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I had the pleasure of joining The Smart Girls Club  podcast for Episode 14  - a conversation that felt both honest and rejuvenating.  Exactly what great cosmetic treatments and conversations should be. In the episode, we dive into everything from the myths surrounding Botox® and fillers , to how cosmetic medicine can be approached in a way that feels natural, thoughtful, and personal.  We also talk through the subtle shifts in how confidence, identity, and beauty evolve as we age and how important it is to feel informed and in control of your choices. If you’ve ever felt curious (or cautious!) about aesthetic treatments, this is a great listen. I share insights on lip fillers, Botox®, Profhilo® , and how I work with patients  to achieve results that still feel like you - just a little more rested and refreshed. At ALLOR , my goal has always been to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and never judged.  This conversation was a wonderful extension of that ethos, and I’m so grateful to have been invited. A big thank you to Sarah Cavanagh , the lovely host of The Smart Girls Club , for having me on and guiding such a thoughtful, engaging chat. You can listen now to Episode 14  on iHeartRadio or Spotify  on the links below or just search The Smart Girls Club  and look for my name. Botox®, Prescription Medicine For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes.  Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 Units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on  www.medsafe.govt.nz . Click for further details. Allergan, Auckland. PROFHILO® containing low & high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, is a Class III medical device for the treatment of the face and body for contours redefinition and laxity remodelling where skin laxity is a problem. Profhilo® has risks and benefits. Do not use with treatments such a laser resurfacing or medium deep skin-peeling. Caution in people on blood thinning medicines. Do not inject into inflamed areas or intravenously or intramuscularly. Possible side effects: pain and swelling at injection site. Accelagen Pty.  Ltd. Whanganui.

I've been wanting to have filler in my lips, but am feeling unsure. How do you make sure they look good?Anon, West Harbour  Luscious lips are something many of us desire, and multiple things should be considered to ensure they look and feel good.  It is natural to feel nervous, as there are a lot of overdone lips out there that are enough to scare even the bravest of souls (Married at First Sight anyone?).   As injectors we firstly have to take into account overall facial proportions and surrounding tissues. Lips should never look stuck on, so there must be adequate support from tissues around the mouth in order to achieve a natural result. Correct filler choice (softer rather than firmer), injected at the correct depth (close to the skin surface) in the correct amount (not too much) and correct location (only in the pink area, also known as the "pink lip"), will ensure it looks natural. Specific areas of deficiency, width of your nose and eyes, in conjunction with your own natural lip shape, ethnicity and lip projection will also help yield a lovely result where you look subtly enhanced, but still yourself. Very few of us look good with large lips and none of us looks good with sausages. Harmony is key, so always see an injector who will respect this, so you look and feel like the best, most luscious version of you .   If you have a question for Dr. Heather you would like answered anonymously, please email askdrheather@allor.co.nz

Microneedling is a great treatment for skin rejuvenation.  It’s like giving your skin a wake-up call, stimulating collagen and elastin to correct fine lines, wrinkles , acne scars, and improve overall texture. If you’re looking for a way to refresh your skin without major downtime, this treatment is definitely worth considering.   HOW DOES MICRONEEDLING WORK? Over time, our skin naturally loses collagen, leading to fine lines, sagging, and uneven texture. Microneedling helps reverse this by strengthening your skin from within, making it a fantastic option for improving: Fine lines and wrinkles Acne scars Uneven skin texture Enlarged pores Tiny, sterile needles penetrate the skin, creating microscopic channels and stimulating the body’s natural healing response.  Growth factor TGF-β3 is released in a process unique to microneedling, triggering what many refer to as the holy grail of healing, where repair happens without scar formation.  Fresh collagen and elastin are therefore produced to smooth skin and give it a youthful glow. And the best part? The results get better over time as your skin continues to build collagen in the weeks following treatment (go skin, go!).   MICRONEEDLING FOR ACNE SCARS If you’ve been struggling with acne scars , microneedling can be a game-changer.  By stimulating collagen production in scarred areas, the treatment helps smooth out irregularities.  When combined with topicals such as insulin, the results are even more profound.   Before and after photo of acne scars after 3 microneedling sessions. Before and after photo of acne scars after 3 microneedling sessions.  For acne scars, I usually recommend a series of 3-6 treatments, spaced about 4-6 weeks apart.  Some scars - especially deeper ice-pick scars - may need a combination approach with chemical peels , but even on its own, microneedling can make a noticeable difference.   MICRONEEDLING FOR FINE LINES AND WRINKLES One of my favourite things about microneedling is how well it works for fine lines . The tiny needles trick your skin into thinking it needs to repair itself, so it becomes firmer and more radiant over time. Most patients notice an improvement in skin texture after just one session, but the real magic happens around the 3-month mark when collagen remodelling peaks.  What’s even more beautiful about this treatment is that in can be used on any skin on the body, popular areas include face, neck, decolletage, hands, and caesarean section scars.   WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A MICRONEEDLING TREATMENT If you’re nervous about pain, don’t be.  A numbing cream is applied before treatment , so most people only feel a mild prickling sensation.  The procedure itself takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Afterwards, your skin may be red - similar to a mild sunburn - but this usually settles within 24-48 hours.  You might experience some dryness or light flaking as your skin renews itself, but nothing that will keep you from your normal routine.   HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN AFTER MICRONEEDLING Post-treatment care is crucial for getting the best results.  Your skin will be more sensitive than usual, so I always recommend: Avoiding makeup for at least 24 hours  to let your skin breathe. Applying a gentle moisturiser  to keep skin hydrated. Using SPF 50+ daily  and avoid sun exposure. Skipping harsh exfoliants and active ingredients  (like retinol ) for a few days to allow your skin to heal properly.   HOW MANY SESSIONS DO YOU NEED? This depends on your skin goals.  For general rejuvenation, 3-4 sessions spaced a month apart are ideal.  For deeper acne scars or more pronounced wrinkles, you may need 5-6 sessions. Once you’ve completed an initial series, I usually recommend maintenance treatments every 6-12 months to keep collagen production active and skin looking fresh.   FINAL THOUGHTS Microneedling is one of those treatments that keeps on giving.  The results aren’t instant, but with each session , your skin gets better - smoother, firmer, and more radiant.  If you’re looking for a natural way to boost collagen and improve skin texture, microneedling is definitely worth a try. Your skin has an incredible ability to heal and renew itself.  Sometimes, it just needs a little encouragement! Dr. Heather Anderson MBChB, BSc, RNZCUC

A friend asked me the other day, why is sunscreen so important? With the upcoming long hot summer El Nino is expected to deliver (wahoo!), it got me thinking. Why do we bang on about sunscreen ? It must seem like sunscreen companies are sponsoring us to (they aren't). It all comes down to science. When the sun stuns us with her rays, she emits Ultraviolet Radiation (UV). There are different types of UV, the main ones that affect us are UVA and UVB. The energy they carry penetrates our skin and cooks us in a similar way to how a microwave heats up our dinner. Limited amounts of cooking (up to 15 minutes or so) are good for our tissues as it stimulates beneficial pathways in our body such as the production of Vitamin D, good for anti-ageing, bone and immune system maintenance. Too much of a good thing causes changes in our skin including altered pigmentation (spots), damaged collagen and dysfunctional deposits of elastin leading to wrinkles . Pigmented lesions/spots can also be triggered to mutate, leading to formation of cancer cells and the dreaded Melanoma. Sunscreen protects us from this radiation, broad spectrum the preferred choice to combat UVA (penetrates deeper and through glass, causing us to tan) and UVB (penetrates less deep and causes us to burn). Using this every day (even in Winter and when its cloudy) helps prevent and treat these changes. Like the necessity of wearing clothes, sunscreen should be part of the wardrobe. To be worn every day, except when the curtains are drawn and one is hiding inside.

How do you know if you need cosmetic treatments? Anon, Whenuapai. A great question. Often pondered by the masses, taking the leap to having "work done" can be a daunting one.  First, we must clarify what "work" entails. Cosmetic treatments are designed to help us look and feel better.  The looking better part is really up to you.  It ranges from glowy, clear skin to less wrinkles to restructuring facial features , creating harmony and a refreshed appearance , where people comment you look great, but can't quite put their finger on it.  A holiday to the tropics?  A new diet?  New earrings? Therein lies the beauty of well-executed cosmetic medicine.  Both an art and a science, the delicate balance lies in the hands of the injector.  One who sees your unique beauty with acute awareness of the aesthetic end point. Various media have highlighted the dark side of cosmetic treatments, where aesthetic end points were crossed so fiercely, naturally beautiful people were given new identities.  Lovely lips turned to sausages, cheeks turned to chipmunks and jawlines turned to jagged messes. Such stories are wonderfully entertaining, alas not helpful for those seriously wanting the odd tweak to help them look and feel their finest.  Thankfully, there are a raft of ethical practitioners out there, properly trained with your best interests at heart. So it really all depends on you.  If that pesky frown is making you look grumpy, those forehead lines are becoming crevices for your make up, your skin is looking dull , you're tired of looking tired or if you just want a professional someone to cast an objective eye, then you are ready. The key is to sit firmly in the driver's seat, accept no pressure and do what feels comfortable for you and your budget.  The right practitioner will guide you, support you and care for you at every step. Your face and feelings are precious, so should always be handled with kindness, dignity and respect.

There’s lots of talk about “new year, new you”, so it has me thinking about what my options are for looking good, but I have no idea where to start.  Any suggestions? Anon, Whenuapai Ask Dr. Heather Blog as featured in the K umeu Courier   Welcoming the new year can feel intimidating as it sets expectations for what we should achieve.  Looking good helps us feel good and thankfully there are multiple options down the cosmetic track if you feel you need a bit of a tweak.   The cosmetic treatment options range from dermal filler (injected hyaluronic acid gel that replaces volume and structure) to botulinum toxin (colloquially known as Botox®, a neurotoxin that relaxes muscles to stop skin creasing).  Skin treatments and skincare are also important, as one can never truly glow if their skin is dull.    Skin treatments include microneedling (tiny needles penetrate the skin to stimulate collagen), chemical peels (controlled peeling of skin cells generating radiant, less pigmented new skin) and injectable skin treatments (injectable hyaluronic acid such as Profhilo®  or mineral cocktail such as NCTF®  with or without Art Filler® ).    Navigating what’s on offer can feel just as overwhelming as entering the new year.  Its best to consult an injector to discuss what will work best for you, as many treatments target multiple areas and provide bang for your buck.  A thorough, initial consultation is a great time to chat whilst also ensuring you feel comfortable.  Our faces and bodies are precious, so only put them in the hands of someone you can trust.  And remember, if your injector looks weird, you probably will too! Botox®, Prescription Medicine For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes.  Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 Units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on  www.medsafe.govt.nz . Click for further details. Allergan, Auckland. Dermal Filler, Medical Device Class III to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore or enhance the lips or restore facial volume. Dermal filler has risk and benefits. Ask your doctor if dermal filler is right for you.  For product information check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier. PROFHILO® containing low & high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, is a Class III medical device for the treatment of the face and body for contours redefinition and laxity remodelling where skin laxity is a problem. Profhilo® has risks and benefits. Do not use with treatments such a laser resurfacing or medium deep skin-peeling. Caution in people on blood thinning medicines. Do not inject into inflamed areas or intravenously or intramuscularly. Possible side effects: pain and swelling at injection site. Accelagen Pty.  Ltd. Whanganui.  ART FILLER® containing low & high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, is a Class III medical device for the treatment of facial contours for redefinition, laxity and remodelling where skin laxity is a problem. ART FILLER® has risks and benefits. Do not use with treatments such a laser resurfacing or medium deep skin-peeling. Caution in people on blood thinning medicines. Do not inject into inflamed areas or intravenously or intramuscularly. Possible side effects: pain and swelling at injection site. Distributed by Cryomed Aesthetics Ltd. Auckland.

I always feel very anxious over Christmas time, any recommendations on how to get through it all without being a nervous wreck? Anon, Whenuapai. Anxiety is very common.  Add in pressure to attend multiple events, cook, host, buy presents, all whilst coping with the ever-increasing cost of living?  Relentless. It's a stressful time.  All wrapped up with feelings of guilt for not enjoying it as we are supposed to, it can leave many loathing the holidays.  For those with children, the seemingly endless school holidays add another layer of pressure. Firstly, it is important to realise you are not alone.  As humans we are built to feel anxious as a natural response to threatening situations.  The adrenaline rush dilates our pupils, increases our heart rate, and puts our digestion on pause so we are ready to fight or flight.  Sometimes less threatening situations trigger this response and we feel just as intensely when we aren't actually going to be physically harmed in the same way (although it feels a lot like it we are when dealing with tantruming children!). Social media, news and endless information at our fingertips triggers us to think more about issues we never used to.  We are constantly bombarded so sometimes don't obtain the respite we need to switch off, so this must be done intentionally.  This means forcing ourselves to stop.  Really  stop. Mindfulness and meditation are one of the ways we can achieve this.  Thinking about our breath and body in real time helps ground our thinking and reminds us to be in the present.  Taking even 1 or 2 minutes a day to do this can be so powerful.  You can even do it whilst going for a walk.  A great alternative is guided mediation or Hatha yoga, where yoga is combined with meditation (Google these and you will discover a raft of excellent free resources).  These practices settle the mind, helping the clouds to clear and reminds us that just as aeroplanes escape clouds as they ascend, so can we. Even when it is raining, the blue sky is always there. Another great technique is writing down what triggers your anxiety.  Be specific and really think about where it comes from, then write what would actually happen if the worst-case scenario played out.  Then write how it makes you feel.  Finally, write an affirmation of a positive way you can respond to the trigger.  Something along the lines of "I am strong" or “I can…” to re-programme the mind to switch automatic negative thoughts into automatic positive ones.  Doing this and re-reading your affirmations can really help you believe in your strength and power.  Because we all have these qualities, we just need to realise them. Anxiety is best faced head on.  That may feel scary, but just as a shadow monster grows in the eery darkness, it disappears once the light is switched on.  You too, can switch the light on.  If that still feels overwhelming, talking to you GP will help as there are pharmacological and professional services available if you need them. And finally, be kind to yourself.  This is a busy time; however it can be wonderful if we pace ourselves and keep our boundaries.  Say no to things that don't serve you, if it's not a "heck yes!", it's a no.  A polite one of course.

What is Botox®? Anon, Whenuapai . A great question. Many assume they know as it's well splashed over the media, however I imagine many don't know more than "it freezes your face, Susan". Botox® is actually a brand name for Botulinum toxin (other brand names include Dysport® and Xeomin® ). All of these contain variable concentrations of toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.  Originally used by the United States Army as a bioweapon in World War II, this chemical has a powerful effect on paralyzing muscles. In large quantities Botulinum toxin can be dangerous, causing muscles needed for breathing to stop working. When used in much smaller concentrations, such as those used in Cosmetic Medicine, it is an effective tweaker of facial musculature, acting as a relaxant for muscles that cause pesky wrinkles. In skilled hands the result is a lovely, refreshed face, without looking frozen (think post-holiday-in-the-tropics glow).  In not-so-skilled hands it can lead to something that resembles a stroke. Botox® also acts on other parts of tissue such as sweat glands, providing an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).  It has also been shown to help reduce the appearance of scars.  The effect of this chemical is transient, lasting 3-4 months on average (up to 6-9 months in some).  Muscle fibre and sweat gland function completely returns once it wears off, so top-ups are required to maintain results.   Despite function recovering, repeated treatments on muscles leads to wasting, as one slowly diminishes their desire to do certain expressions targeted by treatment injections, such as frowning.  This alters the connectome in the brain, the complex wiring of brain cells connecting muscles of facial expression with emotion.  Gradual weakening of muscles leads to altered emotions, hence less frowning triggers us to feel happier.  Our animal instincts cause us to mimic each other, so if we look happier, so too do our peers. Like so many historical discoveries, Botox® began as a beast and morphed into a thing of beauty.  In the right hands, you too can benefit from its clever brilliance. Xeomin® (incobotulinum toxin) Prescription Medicine for the treatment of upper facial lines: glabellar frown lines, crow’s feet around the eyes, horizontal forehead lines.  Xeomin® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Xeomin® is right for you (incobotulinum toxin A, purified Botulinum toxin type A 50 Units and 100 Units). For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz . Click for further details. Merz, Sydney. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics, Auckland. Dysport®, Prescription Medicine For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. Dysport® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Dysport is right for you. Botulinum toxin type A 300 or 500 Ipsen Units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on www.medsafe.govt.nz . Click for further details. Galderma, Auckland. Botox®, Prescription Medicine For the treatment of frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes.  Botox® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor if Botox is right for you. Botulinum toxin type A 50, 100, 200 Units. For product information check with your doctor or Consumer Medicine Information on  www.medsafe.govt.nz . Click for further details. Allergan, Auckland.

What is the best treatment for acne? Anon, Kumeu.   Acne is a frustrating beast.  It can rear its ugly face at all ages and can fluctuate at different stages of our lives.  Back in the infomercial days of acne skincare, many of us will remember the “miraculous” treatments all the popstars used that seemingly served to only irritate our skin, without any real solution (sorry Beibs).   Several types of acne exist, all relating to different stages of hair follicle blockage and inflammation.  These stages are referred to as Comedomal Acne (red spots and blackheads), Acne Vulgaris (pimples and blackheads), and Nodulocystic Acne (angry red pimples and sores).  Often an array of these features co-exist, and are further categorized as mild, moderate and severe.    Treating hormonal imbalances, tweaking medications, restricting the use of occlusive cosmetic products and reducing intake of dairy and high GI foods can all help as a starting point to minimizing acne .  Cleansing the face twice daily with a pH-balanced cleanser, ideally containing salicylic acid is the next step, followed by use of topical Retinol (Vitamin A).  The latter is famous for not only controlling acne, but also sports marvelous anti-ageing effects, plumping skin and evening pigmentation.  Hardy versions of retinol are available on prescription.   Chemical peels and microneedling can also help settle the skin; however need to be done on skin without active infection present.  Failing that, oral medication such as doxycycline and isotretinoin (Roaccutane) are an option to really help things clear.  Like any oral medication, these must be prescribed by a Doctor and monitored closely to ensure safety and adequate response.    As acne clears and scars emerge, these too can be minimized by treatments such as chemical peels and microneedling.  As complex as acne can be, advancements in skincare , topical and oral medications have thankfully altered the course of how we can treat this problem.  Goodbye pizza face, hello smoothness!

What is filler made of? Anon, Whenuapai.   Dermal filler is commonly made of Hyaluronic Acid (HA).  HA naturally occurs in our tissues and attracts water to help hydrate them.  Filler contains artificially made HA, chemically bonded together with various degrees of cross-linking to create different gels.  The more cross-linked a filler, the firmer the gel.  The firmer the gel, the longer it lasts in tissues and the better it is as mimicking bone lost to ageing.   Different fillers are injected into different areas of the face to replace lost tissue.  When done appropriately, this leads to a harmonious, natural result where it is difficult to tell if someone has had “work” done.  Too much filler leads to a puffy overdone look, as does too firm filler too close to the skin’s surface as modelled by many in the media (think girls of “Married At First Sight Australia”).   HA filler can be dissolved with the enzyme Hyaluronidase, also a naturally occurring entity we make in our tissues.  Cosmetic injectors should always have this at hand for dissolving HA filler in cases of emergency such as blocked blood vessels, as well as correcting overdone or undesirable results.  Irreversible fillers such as calcium hydroxyapatite are used less frequently; the latter used more commonly for skin rejuvenation and reduction in fine lines, although some also use it to alter facial structure.   Historically fillers such as silicone have been injected, however thankfully this is no longer a common occurrence as a raft of complications have been described with its use including chronic inflammation, lumps, swelling and skin changes.   The world of fillers is a rapidly growing one.  Products are becoming increasingly safer with better testing leading to improved outcomes.  Better results are achieved by injectors who appreciate the nuances of these products existing amongst a saturated market, coupled with their technical skills.  Just as our faces are multifaceted, so too should be our injectors. Dermal Filler, Medical Device Class III to smooth facial wrinkles and folds, correct facial atrophic scars, restore or enhance the lips or restore facial volume. Dermal filler has risk and benefits. Ask your doctor if dermal filler is right for you.  For product information check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier.

I think about doing cosmetic treatments but feel guilty.  I always put my family first, but my husband keeps telling me not to feel bad for wanting to put myself first for a change.  How do people get around feeling guilty?  Anon, Riverhead. Parental guilt is real for parents, so it is entirely understandable you feel this way.  We always put our family first and so naturally feel as if we don’t deserve the same.  Interestingly this concept often stems from us suffering low self-worth.  Taught to us by generations above, it is surprisingly common to feel as if we don’t deserve certain things because we feel we aren’t worthy.    Self-worth is a core belief we possess similarly to any other core belief such as religion.  It is different from low self-esteem as it does not fluctuate easily (think good hair day versus bad hair day).  It is instead a static mental space where one is so secure within themselves; they know they will be okay if they lost everything (a scary but very powerful space to be).   The seeds of low self-worth are often planted when we are children and continue to grow with dysfunctional adult relationships, where we suffer emotional abuse ranging from not feeling heard, through to being yelled at, severely criticised, or even physically abused.  Identifying this is not to necessarily lay blame on our parents, partners, or friends, as they are a product of their own experience, but instead allows us to identify patterns of intergenerational and interpersonal trauma that lay the foundations of low self-worth, so toxic cycles can be broken.    Low self-worth is often developed alongside an inner critic who negates our decisions and tells us we shouldn’t do things because we aren’t worthy.  It can also develop as a reflex of receiving criticism from influential figures in our lives and can be hard to turn off.  One of the most liberating things we can do to counteract our inner critic is to say DELETE every time it rears its ugly head.  Saying it aloud, with conviction is an extremely effective way to diminish its power and allows us to instead turn up the volume on compliments.  Sometimes naming our inner critic can further help disconnect from its influence.    When we shift our thinking in this way, we become more positive and allow ourselves to internalise positive feedback.  We then start to really respect and love ourselves.  We get to know ourselves.  We become our own best friend.  It then becomes okay to put ourselves first just as we are always told in flights to put our oxygen mask on first.  This also allows us to build stronger boundaries and we become happier with more capacity for acts of kindness, as we are no longer stomped on by negativity.    Whether it be cosmetic treatments, going out for that lunch with a friend or eating that piece of cake, being kind to ourselves by silencing our inner critic and welcoming in positivity can be a life changing experience.  The warm hug of grace we give ourselves can be just what the Doctor ordered.

What is the best skincare regime? Anon, Whenuapai.   Skincare is complex.  There is a lot of noise in the market with zero regulation.  Most of us start (and often continue) a very basic regime inspired by supermarket shelves, television adverts and people we know.  I myself have been victim of using all the no-no things including face cloths, soap and the dreaded St Ives Apricot Scrub.    A good regime consists of a few basics.  Firstly, a pH balanced cleanser should be used to gently cleanse the skin without compromising the naturally acidic skin barrier.  It doesn’t really matter what product you use if the pH is balanced, however be weary of marketing ploys such as foam (foam does not equal better cleaning) and addition of ingredients such a hyaluronic acid as they are washed away during the cleansing process.   After cleansing, application of an antioxidant serum is a great idea.  Vitamin C is a fantastic option for daytime as it is great for environmental protection, minimising pigmentation and encouraging collagen production.  A good alternative for day (or nighttime) is Vitamin B, which helps minimise wrinkles , improve skin tone and also acts to enhance collagen production.   Another great serum for nighttime is the famous Vitamin A, AKA, retinol.  The hero ingredient to any skincare regime , this powerful micro-nutrient speeds up skin cell turnover, minimises pigmentation, reduces acne, stimulates collagen production and diminishes wrinkles.  Care must be taken when starting retinol however as it can cause skin irritation, so staggering its use initially and slowly building to nightly application is recommended.  Many products on the market claim to contain retinol , however shop around as some instead contain very weak retinoid esters (retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and retinyl linoleate), that take many years of consistent use to have effect.    On top of serums, one should then apply a quality moisturiser that suits your skin type.  Dry skin needs thicker moisturisers, whereas oily skin prefers oil-free concoctions.  Choose something that smells and feels good and be sure to also apply it on the neck and backs of the hands as these areas are often neglected and eventually become telltale signs of a person’s true age (you’ll start noticing those celebrity close-ups now).   Finally, during the day don’t forget SPF!  Super important to minimise ageing as the harsh ultraviolet rays from the sun (on cloudy and clear days) will undo all the good work you do with your skincare regime.  Just be sure to pick a product that you like that doesn’t make you look and feel like a greaseball.    Everyone can benefit from a good skincare regime; the key is to understand the basics and resist marketing tactics by big brands.  A good rule of thumb is if it’s advertised in mainstream media, it probably isn’t worth your time (and money) as quality products don’t need big advertisements to demonstrate their worth.