I love this thread, so much useful information.
I would say it all depends on your skin type and lifestyle. By all means eat well, supplement and exercise/ Yoga is best
. However, Topical treatments do work and we are definitely blessed with choices aswell as cursed. where do you start?
Vitamin A and Vitamin C are possibly the only two ingredients that will deliver reversible results in skincare. Vitamin A (Retinol) is now available in a safe non prescriptive formula. Botanical source which does not cause sensitivity and doesn't come with down time. **Retynil palmitate.
Vitamin C needs to be stable so don't use anything that promises otherwise.
Other products containing Glycolic acid (min 10%) will refine your skin and minimise the existing fine lines. these usually come as a Pad treatment you can use 1-3 times a week, and also available in creams which usually can cost more but are very effective.
Red light therapy and Electro-current therapy are two painless treatments which you can have for home use now, these little machines are appx around £150 and they are yours for life. these are very effective in toning and smoothing the skin with no side effects. FDA approved and guaranteed results when used properly. Most salons offer these as part of a facial, and you can head to Harvey Nichols for a 15mins treatments to try first. Check out NU FACE devices.
Natural skincare and oils will only work if they are of high grade and cold pressed, otherwise forget it.
When mixed correctly you can get some amazing results:
Lavender oils can produce the same effects of botox, by relaxing the muscles. Neroli oils will reduce dark spots and brighten the skin by improving circulation. Rose and Geranium oils are highly anti aging and anti inflammatory . and so on.
We have a couple of local mums who produces some beautiful oil blends, and skincare check it out:
https://www.rosalena.co.uk/
There is lots of info and choices out there, but that's good because we are all different.
Thanks for posting this question, I really enjoyed reading through everyone's responses. This seem like a good discussion group in the making, ladies sharing beauty secrets