Latest news with #youthfulskin
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Are collagen shots and supplements really the secret to youthful skin?
From high-end aesthetics clinics to the middle aisle of Lidl, collagen is having a moment. Whether it's in the form of fruity shots or powdered supplements, this structural protein is being touted as the secret to youthful skin and glossy hair. Celebrities are also singing the praises of a collagen-boosting procedure called NeoGen, with the actor Leslie Ash claiming earlier this week that it had 'taken 10 years off her'. But amid the glowing endorsements and glossy marketing, a fundamental question remains: can anything else really boost collagen – and is it desirable to do so? Collagens are a group of proteins that provide structural support and mechanical strength to the gel-like extracellular matrix in skin, cartilage and other body tissues. There are various types, each comprising long chains of amino acids that wind together to form strong fibres called fibrils. Viewed under an electron microscope, these fibrils form a basket-like mesh in young, healthy skin. But as we age, the amount of collagen declines and its structure becomes more cross-linked and fragmented. 'In younger skin, the fibres tend to be longer and more flexible, but in older skin, they're shorter and more rigid, primarily as a result of UV damage,' said Prof John Connelly, who studies skin repair and regeneration at Queen Mary University of London. Collagen is not the only protein that keeps skin looking youthful. Elastin allows skin to stretch and spring back, while other structural proteins help to organise and stabilise collagen. Long sugar chains known as glycosaminoglycans – including the popular skincare ingredient hyaluronic acid – play a key role in hydrating the tissue. Like collagen, these components degrade and change with age, contributing to sagging, reduced plumpness and wrinkles. Yet collagen continues to dominate the spotlight. Many skincare products list it as an ingredient but 'these proteins are very large, so they don't easily cross the skin barrier when applied topically', said Prof Tanya Shaw, a spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation and expert in wound healing at King's College London. That said, collagen in creams may help draw moisture to the skin's surface, providing a temporary plumping effect. Collagen drinks are the latest plot twist. Their aim is to supply the raw materials for fibroblasts, the skin cells responsible for collagen production. There was also evidence that fragments of extracellular matrix proteins might act as signals, stimulating fibroblasts to produce not just collagen but also elastin and hyaluronic acid, said Dr Jonathan Kentley, a consultant dermatologist at the Montrose clinic in London and Chelsea and Westminster hospital. Most collagen supplements use fragments derived from chicken, fish or pork, which are absorbed through the gut and transported to the skin via the bloodstream. However, many are probably broken down further during digestion and it is unclear whether other dietary proteins would offer similar building blocks, according to Connelly and Shaw. Even if some fragments do reach the skin, they would be working in a damaged environment. 'If you start to make new collagen, where does it go, and how does it interact with the existing collagen?' said Dr Mike Sherratt, a skin mechanics expert at the University of Manchester. Also, 'if it gets into the bloodstream, it's not only going to affect the skin, but presumably other organs and tissues as well'. Animal studies offer some support for collagen supplements: radio-labelled collagen fragments have been shown to reach the skin and boost gene activity linked to collagen production in mice. 'Mouse studies have also shown reduced wrinkle formation following UV exposure,' said Kentley. Some human trials have also reported improved hydration, elasticity, and fewer wrinkles after consuming fish collagen. But most of these were industry-funded and a recent meta-analysis of 23 studies found that only those receiving funding from companies showed significant effects. Kentley said: 'When the studies were separated into high-quality and low-quality studies, the high-quality studies showed no skin benefits. So, these results must be interpreted with extreme caution.' What about medical procedures such as NeoGen? It uses high-frequency radio waves to covert nitrogen gas into plasma (ionised gas), which delivers controlled heat to deeper layers of the skin. Animal studies suggest this controlled thermal damage alters collagen structure, causing skin tightening, and promotes the shedding of surface layers, improving tone and texture. 'Small clinical studies on patients have also shown an improvement in skin tone and wrinkling,' said Kentley. 'However, as this is a relatively new technology there is relatively little evidence other than a handful of small studies.' Other procedures such as microneedling also induce tiny, controlled injuries to the skin, triggering a wound healing response, while injectable 'biostimulators' – such as Sculptra – create a foreign body response that stimulates fibroblasts. While all these procedures have some clinical evidence supporting their ability to stimulate new collagen, the quality is variable and no head-to-head trials have pitted these products and procedures against each other. Kentley said: 'Given that aesthetic medicine is so highly personalised and each product or procedure will have its own benefits and risks, the best way to know what is right for you is by seeing a qualified physician who is not conflicted by the quest for profit. 'In terms of topical treatments, there are decades of evidence to support the use of tretinoin [a prescription-strength retinoid] to boost collagen production and reduce other signs of skin ageing such as pigmentation.' Although celebrity endorsements and dramatic before-and-after pictures can be persuasive, it is also worth remembering that these procedures are not a permanent fix for skin ageing – they require continuing treatments, which can be costly. The most effective long-term strategy to protect and preserve your collagen is to minimise UV exposure from an early age, through consistent use of sunscreen. Sherratt showed me a photo of him during Britain's 1976 heatwave, when he was nine. Unlike the proteins inside our cells that are regularly renewed, he said, type I collagen in the dermis had a half-life of about 15 years and elastin was thought to be meant to last a lifetime. 'These proteins accumulate damage over time. So, it's highly likely that some of the extracellular matrix proteins in my face and forearm still carry damage from that 1976 holiday.' For those of us who did not faithfully apply sunscreen in our youth, it is worth being realistic about how much even the most advanced treatments can achieve. While they may temporarily firm and smooth the skin, the deeper biological damage has already taken place – and much of it may be irreversible.
Daily Mail
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brad Pitt hit with brutal comparisons to biohacker Bryan Johnson amid backlash to his 'age-defying secrets'
Brad Pitt has been targeted by cruel trolls after claims that his age-defying complexion is all thanks to his skincare line. This week, Variety reported that Pitt's Beau Domaine skincare line was the 'secret' to the 61-year-old's 'youthful skin'. Reacting to the story on social media, trolls dug up an unflattering GQ cover featuring Pitt from 2022 before unfavourably comparing him to biohacker Bryan Johnson. 'He looks like that guy who's trying to stay young,' wrote one, while another naysayer commented, 'He looks like that bloke who's trying to never die.' A third wrote, 'He looks like the dude who used his sons blood to try to look younger.' After a slew of cruel comments, a number of fans jumped in to defend Pitt's famously handsome face. 'Sometimes [bad] people are hot and there's nothing we can do about it,' commented one. 'Well he's 61 but looks 45,' argued another. Pitt launched his 'genderless' skincare line back in 2022. The line includes 'potent properties' from the seeds of grapes grown at a vineyard owned by Pitt's partners at Miraval. Pitt insists that he 'doesn't want to be running from aging', telling Vogue that it's 'a concept we can't escape' and claiming that the idea of 'anti-aging' is a 'ridiculous fairytale'. 'But what is real is treating your skin in a healthy manner. And it's something I've learnt to do for my business, but it kinda makes you feel better,' he went on. Pitt did confess that he hasn't always had the best skincare habits, but noted that when it came to launching his own line, he sought inspiration from ex-girlfriend Gwyneth Paltrow. 'I love what Gwyneth's done [with Goop],' Pitt - who dated Paltrow for three years, from 1994 to 1997 - gushed. 'She is still a really dear friend, and she has built this empire.' This week, Variety reported that Pitt's Beau Domaine skincare line was the 'secret' to the 61-year-old's 'youthful skin' He continued, 'She has always had that in her as a curator, and it's been a lovely creative outlet for her. 'In fact, come to think about it, she was probably the first one who got me to even wash my face twice a day… maybe.' Pitt previously launched his own clothing company called God's True Cashmere in 2019 with designer and spiritual healer Sat Hari. The brand is now branching into warm weather wear with The Elysian Collection, a unisex range made from biodegradable linen. 'This collection is vibrant, exciting and introduces a fresh dimension to what we are doing. Linen seems like the obvious progression of the brand, adding natural fibers with properties and textures we enjoy,' Brad said in a statement shared with The pieces - which include shirts, trousers and shorts - come in shades of cream, white, yellow and green. God's True Cashmere launched with a range of cashmere shirts which feature seven buttons made from healing stones that are aligned with the body's chakras. The shirts retail from around £1,500 and the collection also includes cashmere hats, scarves and socks as well as jackets and T-shirts, which sell from around £500.
The Sun
20-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Wrinkle-free 52-year-old woman who doesn't use Botox shares how she looks 25 thanks to secret that makes her skin glow
IF you're desperate to stay looking youthful and keep wrinkles at bay, you've come to the right place. Luckily for those on a mission to combat ageing, a woman who is mistaken for looking decades younger than she actually is has revealed the secret she swears by. 3 3 And don't worry, you won't have to worry about splashing the cash on posh beauty lotions, potions and serums and even better, there's no Botox or painful procedures in sight. Lorraine Pascale, a British TV chef, took to social media to share the secret behind her wrinkle-free skin - and it couldn't be simpler. Instead of loading up her skin with countless products or getting needles injected into her face, the model turned TV presenter, who first hit our screens in 2011, claimed that her youthful skin is all down to her diet. Responding to a question she often receives - 'How is your skin like that at 52?' - the stunner shared the food she always eats to get her face glowing. As she tucked into a large fruit bowl containing pineapple, strawberries, grapes and apple, the Hackney-born celebrity revealed her simple secret - fruit. Lorraine has . While she used to 'beat herself up' for eating the wrong things, now, Lorraine shares healthy dishes and recipes online. It's common knowledge that fruits and vegetables are beneficial to your health and according to The Dermatology Group, not only can such produce keep you feeling energised and healthy, but they are also imperative to your skin health. Without consuming fruit and vegetables, experts warn that your skin will deteriorate over time. The experts also revealed that fruits and vegetables contain a large number of vitamins, including Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. I'm 50 next year & don't have a single wrinkle thanks to a product from Boots or TikTok shop - I've never had Botox Vitamins D, C, E, and K in particular are good for the skin. Not only this, fruits and veggies also contain antioxidants which are essential for good skin health and keeping our faces looking youthful and healthy. How to reverse ageing in just 2 weeks, according to royal go-to nutritionist LONDON -based Gabriela Peacock, who has helped the likes of Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie prepare for their weddings. She told Fabulous: 'The science is evident that we all have the power to make simple life changing alterations to better our future selves - no matter what genetic hand we might have been dealt with. 'The reality is, we all sometimes indulge in unhealthy eating habits like processed foods, smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol, inhaling city pollutants, and even drinking water from plastic bottles – none of this is good for us. 'All this does is promote the ageing process, but we all have the potential to change this.' It may be hard, but try to keep away from sugary carbohydrates, because they feed chronic inflammation, which is one of the worst enemies of reversing ageing. Now only will you end up putting on weight if you consume them regularly, but your energy and hormonal levels will be affected and this will influence how you look and feel. Whatever your age or state of health, it's never too late to reverse how quickly you are ageing and embrace the energy and vigour of a younger you. Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, are essential in neutralising free radicals—the culprits behind premature ageing. Integrating a spectrum of colourful fruits and vegetables into your diet provides a potent source of antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in fatty fish like salmon and flaxseeds, are vital for maintaining skin elasticity and hydration. Omega-3s act as nourishment for your skin, locking in moisture and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen, a structural protein dwindling with age, can be replenished through collagen-rich foods like bone broth and lean protein sources. Lorraine's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ lorrainepascaleofficial, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 95,300 views in just 22 hours. Not only this, but it's also amassed 4,464 likes and 79 comments. Social media users were gobsmacked by Lorraine's age and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this. One person gasped: 'Ain't no way you are 52!!!' Another added: '52???? Wow.' A third commented: '52??? NEVER!' Meanwhile, someone else penned: 'Omg you look like 25.' Not only this, but one user shared: 'I'm 26 and you look younger than me!! Amazing skin.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club Biggest skincare trends for 2025 Face The Future's Head of Clinic, Kimberley Medd, shared the five skincare trends predicted to take off in 2025. 1. Exosomes Exosomes are the buzzword for 2025, taking advanced skin regeneration to new heights. These micro-messengers signal skin cells to repair damage, boost collagen, and accelerate recovery, and they're a gamechanger for targeting ageing. 2. Streamlined Skincare The age of 12-step routines is fading as consumers shift to more intentional, multi-functional products. Streamlining skincare not only saves time but also reduces the risk of overloading your skin. In 2025, we'll see a rise in hybrid products that combine active ingredients for simplified, effective results. 3. Vegan Collagen Plant-based collagen will dominate the skincare world this year, providing a sustainable, ethical alternative to traditional animal-derived collagen. Expect vegan collagen in everything from moisturisers to serums. 4. The Rise Of AI AI is revolutionising the beauty landscape, making it possible for consumers to get truly personalised skincare solutions. In 2025, we predict a dramatic shift towards AI-powered tools that help people understand their skin on a deeper level. 5. Hair Loss Solutions - Hair loss is an issue that affects more men than we often realise, and it's no longer just something we're talking about behind closed doors. This year, expect to see a continued rise in demand for treatments that not only tackle hair loss but also nurture overall scalp health.
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
I tried face acupuncture, just like Kim Kardashian, at the 'edgy' Standard Spa in Miami... and I was shocked by what it did to my appearance
It might sound like torture—but having needles stuck into your cheeks, chin and forehead is an A-list secret to younger, glowing skin. The practice, known as facial acupuncture, is touted as a 'natural Botox '—and, naturally, celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Gwyneth Paltrow are said to be fans. The treatment involves inserting ultra-fine needles into the face which, advocates claim, stimulates collagen production, improves circulation and eases muscle tension. This helps reduce fine lines, lifts sagging skin and give a brighter, more youthful complexion—or so the theory goes. Some also believe it helps with jaw tension, puffiness and even hormonal acne. And unlike cosmetic injectables, it doesn't freeze expressions or leave you with a tell-tale pillow face—instead, it taps into the body's own healing mechanisms to rejuvenate skin from within, naturally. To be honest, at 45 years old, this all sounds appealing—and I've been a big believer in acupuncture since finding it effectively rid me of hay fever, during a particularly bad bout. So when I was offered to try a session with Lori Bell, also known as 'The Good Witch'—at The Standard Spa, Miami— I had to say yes. What's the problem... and where's the solution? Someone once told me, at some point you're either going to look older. Or, if you have a load of cosmetic work done, weird. Those are the two options. You're never going to be able to do anything, really, that will make you look significantly younger. And looking older isn't a problem—I hope younger people see me and think, there's someone who's lived a bit and knows some things. But that doesn't mean you have to stop trying to make the best of yourself—and, by all accounts, facial acupuncture can work a little magic. With this is mind, I head to The Standard Spa, Miami Beach. The hotel occupies a restored 1950s gem on Belle Isle, originally built as the Monterrey Motel by noted architect Norman Giller—a key figure in Miami's mid-century architectural movement. It later became the Lido Spa Hotel, a revolutionary 1960s wellness retreat known for its strict regimes of diet, exercise and medical supervision. Today, the building retains much of its original charm—think low-rise whitewashed bungalows, and palm-fringed tropical gardens—with a modern, bohemian twist. The Standard is also known for its edgy branding and celebrity clientele, with its Miami outpost doubling as a nightlife hotspot for the city's young and glamorous. One infamous ad featured a woman urinating on a plush rug; more recently, the hotel faced backlash for a cocaine-themed cocktail served in a bag with a rolled-up banknote. What's the treatment? I'm booked in to have 90 minutes of Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation ($275 or roughly £207) which they bill as 'a natural, healthy facelift'. The session begins with a lengthy chat about my lifestyle—covering all the usual points, what I eat and when, how much I sleep, what my stress levels are like, that sort of thing. Lori practices a branch of traditional Chinese medicine known as Five Element acupuncture—a system based on the idea that our physical and emotional health is governed by the balance of five natural elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each element corresponds to specific organs and emotions, and the treatment aims to restore harmony between them, treating the root cause of illness rather than just the symptoms. Our conversation, she explains, will help guide her needles. And then it's on to the treatment proper. To those who've never had acupuncture, it's undoubtedly daunting. But the truth is you don't feel a thing. Over 15 minutes or so, Lori places around 40 needles in my face, hands, arms, legs and feet. I don't really feel a thing although I'm vaguely aware of them when I adjust myself on the treatment table. Lori is talking, explaining what the various points connect to and... I'm not sure what else because I drift off to sleep. At the end of the session, I'm left to wander about the gorgeous tiled spa facility—steam rooms, showers and saunas and the like. I meet friends for dinner and they all, without prompting, agree I look incredibly well rested for a middle-aged bloke with jetlag. And I'd have to agree—in fact, I was pretty shocked at my lack of eyebags. It also temporarily reduced my persistently ruddy rosacea-prone face. As I've said, I'm a fan of acupuncture—if I have a sports injury, I'll have a few sessions for pain relief, which medical studies agree it can provide. This year, the pollen is particularly vicious so I'll have a top-up session of hay fever treatment acupuncture, which will solve it. There's no scientific proof it works, and I know people who've tried and said it didn't help, but it does work for me. Was it a 'natural facelift? I wouldn't go that far. But would I have it again for cosmetic reasons? Yes. Standard Medium Rooms at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach typically start at around £225 per night. Be aware, these have a Queen-sized bed, which is the smaller end of doubles. Standard Large Rooms with king beds can cost from £260 per night. Fancier Garden Rooms and Bath Terrace Rooms, which feature outdoor spaces, start at around £300. There's also a nightly resort fee of about £50 on top.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Woman, 62, SHOCKS with what she eats in a day… and swears that's how she stays ageless
A 62-year-old woman has completely shocked the internet after revealing that she owes her youthful looks not to an extensive skincare routine, but instead, to what she eats. Amy, who shares content about anti-aging meals on TikTok, posted a viral video where she told her 59,000 followers how she keeps her complexion looking younger than ever. 'I'm 62-years-old, here's what I eat in a day,' Amy announced, before offering a 'quick disclaimer.' In the first part, she explained that she doesn't drink alcohol or soda. She also doesn't eat gluten, rice, or refined sugar. Amy explained that when it comes to skincare, she only opts for two products: Oil of Olay lotion and Jojoba oil, which offers lightweight hydration. Amy starts with a matcha and green tea mix and has gone back and forth with and without caffeine over the years. She gave up coffee for acid reflux and said it led to hair loss and made the skin under her eyes 'insanely dry.' Commenters were flabbergasted by how young she looked, with many thinking she was 30 or 40. In the second part, Amy explained she always has a Greek yogurt for an afternoon snack because there's 12 grams of protein and it has probiotics Amy explained it's 'important to incorporate fat in your breakfast,' because 'you don't want your sugar to spike early in the day.' She puts half an avocado on bread, tops with Himalayan sea salt, and then eats a serving or two of vegetables with every meal. She fills half or more of her plate with vegetables and makes sure to eat them with every meal. For lunch, she opts for leftovers, going for a compote of tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion sautéed. 'Tomatoes have lycopene, which is a powerful anti-aging nutrient for your skin,' she explained. She pairs her veggies with white meat chicken for protein, which said helps grow hair and skin cells. She then flash fries mushrooms for biotin, which helps with hair growth and skin health. Commenters quickly praised her dining routine and took her tips to heart, with one saying, 'This is who I want beauty advice from. Not 16-20-year-olds.' 'Why am I 34 and look like a chewed up slipper next to you?' one person joked. 'I gasped when you said 62 you look phenomenal,' one announced, while a commenter said she looked 45 and another said they thought she was in her thirties. Others joked that she must be lying about her age, with one saying, 'Ain't no way she's 62. I need to see the DOB on her ID.' 'You look 30 years younger than most of these influencers,' a commenter proclaimed. However, some said she owed her ageless visage and lack of wrinkles to genetics. 'The day I give up coffee is the day I go to the grave but it works for you and look amazing,' one complimented. In the second part, Amy explained she always has a Greek yogurt for an afternoon snack because there's 12 grams of protein and it has probiotics. She has fruit for a pick-me-up from the sugar, opting for strawberry, oranges, and papaya for vitamins. She also eats roasted salted sunflower seeds and raw chopped walnuts without fail because it helps to moisturize her skin from the inside out. For dinner, she opts for a power bowl with organic ground beef, which is high in iron, sweet potatoes, and mixed greens for Vitamin K.
