Filler in a cream? These exclusive capsules promise a natural plump
But then again, not everyone wants injectables. And for those of us who don't, there's no reason why we shouldn't expect visible results from skincare, especially for products that cost more than £20. I'm of the opinion that if you're investing in a skincare product designed to problem-solve an issue, it better live up to its claims (and, unsurprisingly, many of them don't).
I've spoken to a number of dermatologists and aestheticians who are seeing a move towards more active skincare over injectables. 'I talk to a lot of women who don't want injectables but want to boost their own collagen for more natural-looking results,' agrees the consultant dermatologist Dr Mary Sommerlad. 'There's a real desire in skincare now to boost healthy skin and improve our own cell function,' she says.
In her clinic in London, Dr Sommerlad is noticing an increase in patients complaining of softening of the skin's structure or hollowing of areas such as the cheeks. This is often down to the natural ageing process and will gradually happen in midlife, but the effects can appear more strikingly in anyone who has rapidly lost weight due to GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic.
Dr Sommerlad is certainly seeing the shift, with more patients on these sorts of medications. 'Filler injections were much more common a few years back because you could achieve instant volume in the face if you're noticing sagging skin,' she says. 'But you can do more with skincare nowadays. With the right peptides, you can boost your skin's own health to make the cells function better.'
If you're looking to plump your skin and make it softer and visibly more hydrated, you could try the new Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum by Elizabeth Arden (£85 for 60 capsules, exclusive to johnlewis.com). Each capsule has a perfectly dosed amount of active ingredients designed to make the skin look immediately plumper. It includes different weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and peptides which have been proved to boost your skin's ability to repair cells.
Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum, £85 for 60 capsules, exclusive to johnlewis.com
While the technology in a cream or serum is important, as well as the long-term benefits in making the skin healthier, the product still needs to feel pleasant to use and give a rapid impact. This one comes in little single-dose capsules, which have become something of a signature method of application for Elizabeth Arden. Twist the capsule and squeeze out the serum, and then smooth it on to clean skin in the morning, before using a moisturiser and sun protection. It makes the skin feel immediately softer and look more bouncy. It's something that would certainly appeal to anyone who has drier skin.
One of my biggest tests with new skincare is whether or not it 'pills' under make-up (which is when little rolls of product come away from your skin as soon as you apply foundation). There is nothing more annoying. I've put this through its paces under make-up and there is no pilling. Hurrah! This serum gives a hydrated finish and acts like a smoothing primer, without leaving a film-like layer, which can happen with hyaluronic acid serums. It's good for sensitive skin, too.
Will this serum instantly give you more volume in your cheeks and the look of filler? Absolutely not. No cream you apply topically can. But it certainly makes the skin look more bouncy, hydrated and refreshed, while working on the long-term integrity of healthy skin.
Three other skin plumpers to try
True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum, 1% Hyaluronic Acid by L'Oréal Paris, £15, sainsburys.co.uk
This is an excellent lightweight foundation that feels a lot more high-end than its price suggests. Smooth a couple of drops on to the skin for a smoothing, hydrated finish.
Big Lip Plumpgasm by Charlotte Tilbury, £27, uk.spacenk.com
This is nothing like the old-style lip-plumping glosses that would either make your lips feel sore and tingly or irritated. This gives the appearance of fuller lips and leaves a beautiful, natural-looking shine.
Dew N Plump Hydrating Nectar Glow Serum by Fenty Skin, £38, boots.com
This serum is a joy to use in the summer months in particular. It has a light, cushiony texture thanks to polyglutamic and hyaluronic acids, with a dewy finish.
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