Whilst I know a lot about how aging is affecting my body, I know very little about how it is affecting my skin. Apart from the fact I have been hit with the dreaded 30s adult acne (red lumps all over my cheeks isn’t pretty) and some small lines on the forehead and under my eyes, I am faring up pretty well. However, I cannot rely on my good genes and good use of sunscreen forever, and despite giving up the smoking, I need to mount my defence.

But where to start?

I know that the major anti-aging brands are promoting the chemical route and now include peptides, retanoids/retinols and hydroxy acids as well as lots of berries, vitamins and minerals and other fancy sounding stuff, but does any of this stuff work better than a good exfoliating cloth, moisturiser and making sure you take your make up off at night?

Well, I’m not sure, but I do know that peptides are meant to help develop natural collagen, the stuff that keeps your face bouncy and helps fine lines, so I’m adding this to my shopping list. As I also have red, inflamed lumpy skin as well as dermatitis, i’ve read that acai (good for discolouration) and goji berries (good for inflammation) are new essentials so they are on the list too.

…but to date my approach to getting these goodies on my skin has been a bit of a scattergun approach, a sample here, a fancy eye cream there, up to a full cleanse, tone, moisturing regime, none of which I stick too, therefore with no visible effects.

This is where Dr Nick Lowe comes in. The Secret is Out is a ‘lifting super serum’ which I’ve been using under my moisturiser for a couple of weeks now and it contains all of my shopping list as well as Vitamins A, C and E as well as linseed oil (no idea, but its meant to help with firmness) and I must say I am impressed.

…and that is saying something. As I nasty acne skin, I have been stripping it daily with pretty intense spot treatments which leave my face raw and ugly. Ok I might have a nice tan right now, but just a little of this serum as a primer (and then my normal Nivea) every morning and I am looking glowy and plump. My make up goes on well and I have no dry patches on my forehead or oilyness on my nose. I haven’t noticed any different in my fine lines, as yet, but I will be giving the whole pot a go to see what happens…

At least I am happy with one thing right now, just the rest of my body (and wardrobe to go!) – what anti-aging product do you use? Do you think peptides and acids work or do you think the natural route is best?

Miss S x

Thanks to Dr Nick Lowe who sent me The Secret is Out Super Lifting Serum. It retails at about £25 for 30ml and comes in a classy looking glass bottle with a pump. Pumps are good, you get exactly how much you need each time, so it lasts a long time.