Beauty Clinic: How can I have glowing (fiftysomething) skin?
Q. Dear Team, I am 53 with pretty okay skin considering my age. My main need is anti ageing and dullness. My skin does not look vibrant at all. I am in that menopause phase so it is a bit drier than it has been.
I read everything I can about skincare but instead of being clear and knowledgeable, I am completely confused and tend to fall prey to hype. Could you give me a 1-2-3 of what I should use day and night. I need to spend my money wisely… I look for mid-range prices but could splash out on a wonder product.
A. This is a question we get asked such a lot. So many products and so much marketing hype equals so much confusion for consumers. That’s actually why we started Beauty Bible in the mid Nineties – and it’s true and more so today.
This reader, Sarah Heyworth, actually emailed us in January this year and we suggested she try Vichy products mainly from the Neovadiol range, which are designed for menopausal and post-menopausal skin. (NB This post is not sponsored. Nothing on this site ever is.)
The experts at Vichy suggested a ‘try it and see’ regime, emphasising that it might be a bit trial and error. (See their suggestions below.)
A week ago, Sarah wrote to us again. This is what she said (complete with exclamation marks!) – and it really made our day!
‘I cannot tell you what a difference the Vichy Neovadiol products have made to my now 54-year-old skin! They are outstanding!! The Neovadiol Compensating Complex serum really lifted my skin and made it look buoyant and youthful! I also love the Magistral Elixir. These will now be staples forever!!
‘I single out these products but I also loved the creams, eye creams and cleanser. My 19-year-old daughter swiped the gel cleanser and took it to uni! She loved it too - it is just a perfect all round skin cleaning product.
‘Once more I want to say thank you. I think I’m a Vichy Neovadiol junkie now!’
And here’s the simple regime she was prescribed: cleanser (depending on skin type – foam, oil, or cream), followed by serum, eye cream, and then moisturiser or oil. All Vichy products are hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.
MORNING
• Quick cleanse with Vichy Pureté Thermal Cleanser Gel/£12 for 200 ml, (all Vichy products are for sensitive skin).
• Follow with Vichy Neovadiol Compensating Complex Serum/£25.50 for 30 ml.
• Then pat on Vichy Slow Age Eyes,/£25 for 15 ml.
• Finally a cream (though you might find the serum is enough) – Vichy Slow Age Fluid/£22.50 for 50 ml or Vichy LiftActiv Collagen Specialist,/£35 for 50 ml.
EVENING
• A good long cleanse with Vichy Pureté Thermal Cleansing Gel.
• Apply Vichy Neovadiol Magistral Elixir/£30 for 30 ml.
• Pat on Vichy Slow Age Eyes (or try Neovadiol Eye Cream/£27 for 15 ml or LiftActiv Eyes/£27 for 15 ml, for a richer evening eye treat)
• Finish with Neovadiol Phytosculpt Face & Neck/£30 for 50 ml.
Et voilå!
