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Ask the expert: what are the Hollywood A-list’s skin secrets?

Simple steps to red-carpet skin

We’re constantly bombarded by images of beauty and glamour in the media: from Instagram to beauty blogs and glossy magazines, we see so many jaw-dropping displays of red-carpet beauty and people looking fabulous at luxurious holiday destinations.


Whilst cameras might focus on the amazing backdrop or gorgeous dresses and jewellery, we’re naturally drawn to the biggest accessory of all: the skin. Your face is under scrutiny plus low-cut necklines, high splits, super-low backs and sleeveless dresses expose firm arms, toned legs. All-in-all, good skin is more important than ever. A couture dress and poor skin just don’t go together so it’s obvious why the A-list opt for the latest in treatment technology and advanced skincare to achieve perfect skin. Some also have teams like us on speed dial!

It isn’t easy being scrutinised under high-definition cameras and unforgiving bright lights that reveal every pore, blemish and other imperfections. And whilst it’s part of the job for celebrities, the rest of us are now constantly subject to the same level of scrutiny, with even the most basic smartphone having a high-definition camera. Of course, the A-list have access to world-class dermatologists, cosmetic specialists and nutritionists that control (and deliver) every meal, but that doesn’t mean that the strategies their experts deploy are out of reach. Just by following our simple routine and taking on board the experts’ advice, you too can have award-winning skin and step out with confidence, whether it’s on the red carpet or the school run.

What the experts recommend

Katy Young – Beauty Director, The Telegraph
Keep hydrated
“A hydrated body means hydrated skin, but it’s not just about glugging down litres of water! Focus on quenching your thirst and having a diet rich in vegetables fruit and herbal teas. Hydrate, rather than saturate, your body and you will start to see clarity, brightness and springiness to your skin.”

Nicole Mowbray – Health and Beauty Writer, Vogue, Grazia et al; Author of ‘Sweet Nothing’
Prevention and protection
“It is much easier to prevent skin damage than it is to correct it, to ensure your skin stays smooth, glowing and wrinkle free use a topical antioxidant daily. If you use an SPF too you’ll have comprehensive skin protection by wearing a topical antioxidant (I love Phloretin from Skinceuticals) and an SPF (Heliocare’s SPF 50 Gel works well under make-up and has a subtle tint meaning you can wear it alone), you have comprehensive skin protection to prevent sun damage and guard against skin discolouration such as pigmentation.’ “

Daniella Issacs – bodyism.com
Regular Exercise
“Exercise is the most effective way to circulate refreshing oxygen through the body, helping reduce dark circles and brighten your skin from the inside out. As your heart rate increases so does your metabolic function, helping to eliminate toxins from the body, which can cause tired, red or blemished skin. Eating well is vital too. A beautiful, glowing complexion comes from eating a variety of nutrient dense foods, drinking plenty of water and moving your body daily.”

Dr Saira Vasdev – Lead Aesthetic Doctor, Waterhouse Young
Night creams
“While you are sleeping, your body’s renewal system is in full swing, so equip your skin with as many nutrients and hydrating ingredients as possible with a nourishing night cream. Look for key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid as it binds moisture deep within the skin. Also, using a night-time concentrate such as Retinol or Resveratrol under your night cream will boost the skin’s regenerative capacity by stimulating collagen production and improving the skin’s texture and elasticity.”

Read on and follow our award-winning skin care guidelines and you’ll be one step closer to fabulously radiant skin.

The routine

DISCIPLINE
The first step is discipline. Good skin does not happen overnight, it takes months to balance and address specific issues like pigmentation, sun damage and elasticity.

YOU ARE UNIQUE
You need a bespoke skin-care regime to follow at home, with products that will cleanse, protect and repair. Your skin is as unique as a fingerprint.

CLEANSE AND EXFOLIATE
If you can, invest in a cleansing brush. It is the best for removing makeup and daily exfoliation. This means that your skin will more readily absorb your skin-care ingredients applied after washing.

REMEMBER YOUR NECK AND CHEST
Remember to extend your facial routine to your neck and décolleté. These are on show just as much as your face and therefore deserve the same attention.

GLOW WITH A BODY BRUSH
Try a body brush on dry skin before showering. Not only does it remove dead skin cells which will leave your skin looking brighter but it will also increase blood flow which stimulates the lymphatic system to remove toxins.

CLEANSE BEFORE BED
Now, the mandatory rule of good skin: do not sleep with make up on! The skin renews itself overnight, so if you want to change how the skin behaves, the most important ingredients should be applied before bedtime. No matter how exhausted you are, take time to do this – you will love the effects.

Treatments

With your daily skin-care regime in place, you can increase your skin’s vitality and luminosity with the A-list’s favourite treatments:

HydraFacial
If you have ever read Waterhouse Young’s media coverage or blogs, you’ll know just how many people swear by the HydraFacial! In our whole time working with aesthetics, we’ve never seen a treatment that can give each client the same results. It is an “all in one” rejuvenation miracle, that will deep cleanse, exfoliate, extract impurities and intensely hydrate and nourish. Problematic skin? Not a problem. Your skin expert fine tunes the HydraFacial for your needs, adding a glycolic/salicylic acid peel and using LED lights to stimulate collagen and reducing acne.

Intraceuticals Oxygen Infusion
If your skin needs an extra boost, the Intraceuticals Oxygen Infusion will infuse precious hyaluronic acid and powerful anti-oxidants into the deeper layers, not only hydrating but also plumping the areas treated. It’s an excellent party treat ensuring you are ready for your close up and the inevitable rounds of photos taken at events!

Juverderm Hydrate
Another recent addiction for many is a clever product called Teosyal Redensity I. It is a combination of dermal filler and mesotherapy which can fully restore your skin’s light-reflecting capabilities. It’s a simple hydrating procedure whereby tiny injections are made superficially into the skin, providing your skin with a combination of amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to boost luminosity.

EndyMed Radio Frequency
Now if it’s elasticity that’s letting you down, we have a little more work to do! One of the best skin-tightening treatments is Endymed radio frequency which naturally stimulates collagen and elastin production by heat energy. The best part: no discomfort, no down time and you can have the lifting treatment just before a big event!

Next steps

Enjoy the results from this new skin-care routine and, if you feel you’d like more advice or need a little help, contact our skin experts to book a consultation.

The award for best skin is within reach – sometimes it’s just a case of who you know…

Waterhouse Young is one of London’s first medical aesthetic clinics, founded by renowned cosmetic surgeon, Norman Waterhouse – former President of the BAAPS. Based in the Harley Street medical district, WY contributes regularly to the media, from Vogue, Tatler, Vanity Fair and Elle to The Times. WY’s longstanding team offers advice and  non-surgical treatments to maintain optimum skin and overall health. 

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