A beautician to the stars, including a member of the Royal Family, has revealed the trend that’s making people in their 20s look double their age.
Deborah Mitchell is an award-winning facialist, working with the likes of Strictly’s Arlene Phillips, influencer Lydia Millen and the Queen Consort, to keep their skin bright and healthy.
She is best known for her bee venom products; of which recently received a Royal Warrant.
READ MORE: ‘I turned £500 into £1.15m with my pick and mix sweets business – Ant and Dec love my candy’
Now, through her expertise, she’s learned the common mistakes people make when it comes to skincare.
And the popular practice that is making those in their 20s look much older than their years.
“There’s a real trend for cosmetic procedures, such as Botox and particularly fillers, for people in their 20s,” the 59-year-old, from Wolverhampton, told Founder Insights.
“It’s not the right time to be turning to these.
“Using such things too young have massive implications later down the line.
“And having too much of these done regularly, over a prolonged period of time, can cause tissue damage which may result in permanent scarring.
“These types of procedures are also bad for our skin cell generation and can even kill skin cells, which we need for producing collagen.
“It’s essentially our natural body’s function for giving us healthy and younger looking skin.
“What you think may be making you look younger, is actually making you age faster.”
To mimic the effects of Botox or filler, she suggests using natural products such as Nettatoxin.
Calling it “Botox in a jar” it makes the skin feels as though it’s been stung, stimulating collagen production and resulting in a plumper look.
Deborah also urges against wearing heavy makeup daily and not cleaning the skin properly afterwards.
This can either cause acne breakouts or dark spots to appear.
She said: “I see many people come to me with clogged pores because they don’t clean their skin properly [after wearing makeup].
“Having clogged pores and not clearing debris and excess oil can generate post-inflammatory pigmentation – and down the line [cause] dark spots.
“If you suffer from regular spot breakouts, avoid a complex routine or overdoing it to try and get the problem under control.
“Sometimes, less is more when it comes to dealing with breakouts.
“Also, targeting the breakout alone isn’t enough – you have to look at the skin as a whole and work holistically on the problem.
“Treat acne with a hard-working toner to unclog pores and blackheads, as well as calm redness for clearer, healthier-looking skin.”
Deborah notes it’s important at this stage in life to lay down the foundations for the future and get into a habit of an effective nighttime skincare regime; morning and night.
And there are three ways to ensure that wrinkles stay at bay until you’re a pensioner.
LIGHT EXPOSURE
She said: “The sun and blue light have a hardening effect, speeding up glycation; where the sugar molecules attach to our body’s collagen, leading to gloomy complexions, sagging and pesky lines that we all hate to see appear.
“Think about a painting like the Mona Lisa.
“The age and the cracks that form due to light getting to it, is similar with our skin.
“SPF is fundamental to protect our skin from light rays that penetrate which essentially causes fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and uneven skin tones.
“Also, too much exposure to harmful lights, such as UVA/UVB can make acne worse.
“Using your phone less can help, as the light exposure from the device can [contribute] to this, as well as the mental strain doom scrolling can do.”
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
It’s a common saying; but it’s true.
She said: “Following a balanced diet can make a huge impact on our skin and slow down the typical effects of ageing.
“Low sugar diets in particular will work in your favour.
“Any foods that have a high collagen count within them; such as citrus fruits, berries, avocados, egg whites, chicken, fish and bone broths are great.
“And anything packed with antioxidants, including dark chocolate, tomatoes and kimchi.”
SOBERING UP
She said: “Limiting your alcohol intake now, even if you’re in your 20s, will help your skin to flourish down the line.
“There’s a reason so many party people are paying the price now.
“Alcohol kills our body’s good bacteria and affects our skin microbiome.
“Too much of it can cause a B12 deficiency, which is essential when it comes to healthy cell generation.
“Without it, skin will become dry, rough, sensitive and uneven.
“So skip the vodkas or that second glass of wine.”
Deborah also advises daily exfoliation to rid of “zombie cells” to create an ageing reversal process.
For those later on in life, she says it isn’t too late to get a youthful complexion.
She added: “In your thirties, use products rich in hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin B.
“These will promote hydration, reduce elements of ageing and support collagen levels.
“Step up to using serums in your forties, on your face and neck.
“I’m now in my late fifties and once we turn the big 50, it’s important to add a richer, heavier moisturiser to add hydration.
“Go for organic ingredients and use Vitamin C products, as that helps to plump up the skin.
“And turn back the clock.”
