answer All Your Questions on page xx. so, please keep sending them in to Lesley@harleystreetskin.com. And finally, we have another great offer for you!

See page xx for 50 per cent off our Regenerating Body Moisturiser.

See you next month,

instagram.com/harleystskin/ @harleystskin

Facial rejuvenation for the over 50s is booming!

Isalute and respect anyone who has no desire to change anything about their advancing years, but for those that do, I say this - please don't spend your time miserable when you can do something about it.

The over 50s make up over half of the entire beauty market, and in the past year there’s been a 64% rise in this age group having non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments. In fact, we have some patients who now look better in their mid 60s than they did in their 40s - you’ll have seen many of them on TV but I can't name names! But if celebs look evergreen, there’s a good chance they've been through our Harley Street doors!

Here’s my pick of treatments that really can make a difference to older skin...

ACCORDING TO A RECENT STUDY, THE VAST MAJORITY

There has never been a better time to age. Every year millions of pounds are invested in researching products and procedures that can help us look great. It's become the biggest boom of the silver surfer generation, says Lesley reynolds...

OVER 65S DO NOT CONSIDER THEMSELVES OLD...

... WITH MOST REPORTING THEY FEEL UP TO 25 YEARS YOUNGER

Minimal downtime treatments

■ BOTOX: I consider it to be the best and most cost effective anti-ageing treatment to have for the forehead and eye area. A series of injections block the nerve impulses, reducing muscle activity that cause lines and wrinkles, smoothing out furrows, erasing wrinkles and even giving a gentle lift. Results are seen within three to five days, lasting up to around 5 months.

COST: From £199 depending on areas treated.

Intermediate treatments.

■ MORPHEUS8: This increases elastin and collagen production from fractional and radiofrequency, creating a tightening and lifting effect. It’s a great treatment for a saggy jawline, double chin and crepey neck, and can be used on the face, chest, arms, abdomen, thighs and buttocks. Expect redness and some discomfort for a few days. For best results, we recommend a deep treatment by a doctor.

COST: Upwards of £850. You may need three sessions for optimum results.

Intense treatments

■ FAT TRANSFER OR MICROGRAFTING:

This uses your own fat, harvested from the abdomen, thighs or knees, tackling two problems in one treatment! The fat is used in the same way we use fillers, to replace lost volume in the face, cheeks, brow and temples, creating a fuller, more youthful appearance. Using your own fat means there is no risk of an allergic reaction, but downtime lasts up to two weeks and there can be bruising and swelling in both areas.

COST: from £3500.

■ ELLANSE: By the time we’re in our 50s, our skin will have lost around 50 percent of collagen reserves, leading to wrinkles and saggy skin. This is where the collagen boosting injectable Ellanse comes into its own. Many of my celebrity patients are secretly having Ellanse as it gives a fresh-faced, even-toned complexion that is glowing with health. It can be used around the temples and brow area to fill hollows, the cheeks to plump and give a gentle lift, as well as in the chin and jaw area to help reshape any sagging. The results are immediate, although they will carry on improving as new collagen is formed, with results lasting two to four years.

COST: From £550.

■ CO2 LASER: Still a gold standard for rejuvenation, this resurfaces skin to reduce pores, fine lines, wrinkles and scarring. It produces a heat injury within the dermis kickstarting collagen production. It can be painful, requiring numbing and possibly sedation for a deep treatment. Best results are seen after 6-10 weeks. Depending on the level of CO2 used, you can expect redness and flaking for up to a week. COST: From £350-£1800 a session.

■ FACETITE AND NECKTITE: A great treatment for removing fatty double chins and lifting droopy jowls. Performed under local anaesthetic or light sedation, it involves tiny incisions through which a small radiofrequency probe is inserted to safely heat the tissues. A small suction cannula is then introduced to remove any excess fat. A neck compression garment is worn for 5-14 days to help reduce swelling. Expect bruising for about two weeks; swelling and tenderness. Final results take 24 weeks. COST: From £2800-£3500.

■ SURGICAL FACELIFT: This treatment to deal with a sagging mid-face and droopy jowls is not for the faint hearted. It involves lifting soft tissues and muscles, cutting off excess skin and stitching it all back in place. There will be an incision that runs around and behind the ears, which will be red for several weeks. It takes at least two weeks for the initial bruising and swelling to subside enough to be seen again, and you will need emotional and physical support. The healing period takes at least six months but results can be stunning with the right surgeon.

COST: From around £8500-£15,500.

Photos: insta_photos/ Studio Romantic –stock.adobe.com

Beverley Callard HORMONE THERAPY GAVE ME MY

Beverley Callard, Coronation Street's iconic Landlady Liz, opens up about her difficult menopause and the therapy that helped her bounce back

Like everything else, our hormone levels fluctuate as the years roll by. Levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and thyroid all drop as we age affecting the quality of our life. HRT can improve all symptoms and can be a lifesaver for some women - but not for all and therein lies the problem.

Indeed, many women, like Beverly, have trouble finding the right balance with constant trips to the doctor to alter the dosage or dislike the side effects that come with taking HRT such as weight gain.

AAt 66 actress Beverley

Callard has barely changed over the years. With her youthful figure, glowing skin and glossy thick hair she remains as youthful as she was when we first met over a decade ago.

Back then she was in her early fifties and was suffering from the unwanted side effects of the menopause.

“Mood swings, hot flushes, night sweats and terrible insomnia, I’ve got the lot,” she confided at the time.

Beverley, best known for her role as Coronation Street Landlady, Liz McDonald couldn’t get on with HRT so I suggested she tried Bioidential Hormone Therapy, also known as BHT – and she remains on it till this day.

A huge trend in fighting the signs of aging is now looking at getting the right hormonal balance. In fact it is the foundation of health and wellbeing as when your hormones are out of balance, it can negatively affect every aspect of your health.

But Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy may just be the natural answer to top up our flagging hormone levels.

It is what Beverley credits her dewy complexion and bright eyes, not to mention the fact the energy of a 20 year old!

“Let’s say I have a lot more joie de vivre now. BHT definitely gave me my oomph back,” says Beverley.

Mood swings, hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia... I GOT THE LOT. Let's just say Ihave a lot more Joie de vivre now!

WHAT ARE BIO-IDENTICALHORMONES

Bio-identical hormones are actually natural plant based hormones with the same chemical structure as those naturally made by the human body and are metabolized by

HOW DO THEY WORK

normal metabolic pathways

Derived from plant chemicals (botanicals) these are then used to restore our hormones to more youthful levels,

managing a whole host of different symptoms, resulting in more energy, better memory, a healthier heart, stronger bones, and a more youthful glow.

Check with your doctor so you can initially get a blood test to determine your hormone levels. There are two types of bio-identical products available. Some are made by drug companies and provide a standard dose; these can be prescribed by your GP. You can also get prescriptions for bio-identical products that are mixed specially for you by so-called ‘compounding’ pharmacies. These are available only via a private doctor or clinic. This involves a comprehensive hormone-profiling test, as one size doesn’t fit all. Diagnostic Lab tests may include blood, hair, urine, and saliva samples to provide an accurate assess ment of your health and hormones. A detailed analysis is then given and from these results hormones can be tailor made for each individual

MY FITNESS JOURNEY

“Many older women face huge hurdles getting the right hormonal medication health to help them during their later years. I know I did but feeling great and full of energy can make such a difference to your life and how you look. As well as taking BHT there are also lots of natural ways to improve your vitality and sense of well-being. I’ve found even small tweaks to your day-to-day lifestyle can make a difference especially as you get older.

I had a parallel career as a fitness instructor when I first broke into TV and today exercising has remained a huge part of my life. A lack of time is often the main barrier for most women but you don’t need to sweat it out in a gym to gain the benefits of exercise. . A fast walk, swimming, or cycling for twenty minutes three times a week is just as good. Or even working out at home to a YouTube fitness class. Pilates and stretching is also what helps keep me mobile and flexible. I try to do this every day Whether its making a conscious effort to find a little more me time or going to bed earlier a couple of nights a week or swapping tea and biscuits for some fruit, it all

Vitamin D helps lifts our mood so Bev gets out in the sunlight, even when it's cloudy

adds up. I also take supplements every day including Fish oils. Omega-3 essential fatty acids have been shown to help ease depression, which I’ve suffered from in the past, along with Vitamin D. The body needs Vitamin D to absorb calcium, essential for bone health. Research shows deficiency of this ‘sunshine vitamin’ is linked to depression. So my tip is to get out in the sunlight whenever I can, even when it’s cloudy. Just twenty minutes a day being outside can top up our levels but I always smother my face with SPF30 before. Most days I try to stick to a healthy diet. For breakfast, I'll have grapefruit and porridge. Lunch will be wholemeal pitta bread and mixed salad from a bag and my evening meal will generally be chicken or fish with loads of veg or salad. During the day I will also tuck into lots of fresh fruit.

But I'm not a saint. I still enjoy a takeaway but the next day I'll be extra good. My best stay young tip though is to keep smiling. When you find happiness your face will glow. Whatever your age the Best Is Yet To Come.

THE FACTS

• Even though hormones decrease with age, replenishing them with Bio-Identical Hormones can result in increased energy, better memory, healthier heart, stronger bones and a more youthful glow!

• BHT comes in various forms, including patches, creams, and gels, inserting pellets under the skin or vaginal creams. All are customized to suit the needs of each individual patient

within several days of receiving their hormone therapy

Wild yam is often an ingredient in BHT treatments

• Costs for prescriptions vary from just a few pounds to up to £500 a month for more complex and precision-personalised treatment plans including anti ageing creams and lotions.

• Wild yam and soy are often used as ingredients in BHT. They have an abundance of precursor molecules known as “phytohormones” that can be easily converted into bioidentical hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, DHEA and testosterone

I’m in my 30s and although I’m fairly slim I’ve got a saggy neck. It makes me look years older. How can I fix this?

DR AAMER SAYS: Do remember our skin naturally becomes more lax with age. If the sagging is not extreme, Fractora Forma is a non-invasive thermal rejuvenation system which uses pulses of radio frequency to tighten and resurface the skin. During the 60 minute procedure, a handpiece heats the deep dermal layers to promote collagen and skin tightening, leaving the treated area looking firmer. Effects continue to improve over the next few months as new collagen is formed. A course of 3-6 weekly or fortnightly treatments recommended and results are permanent depending on lifestyle. A top up treatment every 3-6 months will help maintain collagen and boost elastin

COST: From £1500

LESLEY SAYS: Ageing, genetics, lifestyle and ageing can all play in a sagging

Dr Aamer Khan and Lesley Reynolds from the Harley Street Skin Clinic share their advice on your biggest beauty dilemmas

neck, plus the skin here is much thinner so prone to ageing faster. Always treat your neck with the same care you give your face. Exfoliate twice a week to help stimulate cell rejuvenation. Use a neck serum - vitamin C helps retain elasticity - followed by a cream rich in peptides and hyaluronic acid like PRAI Beauty Ageless Throat & Decolletage Crème £26.99. Apply upwards then follow with sunscreen – minimum SPF30 - as UV rays contribute to wrinkles and laxity. When using screens, keep them at eye level and prevent further sagging by taking regular breaks. Exercises can help. Turn your head from one side to the other, then drop your ear to your shoulder slowly, repeating on the other side. Sleeping on the right pillow will also help. A small size creates the ideal angle between the face and neck, slowing down the skin’s ageing process. Yoga and Pilates will also keep your upper body supple and follow a healthy diet to maintain good skin tone. A daily Omega fish oil supplement may also help boost skin health.

Try Boots Omega 3 Fish Oil 1000 mg, £14.50 (6 month supply).

PRESCRIPTIONS

Photos: gangiskhan/imagehub/raisondtre/Arra Vais/Iuliia Sokolovska/Kat Ka –stock.adobe.com

PRAI Beauty Ageless Throat & Decolletage Crème £26.99

Boots Omega 3 Fish Oil 1000 mg, £14.50

Can you help?

DR AAMER SAYS: It may be down to rosacea, a skin condition that often develops for the first time around the menopause. It usually starts as a surface rash, like a cluster of broken red veins and while the cause is unknown, we know fluctuating hormones play a part and flare-ups are likely as skin ages and thins. Start treating it as soon as possible so see a skin professional for a diagnosis as over time it can become more persistent and harder to treat. Existing treatments for rosacea often involve oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory skin cream. A course of IPL or laser treatments, Smartxide Dot can also help treat broken veins by zapping redness. Smartxide also stimulates collagen production, so will also improve skin quality. You may need a course of three to four treatments two weeks apart. Expect to pay around £600 for a course of IPL and from £350 per session for SmartXide.

The tops of my arms are very saggy, so I never go sleeveless. I’ve seriously thought about surgery but are there any alternatives?

DR AAMER SAYS: Surgery has a long recovery period involving stitches that leave a scar running from the armpit to the elbow – although for some women it is the best option. BodyTite is minimally invasive and can reshape upper arms using laser technology to suck out excess fat, and then shrink and tighten skin. You’ll have to wear a compression garment for a few weeks, but you see immediate results with best results after six months when new collagen has formed. Best of all, there’s no scarring. As long as a sensible diet is maintained after treatment, results are permanent. COST: From £2,500.

LESLEY SAYS:

The number one trigger for rosacea is usually environmental; exposure to heat and extreme cold. Stress is big trigger as well as alcohol and spicy foods. Part of the battle is learning to recognise your triggers, and avoiding them. Avoid abrasive skincare like grainy exfoliators and look for mild, fragrance and detergent-free products. Brands including SVR and Avene are designed to reduce redness. Good red-reducing ingredients to look for are peptides, caffeine, and vitamin B3 (niacinamide). Try Avene Antirougers Relief Concentrate for Chronic Redness, £28. UV rays can contribute to a flare up, so sunscreen is essential and mineral make-up provides good coverage without irritation.

LESLEY SAYS: As with all fat loss you cannot ‘spot reduce’ - overall body fat must be reduced to see results in the arms. Cut out white bread, white rice, cakes and biscuits. Eat more lean protein as it’s packed with albumin, which absorbs fluid, and tuck into green vegetables and fruit, which are packed with Vitamin C to help boost collagen and improve overall skin health. A typical daily diet could be eggs for breakfast, a chicken salad lunch and fish with vegetables for dinner. For best results combine diet with regular exercise to help burn fat and build muscle. Swimming is one of the best exercises you can do, working every muscle. Swim three times a week. Fake tan can also work wonders making arms look instantly slimmer and covering skin imperfections. Build up a natural glow using a daily gradual tan lotion like Nivea Q10 Firming & Radiance, £12 which contains coenzyme Q10 to help firm and tighten skin.

I’m going through the menopause and my cheeks are bright red all the time.

WARNING. READERS SHOULD TAKE THE ADVICE OF THEIR DOCTOR BEFORE ACCEPTING ANY ADIVCE GIVEN IN THIS COLUMN. GOT A QUESTION?

Nivea Q10

Firming & Radiance, £12

THE TRUTH ABOUT

sculpting BODY

What you need to know about non-surgical body shaping...

WWith celebrities constantly showing off their perfect curves, we’ve become a society obsessed with our figures. It’s no wonder more and more women are turning to cosmetic procedures for a helping hand.

The real worry is when clients believe body sculpting treatments are a magic bullet for losing weight or a fast, easy route to a fabulous body. The truth is they’re neither. Take 90s supermodel Linda Evangelista, who recently shared heartbreaking social media posts revealing she had been “deformed" after having the fat-freezing treatment CoolSculpting.

This popular non-surgical procedure works by using extreme cold temperatures to reduce fat. Sadly, Linda suffered a serious complication

known as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) which causes the fat cells in the treatment site to grow larger rather than smaller.

PAH is not the fault of the practitioner or the clinic but due to the patient's biological response. It is unique to fat freezing, and extremely rare. Out of 1.5 million people who have had CoolSculpting, just 67 people have reported this side effect.

But Linda’s story highlights the fact that every cosmetic treatment, be it Botox or just a quick lunchtime skin peel, is never ever risk free.

For the most part, non-invasive fat removal and body sculpting procedures have an excellent success and safety record. The most common side effects are bruising around the treatment area, and maybe some aching or tingling for a few weeks afterwards.

HOW DOES BODY SHAPING WORK?

From the face to your ankles, there’s a non-invasive body shaping treatment for almost every part of you – yes, even your vagina! Generally, they all work the same way. A concentrated energy source - laser, ultrasound radio waves, radio frequency (or all three combined) or fat freezing - is aimed at fat cells, which causes the cell membranes to be punctured or destroyed. Over the following weeks fat cells are eliminated naturally by the body. Some treatments will also boost collagen to tighten skin. At our clinic, the only non-surgical option we offer is Onda, as we have found this gives significant results for both skin tightening and fat removal. It uses a microwave technology which disrupts fat cells and tightens the skin at the same time. It is excellent for small, stubborn bulges and for treating loose tummy skin. For best results you need a course of four, two weeks apart. COST: £1200

BODY SHAPING

CELEBRITY CLINIC

Like many women, former EastEnders actress Carol Harrison, piled on the weight around her tummy during the menopause. She had tried every diet going, did hundreds of sit-ups daily but just couldn’t shift her “Meno-podge”. After a thorough consultation, we advised Carole, 66, that she would be an ideal candidate for Bodytite. She had moderate skin laxity and was within 30 percent of her ideal weight. On the day of the treatment, she was with us for around six hours and felt little discomfort. Two months later she popped back for a check-up and was thrilled with the results.

SHE SAID: “I loved the fact that it could blitz my belly fat without any scary scalpels. I first noticed that my tummy was tighter and firmer about two weeks later. Then over the following weeks I was amazed to see I had lost the flab and my midriff was far more toned.

“Even now the results are improving but I still watch what I eat, cut out all the crap and exercise regularly, as this can improve results. I can even see my stomach muscles again, but even better will be able to fit in my LBD for Christmas without wearing Spanx."

Photos: Prostock-studio –stock.adobe.com

HARLEY STREET SKIN CARE

REGENERATING BODY MOISTURISER

HALF

Made specially by us for you, this Regenerating Body Moisuriser (100ml) gently exfoliates skin whilst moisturising and revitalising dry, rough and flaky patches with a special lightweight non-greasy formula. Used on a daily basis, this regenerating lotion is soothing and hydrating, removing dead skin cells and unblocking pores whist stopping dead skin cell build up and aiding mositure retention.

Size 100ml *PLUS P&P £2.95. Email: enquiries@harleystreetskinclinic.com with your order, mentioning the magazine