Latest news with #DrAnjaliMahto
Telegraph
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
I tried the jowl-sharpening tweakment loved by Sarah Jessica Parker. It works
The Sex and The City spin-off And Just Like That... has had wildly mixed reviews. But questionable plot lines aside, Sarah Jessica Parker looks – refreshingly – exactly like herself. At 60, her face isn't over-filled, her hair isn't over-dyed and her skin isn't over-tightened, a rarity in an industry where it's entirely normal in midlife to consider a deep plane facelift, a costly, invasive procedure (Kris Jenner is rumoured to have had one recently). Indeed, Parker's skincare routine is as basic as it gets. On a podcast last summer she told beauty expert Caroline Hirons that she would, in between rehearsals for Plaza Suite at London's Savoy Theatre, pop to the Boots on the Strand to stock up on the face cleanser of choice for herself and husband Matthew Broderick – a £1.99 bar of soap. But soap and water will only get you so far. Parker is also a fan of the ultrasound-based energy treatment Sofwave, designed to tighten and slightly lift the jawline. 'I do Sofwave and it's great – but it hurts,' she said in an interview with British Vogue in 2023. I agree. I tried Sofwave three months ago and have been hugely impressed with the results. After some recent weight loss (through diet and exercise, not Ozempic), the fat pads in my cheeks had descended a little. I went to see the highly sought-after consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. She's a big fan of Sofwave, so much so that she has it done herself (always a good sign). She told me she found it to be one of the most effective methods for subtle yet visible tightening of the lower face. 'It's ideal for individuals between their late 30s and 60s noticing early signs of skin laxity, particularly around the jawline and cheeks, who aren't ready for more invasive procedures,' she says. Adding that it's best-suited to patients with mild to moderate sagging, crepey skin, or softening of the lower face contour. So how does it work? Ultrasound, which is the energy used in Sofwave, stimulates the skin's own natural collagen production. Although ultrasound technology is not exactly new, Sofwave doesn't go as deep as many other devices. It delivers ultrasound energy at a consistent depth of around 1.5mm, which allows for collagen stimulation without heating the deeper layers (so you don't zap the much-needed fat cells that we gradually begin to lose as we age). As someone who has never had any injectables, Sofwave is probably the strongest treatment I've ever tried. It's certainly not a pop-in-and-out facial. You need to have numbing cream applied for an hour beforehand and if you have a low pain threshold – like me – your dermatologist may advise on some pain relief half an hour before. The treatment for the lower face and jawline takes around 40 minutes, and feels like a gradual heating sensation on each 'shot' of the ultrasound. Pleasingly, there's no downtime. The results take three to six months to see fully – since you are signalling your own collagen to kick-start production – but I noticed a change in definition of my jawline in around four weeks. Are energy treatments the way forward in treating the jawline? It's a resounding yes from Dr Mahto. 'While fillers can still be highly effective when used judiciously, there's growing awareness around the overuse of volume and its long-term effects on facial proportions and skin health,' she explains. 'This is particularly important for the jawline, where overfilling can lead to heaviness or distortion. Many patients now prefer to maintain structural support with devices and reserve fillers for more subtle enhancement. The overall aesthetic is becoming more refined.' This discreet tweak comes at a cost. One session at Self London, Dr Mahto's clinic in Harley Street, is £2,850 for the lower face, submental (under the chin) and neck. (It is also available at other clinics in the UK.) Most patients only need one session and results can last up to a year or more. My verdict? Three months in and I can certainly see why SJP is a fan. Or try one of these
Telegraph
05-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
How often should you apply sun cream? Plus 14 crucial questions answered by a skin cancer specialist
There's nothing that conjures up thoughts of ' sun-drenched holidays ' quite like the slightly citrusy, sweet smell of Ambre Solaire. Even when my penny-pinching mum switched to Boots Soltan range in the 1980s, it still seemed like the essence of a Mediterranean summer, bottled. But we've learned a lot more about the dangers of tanning since then – and sadly know now that there's nothing glamorous or sexy about skin cancer. Australia – a country where two out of three are diagnosed with the condition by the age of 70 – paved the way for making us wise up, with their 'slip slop slap' sun cream campaign over 40 years ago. And while rates of skin cancer are unsurprisingly lower here in rainy Britain, we're far from immune. 'There's a troubling rise in skin cancer cases among younger demographics,' says consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto, founder of Self London. She blames indoor tanning as well as products offering very low SPF protection. 'The latter are often marketed to appeal to Gen Z – with bright, influencer-style branding that downplays the real risks of UV exposure.' In clinical practice, Dr Mahto sees 'a number of young patients presenting with early signs of sun damage – something that is entirely preventable with proper education and protection.' What's more, ultraviolet radiation, both UVA and UVB, is present year-round, and its effects are cumulative and insidious – it's something to shield against every day, not just for three months a year. 'As well as melanoma, UV also contributes to fine lines, uneven skin tone and loss of elasticity,' explains aesthetics expert Dr Jo Mennie, who worked in NHS plastic surgery for 12 years. I grilled the two doctors on the best practice for staying safe in 2025. Here are their answers. How much sunscreen is the right amount? If you want genuine protection don't skimp on the application. Half a teaspoon is recommended for faces and necks, and bodies need the six full teaspoons (36 grams, says Dr Mahto). 'But use your common sense, if you're larger, applying too little significantly reduces the sunscreen's efficacy. What's the best way to apply it? Whether you prefer an old-school cream or a spray, both get the thumbs up from the dermatologist. 'Either is effective if used correctly,' confirms Dr Mahto. 'Sprays should be applied liberally and then rubbed in to ensure even coverage. Creams provide a visual cue for coverage but require thorough application. Whatever you choose, the key is ensuring generous and even application.' How often should you apply sun cream? Ideally, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours, more frequently if you're sweating or swimming, says Dr Mennie. 'A common mistake I see is patients applying it once and assuming they're protected all day. That's unfortunately not how it works, as studies prove.' Also even if it says 'water resistant' on the bottle, swimming, sweating and towel drying can all remove sunscreen. How can you tell which is the safest sunscreen to use? 'While SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is important, it only measures protection against UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn. It's just one side of the sun protection equation.' To fully protect your skin, Mahto says it's essential to use sunscreen – a term that refers to products offering broad-spectrum protection against both UVB and UVA rays. 'UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are a major contributor to premature ageing and skin cancer, even when there's no visible sunburn.' When choosing a sunscreen in the UK, look for: SPF 30 or higher to protect against UVB A UVA star rating of at least 4 out of 5, and The 'UVA' logo inside a circle, which indicates the product meets EU standards for UVA protection What SPF factor should I use? Does it depend on skin type? Everyone should use at least SPF 30 with broad-spectrum protection, and if you have very fair skin or conditions like rosacea or melasma, make that SPF 50, says Dr Mennie. 'And even darker skin tones are still vulnerable to UVA-induced aging and pigmentation even if the burn risk is lower.' Which is better – mineral or chemical? Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on the skin and reflect UV rays. 'These are brilliant for sensitive or acne-prone skin and those patients who are pregnant or breast-feeding or experiencing hormonal sensitivity in the skin,' says Mennie. Chemical sunscreens tend to feel lighter and blend more easily, but some can irritate sensitive skin, she adds. As both have pros and cons, 'it's worth experimenting with different brands to find the one that's right for you, as the best one is the one you'll actually wear daily.' Sunscreen makes my skin greasy or spotty – can I just wear a hat and sit in the shade instead? 'Hats and shade are helpful, but they don't block reflected UV rays completely, so sunscreen is still essential,' says Dr Mennie. She insists sunscreen won't necessarily make skin greasy, 'modern formulations are non-comedogenic and lightweight – I recommend gel-based or mineral options for oily or acne-prone skin.' Do the 'once a day' sun creams work? Bad news for the parents who thought these were a godsend. 'Studies have shown that 'once a day' sunscreens may not provide adequate protection for the entire day,' says Dr Mahto, who never recommends them to her patients. 'Sweating, swimming, and towel drying can diminish their effectiveness, so it's advisable to reapply sunscreen regularly, regardless of 'once a day' claims.' Is it worth spending more on sunscreen? Are cheap brands just as good? You don't have to spend a fortune, say the experts. 'The most important thing is that it's broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and that you apply enough – most people use half the recommended amount,' says Mennie. Some higher-end formulations offer better cosmetic finishes or added skincare benefits, she adds, 'but there are brilliant affordable options on the market.' Price does not always equate to quality in sunscreens. What are the risks of not reapplying sunscreen? By failing to keep topped up, sunscreen becomes less effective, or activities like swimming might remove it leaving you totally unprotected. Increasing the risk of sunburn, DNA damage, and skin cancer. Recent data confirms . Will skipping sunscreen make me look older? This makes premature ageing likely, says Dr Mennie. 'I've absolutely seen patients age faster from not bothering with protection. UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown and pigmentation, so not reapplying allows UV damage to accumulate even after just a couple of hours. 'In the clinic, if I'm seeing younger patients with photodamage, fine lines, uneven tone, far earlier than I'd expect, you can be sure that they are skipping their sunscreen during overcast months or when they're 'just popping out'.' One study found up to 80–90 per cent of visible facial aging is due to UV exposure. 'I've had patients in their 30s with premature creasing around the eyes and forehead purely from incidental sun exposure,' adds Mennie. Is SPF in makeup or moisturisers enough? In short, no.'The SPF in makeup or moisturiser is tested in labs at 2mg/cm² which is far more product than most of us apply. You'd need several layers to achieve the stated protection. Think of these as top-up, not your primary defence,' advises Mennie. 'I wouldn't leave the house without actual sunscreen myself, it's my number one skincare that's non-negotiable.' Is there any such thing as a safe tan? Unfortunately, insists Mahto, there is no such thing as a truly 'safe' tan. 'Tanning is your skin's response to injury – when exposed to UV radiation, your skin produces more melanin in an attempt to protect deeper layers from damage. So even a light tan or subtle 'glow' is a sign that DNA damage has already occurred. 'Over time, this damage accumulates, increasing the risk of premature ageing, pigmentation issues and skin cancers including melanoma. Also, it's a common misconception that a gradual tan is somehow healthier. Unfortunately, any intentional tanning, whether that's from the sun or tanning beds, comes with risks.' Don't do it. What sunscreen do the experts personally use? Dr Mennie: 'I wear a broad-spectrum SPF 50 every single day rain or shine, winter or summer. I use Dr David Jack's All Day Long SPF 50 as my chemical sunscreen option, and HydroPeptide's Solar Defence non-tinted SPF 50 as my mineral option depending on how my skin feels.' Dr Mahto: 'I use a separate facial sunscreen as body sunscreens are often too heavy for my acne-prone skin, and I really like the Ultra Violette range for my face. For body, I don't spend a lot of money, I'll buy what's on offer (so long as it meets the criteria mentioned earlier). 'I don't leave the house without applying it, but if I know I'll be indoors all day (and not sitting near a window for hours) then I'll skip it – this isn't very often though!' Dr Anjali Mahto is a consultant dermatologist of over 20 years, 12 of which were in the NHS. She's also the Founder of Self London. Dr Jo Mennie has over 11 years of experience working as a doctor in the NHS and is a plastic surgeon with a special interest in women's health now working in the private sector.
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
'How I battle serious hormonal acne during pregnancy'
"If I remember wetin pipo tell me sake of my hormonal acne, I dey cry". Na so Chiamaka Okudoh, a mother of three wey experience di skin condition wey change her face wen she get belle tok. Na plenti women dey experience dis kain skin condition wey dey sometimes serious. Chiamaka say wen she first observe am for her face, she no abi wetin e be, na wen she go meet her doctor and do test, she notice say she get belle and na wetin cause di bodi changes be dat. For exclusive interview wit BBC Pidgin, she tok di pain of wetin she go through, di stigma and how she survive am. "Tins wey pipo don tell me, if I remember am, I dey cry, becos na from pipo wey suppose understand wetin I dey go through." She tok. Wetin be hormonal acne? Acne na skin condition wey dey cause spot and oily skin wey sometimes dey painful to touch. Hormonal acne dey affect di face, and sometimes e dey show for oda parts of di bodi. While e dey dey common for teenagers and young adults wen dem dey grow especially for puberty, dis skin issue dey also show for adult body and face. Dr Anjali Mahto, wey be consultant dermatologist wey speak to BBC for one earlier tori say acne no be beauty or cosmetic problem, na medical one sake of hormones and genetics but e get medical treatments. "Acne na di medical word for 'spots' . Acne na label wey dermatologists dey use describe skin condition", Dr Mahto tok. Howeva, e get different types of acne, wey include comedones, pimples, boils, nodules, hormonal and cysts. For Chiamaka experience, her own come wit pimples and blackheads wey full her face. "Sometimes I go get pimples, sometimes e dey painful becos e no dey get mouth." Wetin dey cause acne Different kinds of acne fit be hereditary and also fit hapun as a result of hormonal changes during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, according to NHS. Report show say e no get evidence say poor hygiene fit cause acne, becos some dey deal wit hormones and genetics of di pesin wey get am In fact, NHS say to clean di skin no dey help to remove blockages of di pores wey cause acne. According to Chiamaka, she say her own acne begin show wen she get belle and her doctor confam say she go see plenti changes for her bodi. "My doctor tell me say make I go do test, but I don already know say I get hormonal acne. But at dat time, I no sabi wetin be hormonal acne, I go do test and see say I get belle." Also, Dr Anjali say na common thought say oily food dey cause acne and scientific evidence dey to back am say food wey dey raise blood sugar levels fit cause acne "E get common misconception say oily foods fit be di cause or trigger for acne. Wit dat, foods wit a high blood level, or diets wey consistently dey high for refined sugar, fit cause acne, according to emerging scientific evidence. Dis foods still fit be part of a healthy diet, but you suppose chop in moderation." Treatments and how to avoid acne According to Dr Mahto, some acne dey come as blackheads or whiteheads. Dem dey often appear as small bumps for di skin surface and dey common for di forehead or chin. Some dey get a yellow or white centre and contain fluid inside if dem burst am. For Chiamaka, she realize say tins wey she dey rub for bodi no work. "But becos say I no dey treat am from inside, dat tin no work, becos evritin dey happun for inside my bodi." "I begin dey live a healthy lifestyle, I drop soda, I drop ice-cream, I drop pizza, I drop burger. I begin dey chop vegetables, I begin dey chop fruits, I begin drop all dose fatty tins, come begin dey chop healthy". For Dr Mahto, probiotics, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins A and E dey linked to help acne-prone/spotty skin. But shey science support di claim? She add say, "e dey difficult to say if dis supplements get any true benefit for acne. Di doses of di supplements fit even dey difficult to tolerate.". "My advice na to dey calm wit ova-di-counter supplements as evidence dey limited, and e fit result in unnecessary expense and potential side-effects. Tok wit consultant dermatologist and if you dey plan a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to a doctor first," to know how you fit treat di acne." Di sabi pesin tok.
Daily Mail
20-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
How to beat crusty skin, acne and cruel psoriasis: Experts reveal the affordable skincare ingredient that has taken beauty insiders by storm... and the products that contain it
What do the top-selling skincare products of Tower 28, Mario Badescu and Clinisoothe+ have in common? They're all facial sprays claiming to calm visible redness, prevent breakouts, support the skin barrier and even fight common bacterial skin problems like acne, eczema and psoriasis. And the active ingredient in these mists that's been touted as the cure-all: hypochlorous acid. So what exactly is it? Are these claimed benefits true? And is it safe to use on your face? We spoke to Consultant Dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto.
