How to fake the anti-ageing effects of HRT: The skin creams that emulate its youth-bosting benefits
‘I can instantly tell which women take HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and which don’t,’ one cosmetic doctor, who wants to remain anonymous, tells me. ‘Those who do just look younger.’
Indeed, HRT’s beauty benefits are multiple and proven. Think plumper, more even-toned skin and shinier, fuller hair. Hence rising numbers of women taking it purely for reasons of vanity.
So how does it work?
Dr Wassim Taktouk, aesthetic physician to London’s glitterati, says HRT counters the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause/menopause. Without HRT, there can be a huge oestrogen drop, which is significant because low levels can mean the skin thins, becomes dry and loses elasticity. Fun stuff.
HRT slows this drop – which is great news for those who want
Indeed, HRT’s beauty benefits are multiple and proven. Think plumper, more even-toned skin and shinier, fuller hair. Stock image used
to and can take it. But if you’re not convinced or are put off by reports now linking it to developing dementia, there are other ways to boost your skin.
Firstly SPF, SPF, SPF. You can buy fancy creams, have facials, but without sunscreen UV damage will cause skin laxity – no question. Food is also key – a high-sugar diet speeds up the ageing process (yes, sadly, that includes wine). Cosmetic doctor Vicky Dondos advises eating vitamin-A-packed sweet potato to protect against drier skin and rich-in-omegas olive oil to reduce any increased inflammation.
Or, for help in a bottle,
Dr Taktouk has created these strategies to mimic its effects:
1. BOOST SKIN TEXTURE
‘Decreased oestrogen levels can lead to a reduction in collagen production, so I recommend SkinCeuticals A.G.E Interrupter Advanced (£175, skinceuticals.co.uk). This blocks our body’s formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) which are implicated in attacking collagen.’
2. SMOOTH LINES AND WRINKLES
‘Those reduced collagen levels can also contribute to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, while declining oestrogen levels can affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture, making it appear drier and potentially accentuating existing lines. To reduce these effects I like Vichy Neovadiol Plumping Day Cream (£33.95, escentual.com). This works to target the signs of ageing caused by menopause, and improve hydration, tone, radiance and texture for supple, softer-feeling skin. It includes proxylane, which is known to boost hyaluronic acid, cassia extract and Vichy volcanic water.’
3. REDUCE SENSITIVITY
‘Oestrogen has a role in maintaining the skin’s natural protective barrier. When its levels decrease, this barrier becomes more susceptible to external irritants, potentially causing increased sensitivity or reactivity. To ease these symptoms I recommend using REN Smooth, Prep & Plump Essence (£43, cultbeauty.co.uk). Designed to strengthen the skin’s barrier, it also protects against pollution. For rosacea I recommend Eucerin UltraSensitive Soothing Care (£18, boots.com). This face cream contains a patented ingredient called Symsitive which blocks the receptors responsible for sensitive skin.’
‘Oestrogen has a role in maintaining the skin’s natural protective barrier. When its levels decrease, this barrier becomes more susceptible to external irritants, potentially causing increased sensitivity or reactivity.
‘Decreased oestrogen levels can lead to a reduction in collagen production, so Rosie recommends SkinCeuticals A.G.E Interrupter Advanced (£175, skinceuticals.co.uk)
UNDER £10
A travel essential, this is easy to pack in your liquid allowance with no risk of spillage. Perfect for sun-parched, chlorine-damaged hair. Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask (30ml), £3.95, lookfantastic.com
‘Time may be a great healer, but it’s a lousy beautician’
Dorothy Parker
FOR A SPRITZ OF SUMMER
Combining heady mimosa and tiaré flower, the come-hither fragrance evokes sun-kissed skin. Enjoy spraying liberally
& Other Stories Solar Essay EDT (£29, stories.com). This brand consistently creates scents that look and smell like those costing ten times the price. Its new offering is no exception. Combining heady mimosa and tiaré flower, the come-hither fragrance evokes sun-kissed skin. Enjoy spraying liberally.
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