Annie Hopson, Author at mamabella

Best hand cream: Protect dry hands from getting red and sore with our top hand creams

Annie Hopson — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 06:31:24 +0000

Many of us dedicate time, effort and money to facial skincare but investing in the best hand cream is equally important.

Our hands are the body part we use and – hopefully – wash the most. But all this washing strips natural oils from the hands, leaving them feeling dry, chapped and red-raw. The delicate skin on our hands is also where you usually start to see the first signs of ageing.

It’s, therefore, crucial to put the hydration back into the skin by using a nourishing hand cream, which not only smells and feels great but really packs in the moisture.

READ NEXT: How to strengthen brittle nails

For best results, make sure you’re completely drying your hands each time you wash them – drip-drying is likely to make hands more parched as the water evaporates – and use the best hand cream after every wash.

Of course, using hand cream after every wash means you’re likely to get through a lot of product. If you’re on a budget, we’ve listed some of the best cheap hand creams below but we’ve also included some more expensive versions. These expensive versions tend to last longer as you need a smaller amount so if you can invest, we recommend you do. The cheaper versions are still great though and have been selected for their value for money, rather than just because they’re cheap.

We’ve also explained how to make your own hand cream at the bottom of this list.

Best hand cream

Editors Pick: Nursem Caring Hand Cream – £9.99
Budget Buy: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream Fast Absorbing – £3.75
Luxury Buy: Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Hand and Nail Treatment Hand Elixir – £39
Best for sensitive skin: Aveda Hand Relief Moisturising Cream – £21
Best fast-absorbing hand cream: Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream – £23
Best hand cream for sore skin: A’Kin Calming Hand Cream – £14.79
Best hand cream for dry hands: Eucerin Urea Repair Plus 5% Hand Cream – £6.75

1. Editor’s Pick: Nursem Caring Hand Cream

£21 | Buy now

Nursem

Why we love it: You may recognise the name Nursem. Set up by husband-and-wife team Jonny and Antonia Philp three years ago, the company recently won substantial backing on Dragon’s Den. Antonia is a former NHS nurse who suffered from contact dermatitis, a condition brought on by constant handwashing.

As you’d imagine, the formula of this new entry into our best hand cream list is fantastic for soothing the hands. It’s gentle, effective and comes in a fragranced, as well as a fragrance-free version. In addition to the cream, Nursem sells a Skin Fix, for particularly rough or problem areas, and a hand wash. The wash has been developed to nourish and moisturise while cleaning.

What’s more, the brand donates a month’s supply of hand cream to an NHS nurse or midwife for every product sold in the UK via its Nursem Promise pledge. This has seen the couple help more than 175,000 nurses and midwives. This all feeds into the brand’s mission to provide free hand cream to every NHS nurse or midwife by 2025.

Buy now from Nursem

2. Budget Buy: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula

£3.75 | Buy not from Amazon

Amazon

Why we love it: Cheap and cheerful, but a high-quality nourishing hand cream nonetheless. This rich yet light cream absorbs instantly into the skin, locking in moisture without leaving a greasy residue or stickiness. We love the price, we love the formula and we love how soft and supple our hands feel afterwards.

Buy now from Amazon

3. Luxury buy: Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Hand and Nail Treatment Hand Elixir

£39 | Buy now from John Lewis

Sarah Chapman

Why we love it: At just under £40 for 15ml this product is definitely a luxury buy, however it delivers incredible results. The formula is an oil, so it is best used of an evening. Initially, it doesn’t feel as moisturising as other creams, however after a couple of week’s use, there is a real noticeable improvement in skin texture.

The blend of skin-plumping, collagen-boosting ingredients and omega-rich skin conditioning oils leaves skin feeling softer, firmer and reduces the appearance of age spots. If you don’t mind spending a little more on skincare, then this product really is a winner.

FURTHER READING: How to get rid of age spots

Buy now from John Lewis

4. Aveda Hand Relief Moisturising Cream

£21 | Buy now from Feelunique

Aveda

Why we love it: Anyone who suffers with sensitive skin or allergies will know how gentle Aveda products are.

This cream is free from formaldehyde, lanolin and synthetic fragrances and is enriched with natural seed oils and plant hydrators that nourish the skin without causing irritation.

Its ingredients include sunflower oil for conditioning skin, andiroba oil for softness, liquorice for calming and coneflower and aloe for their soothing properties. Whilst £21 may seem on the pricey side – for a 125ml bottle, you get a lot of bang for your buck.

Buy now from Feelunique

5. Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment

£23 | Buy now from Feelunique

Clarins

Why we love it: Loved by beauty fans everywhere, Clarins’ hand cream has been a bestselling product worldwide for more than 40 years. The formula is rich and spreads easily, and at £23 it may not be the cheapest product but a little of this goes a long, long way.

The formula feels dense when first squeezed out of the tube, but once the product is warmed on the skin, it breaks down into an almost watery solution. This means it absorbs almost instantly leaving hands and fingernails feeling nourished.

Packed with active ingredients such as Shea butter and sesame oil, it offers fast relief for dry and cracked hands, while the condurango bark extract ensures there’s no greasy residue. There are very few creams that can deliver on nourishment and absorption so effectively.

Buy now from Feelunique

6. A’Kin Calming Hand Cream

£14.79 | Buy now from Amazon

A'kin

Why we love it: A’Kin Calming Hand Cream is another winner for those with sensitive skin. It’s fragrance-free and contains a blend of chamomile, Australian jojoba oil, ProVitamin B5 and Shea butter to soothe and hydrate the most delicate hands. We also love that it doesn’t leave an oily residues afterwards like other richer hand creams.

Buy now from Amazon

7. Eucerin Urea Repair Plus 5% Hand Cream

£6.75 | Buy now from Boots

Boots

Why we love it: This wonder cream has been clinically proven to deliver both immediate relief and intensive moisturisation for dry, rough and chapped hands by strengthening the skin’s natural barrier to dryness. It’s packed with Urea, Ceramide and other Natural Moisturising Factors for noticeable smooth and softer hands in no time. Quick-absorbing, non-greasy and a great price – what’s not to love.

Buy now from Boots

How to make your own DIY hand cream at home

If you fancy making your own simple hand cream at home, using chemical-free, natural ingredients, we have a quick and easy recipe for you. It also makes a lovely homemade gift!

Melt ¼ cup of shea butter, 1 tablespoon of beeswax and 30ml of sweet almond oil together in a double boiler (or use a pyrex bowl over a saucepan of simmering water on the hob). Stir until the mixture melts.
Once everything has melted, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes.
Stir in 20 drops of essential oil of your choice (or combine several that total 20. We like to mix peppermint and orange for a refreshing scent).
Pour the liquid into small glass containers and allow it to harden completely (this usually takes several hours).

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Annie Hopson

Annie has a degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University. Since graduating, Annie has freelanced for a travel magazine and is a senior account executive for a technology PR consultancy based in London, where her main role is content creation.

The post Best hand cream: Protect dry hands from getting red and sore with our top hand creams appeared first on mamabella.

Best eye cream for dark circles, wrinkles, fine lines and bags

Annie Hopson — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 15:00:50 +0000

We’ve tried and tested dozens of skincare products to discover which is the best eye cream for dark circles, fine lines, and eye bags

There was a time when the best eye creams and serums were the reserve of those of us with mature skin, fine lines, and other signs of ageing. Yet there are now countless options available, targeted at different age groups for varying skin concerns and needs.

Whether you’re looking to get rid of dark circles, reduce puffiness, blur fine lines, or prevent wrinkles – there’s a product out there for you. To help you choose, we’ve handpicked some of the best eye creams on the market to suit all budgets.

We’ve also started answering readers’ questions about choosing the best eye cream at the bottom of this article. Click on the links below to jump to the relevant sections.

Best eye cream UK
Which eye cream is best? What to look for
Eye creams, serums and gels: What’s the difference?

Best eye cream UK

Editors Pick: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream – £13
Budget Buy: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution – £6.40
Clinique Moisture Surge Eyes – £31
The Inkey List Caffeine Serum – £9.99
Avène Soothing Eye Cream – £10
Origins GinZing Eye Cream – £28
The Body Shop Oils of Life Eye Gel – £20

Editor’s Pick: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

£13 | Buy now

CeraVe

Why we love it: In recent years, the CeraVe Eye Repair Cream has amassed a loyal following. Why? Hyaluronic acid is one of the best things to happen to skincare – and this formula is packed full of it.

This ingredient has the ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making CeraVe’s budget-friendly eye cream extremely moisturising. As a result, this is the best eye cream for wrinkles.

It not only repairs dry and damaged skin, but it also protects delicate skin and helps eradicate puffiness. Plus, at a relatively affordable £12, it’s hands down the best eye cream we’ve used.

Don’t just take our word for it, either. Our resident makeup artist Victoria Howe explains why she rates it so highly in her guide on how to get rid of dark circles.

You can also read more about the benefits of hyaluronic acid in our science of moisturiser article or our What is hyaluronic acid? article.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? The best CeraVe products for all your skincare concerns | CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser review

Buy now from Boots

Budget Buy: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

£6.40 | Buy now

The Ordinary

Why we love it: It’s no secret The Ordinary is one of our fave beauty brands.

At just under £6, this budget-friendly buy is formulated with an extremely high concentration of caffeine and EGCG to deliver a blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to the under-eye area.

Caffeine is great for re-energising the skin, in a similar way to how caffeine re-energises your brain, while EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate) comes from green tea. This makes it one of the most powerful antioxidants and studies have found it can significantly reduce the appearance of scars.

As you can read in our The Ordinary Caffeine Solution review, this product does a fantastic job at brightening up tired-looking eyes and goes a long way to reduce the appearance of puffy skin.

After six weeks’ use, our eyes looked much less puffy and this solution made the skin around our eyes feel smooth and firm.

As for dark circles, The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution did take a little longer to make a noticeable difference to skin tone but it’s the brightest our eyes have looked in ages, so it’s worth the wait.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Why we love The Ordinary | The best The Ordinary products for all your skincare concerns

Buy now from Cult Beauty

Clinique Moisture Surge Eyes: Best lightweight eye serum

£31 | Buy now

Clinique

Why we love it: At just under £30 for 15ml, the Clinique Moisture Surge Eyes serum is most definitely a luxury purchase, but we think it’s worth it for the results you get.

If you’re plagued with dark circles and puffy eyes, it’s best to opt for something lighter than a thick cream.

The molecules in serums are much smaller than cream formulas (you can read more in our science of serums article) and therefore penetrate the skin easier.

This means they won’t sit on top of your eye socket. They’re also lighter during the application, making it less likely that you’ll pull and damage the skin.

Clinique’s concentrated formula is ultra-lightweight on the skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness, too.

FURTHER READING: Clinique Moisture Surge review: A great, hydrating all-rounder regardless of your skin type

Buy now from Clinique

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Serum: Best for younger skin

£9.99 | Buy now

The Inkey List

Why we love it: As the old adage goes – prevention is better than cure.

Once you hit your twenties (seriously, you’re classed as having mature skin as young as 25…) it’s important to start taking care of your skin and eyes.

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Serum is great for re-energising tired eyes, at any age, but is particularly great at protecting your delicate skin against future ageing.

All at an incredibly low price. It is a little runny so we recommend applying it with a precision roller, like this one from The Body Shop.

For even better results, stick the metal roller in a skincare fridge and multiply the impact and results.

FURTHER READING: Spotlight on The Inkey List: Affordable skincare and hair care that actually does as it promises

Buy now from Cult Beauty

Avène Soothing Eye Cream: Best for sensitive skin and eyes

£10 | Buy now

Avene

Why we love it: If you’re looking for relief from tight, red, and sore under-eye skin, look no further than Avène’s Soothing Eye Contour Cream.

The formula contains thermal spring water to reduce irritations of the eye contour area and soothes sensitive eyelids without feeling cakey on the skin.

Its key ingredients include Dextran Sulfate, to soothe puffiness, bisabolol, to help protect the eye contour, and antioxidants.

FURTHER READING: Skin food: The best foods for clear, healthy skin – and why they work

Buy now from Boots

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream: Best for eye bags and puffiness

£28 | Buy now

Boots

Why we love it: Whether you’ve had a late night, or are just genetically #blessed with eye bags and puffiness, Origins GinZing can help.

The formula is enriched with energising coffee beans, panax ginseng, and anti-inflammatory magnolia to help minimise and reduce swollen skin.

It’s slightly higher on the price scale than some of the other high-street creams, but it’s worth it for its results.

Buy now from Boots

The Body Shop Oils of Life: Best eye cream for dark circles

£26 | Buy now

The Body Shop

Why we love it: If you’re looking to bring life to your tired eyes, we recommend The Body Shop Oils of Life Eye Cream Gel.

The formula is lightweight and is infused with three seed oils that melt into your skin, leaving your under-eye contour feeling and looking revitalised.

This The Body Shop best-seller is leaning towards the higher end of the price scale for high-street creams, but at 50ml it lasts a long time, so is great value.

Buy now from The Body Shop

Which eye cream is best?

Knowing which eye cream is best comes down to a couple of factors. These include which eye concern you want to tackle (or tackle first), your preferred consistency, and your budget.

Creams tend to be thicker, and are usually best used at night. Lotions and gels are lighter and can be worn under makeup with ease. You can also buy serums that contain smaller particles, meaning they can penetrate deeper into the skin.

The best course of action is to apply eye serum and let it soak in. Then follow with a thicker eye cream. At night, you can then seal in these ingredients with either Vaseline or similar, or you can buy the Tropic Butterbalm.

The best eye creams include ingredients such as caffeine, antioxidants, oils, and vitamins. Caffeine helps re-energise the skin and are great for dark circles. Antioxidants like EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallate) reduce scars and pigmentation, while oils help moisturise the skin.

If puffiness, particularly is an issue, it can help to put eye creams in the fridge before applying them. This cools the cream, which in turn cools the skin and reduces any swelling or inflammation. It’s also a great little pick-me-up if your eyes are feeling heavy or tired.

You can put these creams in your regular fridge, or you can take a look at our best skincare fridge list for a more dedicated place to put your toiletries. They’re also great for face masks, eye masks, serums, and creams!

mamabella tip: When applying eye cream, tap the product onto your skin using your ring finger (your weakest finger) and never, ever rub! We highly recommend investing in an eye-roller. Not only does the cold metal help calm and soothe the skin, it means you can gently massage any of these best eye creams into your skin without damaging the skin. We recommend the Revitalising Precision Eye Roller from The Body Shop.

Eye creams, serums, gels: Which is best?

Eye care comes in the forms of cream, serum, and gels. Sometimes it can be tricky to choose which one and we wanted to break this down for you.

Eye serum

Best for visible ageing signs
Tend to contain retinol
Consistency is thin

Eye Creams

Best for delaying ageing signs and hydration
Tend to contain hyaluronic acid
Consistency is creamy or thick

Eye Gels

Best for brightening, hydrating for oily skin
Tend to contain caffeine
Consistency is lightweight and watery

The key to eye care is to make sure you know what you need. We have opted for eye cream because we know we need to prevent any further ageing around our eyes, we need to keep the skin barrier protected and keep wrinkles at bay, this is all about hydration for us.

Eye serums are reparative and work deep in the skin. They can help with dark circles and wrinkles. They are all about targeting existing ageing signs.

Eye gels are about prevention and they tend to absorb quickly to give a refreshing look around the eyes, gels help with de-puffing and this contains caffeine to awaken tired eyes.

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Annie Hopson

The post Best eye cream for dark circles, wrinkles, fine lines and bags appeared first on mamabella.

How to get rid of dry skin on feet: The causes and treatments for rough skin and cracked heels

Annie Hopson — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 09:32:50 +0000

It’s harder to get rid of dry skin on feet than it should be. Here we explain why, and what to do about rough skin and cracked heels

JUMP TO SECTION:

Common causes
Best foot exfoliators
Foot soaks
Foot creams & moisturisers
Foot masks
How to prevent dry skin

Rough and cracked skin is extremely common yet knowing how to get rid of dry skin on feet is much more difficult than it should be, and more difficult than anywhere else on your body.

This is because your feet have fewer oil glands than other parts of your body.

Dry skin on feet can make the affected area feel itchy, tight and even painful at times, and from a cosmetic standpoint – a little bit gross in a pair of sandals.

Simple foot soaks, moisturisers and regular exfoliation can help get rid of dry skin, remove areas of dead cells and calluses, and prevent them from returning.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the main causes and treatments needed to maintain sandal-ready feet all year round. You can also jump to each section using the links in the boxes to the left.

Dry skin on feet: Common causes

First, we’re going to take a look at the everyday factors that may be to blame for the dry skin on your feet.

A lack of moisture: Dry, cracked and flaking skin is especially common around the heel and sole due to fewer oil glands. As a result the skin is thicker, and needs specialised creams to soften and restore moisture
Heat & humidity: Wearing closed shoes, such as trainers and boots, can create an extremely hot and humid environment for the feet. This in turn draws the moisture from the skin, which leads to dry, thick, and cracked skin on the feet
Soaps: Certain soaps and body washes contain harsh chemicals that can strip protective oils from the skin or leave irritating residues that contribute to dry skin. You can read more in our guide to clean beauty and our Sodium Laurel Sulphate explainer.
Ageing: Hormonal and metabolic changes over time decrease skin cell turnover, and as a result the skin’s outermost layer gets thicker with age. This also affects the protective fat pad on the sole of the foot, causing it to become thinner. This loss of cushioning in the heel and the ball of the foot can increase skin stress, leading to cracked, callused skin.
Irritation: Standing for long periods or wearing poorly fitting shoes can put constant pressure on specific areas of the feet, or cause friction on the skin leading to sore, dry and calloused skin.
Medical conditions: Dry skin on the feet may also occur as a result of a medical condition such as:
- Athlete’s foot: A fungal infection that causes a scaly rash between the toes and underneath the foot
- Eczema: This refers to a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation. People can develop eczema anywhere on their bodies. Common symptoms include dry, crusty, or itchy patches of skin
- Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune condition that causes thick, scaly patches of skin
- Hypothyroidism: People may develop extremely dry feet because their thyroid gland cannot regulate the sweat glands on the feet, which can lead to them becoming dry.

How to get rid of dry skin on feet

Dead cells on the surface of the skin naturally fall off, and new cells take their place.

However, if you don’t remove the build-up of dead skin, they form thick, flaky patches on the feet. This is true, albeit to a lesser extent, on your face and other areas.

Over time, dry areas can become cracked especially on the heels, which can make feet vulnerable to infection, while thick calluses can make walking uncomfortable. Here’s how to get rid of dry skin on feet for good.

Step 1: Exfoliate

Exfoliation involves removing dead surface-layer skin using a physical or chemical exfoliator. These exfoliators also don’t need to be just for your feet, either. Many of the best exfoliators for your face will work on other parts of your body. This includes glycolic acid which recently went viral on TikTok. Some of our favourite feet exfoliators include:

Masoroo Natural Volcanic Pumice Stone for Feet

£9 | Buy now

Masaroo

If you’ve ever tried to get rid of dry skin on your feet, you’ll likely be familiar with pumice stones. They’re a natural form of exfoliator that can be a little tricky to use but work well.

This foot file from Masoroo is made of 100% natural lava stones, which have incredible exfoliating power.

The pumice stone is filled with hundreds of tiny holes to create a unique texture, which is great for removing dead skin and calluses on the feet without removing too much moisture.

Buy now from Amazon

Footner Exfoliating socks

£10 | Buy now

Footner

Chemical exfoliating socks have become popular ways to get rid of dry skin on feet and one of the bestsellers in this range is by Footner.

These socks will literally leave dry skin ‘peeling’ from your feet. It can take around seven days for the peeling to start.

After 10 days, the peeling process will have stopped completely, leaving you with incredibly soft skin. Again, a bit gross but very effective and highly satisfying!

We should note that these exfoliating socks aren’t the miracle cure they’re marketed as. They help reduce the damage but you usually have to use them in conjunction with other products in this list.

Particularly moisturising and using pumice stones or similar.

Buy now from Boots

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

£8 | Buy now

The Ordinary

This glycolic acid toning solution from The Ordinary offers mild exfoliation for the skin.

This solution is designed to remove dead skin cells to give you fresher, brighter skin on your face but you can also use it on your heels and feet.

To add to the natural exfoliating properties, this solution contains aloe vera to soften and calm the skin.

The use of ginseng helps support the skin’s moisture barrier, while the addition of Tasmanian Pepperberry brings antioxidants to help soothe the skin.

Buy now from Lookfantastic

Fixology Ultimate Pedi

£9.99 | Buy now

Fixology

Alternatively, if you want a glycolic acid treatment that’s specifically designed for your feet, give the Fixology Ultimate Pedi a go.

As well as getting the exfoliating properties from glycolic acid, this cream additionally includes:

Urea – a component found in your skin that helps maintain a healthy and hydrated skin barrier
Aloe vera – to soothe and soften the skin
Nourishing shea butter

With regular use, it not only helps relieve dry skin but nourishes and protects the skin so that it stays softer and healthier for longer.

To get the most out of this cream, apply it at night and wear a pair of cotton socks to help it soak in.

The Body Shop Drops of Light Liquid Peeling Solution

£18.50 | Buy now

The Body Shop

This may seem a little odd – but bear with us. If you have an exfoliating skin peel you use on your face, why not try it on your feet? This was a tip that our The Body Shop consultant posted and, in hindsight, it just seems like such an obvious thing to try!

We’ve been using our Body Shop Drops of Light Liquid Peeling Solution on our feet (and face) for the past few weeks and it seems to have made a big difference.

It’s not a catch-all solution but it might help shift those stubborn outer layers of dead and dry skin, allowing you to use more targeted treatments on the lower layers.

The Body Shop peel isn’t cheap – at £18.50 – but if it works for you, you’re effectively getting two products for the price of one. With less effort than a foot file and less shedding than exfoliating socks.

Buy now from The Body Shop

Scholl Velvet Smooth Electric Foot File

£40 | Buy now

Scholl

Electric foot files are expensive but they’re amazing and they take the hassle out of filing.

This Smooth Electric Foot File from Scholl can be used on wet and dry skin, and they gently exfoliate dry and flaky skin on both your feet and lower leg area.

With a variety of different roller heads to choose from, you can adjust the device to your personal needs for smooth feeling feet.

Expect a whole lot of ‘foot dust’ with this one. It’s a bit gross, but so, so great and it’s a really nice sensation.

Buy now from Amazon

︎ Step 2: Soak your feet

Soaking feet in warm water helps soothe and loosen dry skin, whilst also improving blood circulation. This in turn can help prevent dry skin in the future.

Adding a small amount of vinegar to a foot soak may also help to treat mild forms of Athlete’s foot. This is because vinegar has powerful antimicrobial properties that help disinfect the feet and eliminates foot odour. You can read more about Athlete’s feet in our best foot cream guide.

Other beneficial ingredients that can also be added to a foot soak include: Epsom salts, honey, lemon juice, peppermint essential oil and oatmeal.

If you’re looking for a luxury foot soak from the comfort of your own home, we’d recommend using the HoMedics MySpa Luxury Foldaway Foot Spa (£39).

It’s fantastic for soothing aching soles, this spa offers a vibration massage to target the acupressure points on the soles of the feet. Pour in some Mavala Soothing Foot Bath Salts (£11.55) to soothe swollen, dry, and tired feet, and you’re all set for the perfect pamper evening at home.

Step 3: Moisturise

Wallpaper Flare

Regularly moisturising the feet helps reduce existing dry skin but it also prevents new dry skin from accumulating making it a crucial step after using an exfoliator and foot soak, to lock in moisture in the skin.

If you suffer from sore cracked skin, it’s best to avoid lotions that contain alcohol, added fragrances and artificial colouring as these ingredients can irritate the skin further.

Instead look for products that contain humectants such as urea, aloe and hyaluronic acid, emollients, which include plant-based butter and oil and occlusive, such as petrolatum, lanolin and coconut oil.

See our science of moisturiser article or our What is hyaluronic acid guide? for more info.

Read our best foot cream list, where we’ve highlighted some of our favourite high-street buys for moisturising the skin on your feet and soothing cracked heels.

Step 4: Give your feet an intense moisturising treatment as you sleep

For extra hydration, try using moisturising gel-lined socks, or even make them yourselves at home by applying a generous amount of foot moisturiser and a pair of pure cotton socks at bedtime. We recommend Avon’s Moisturising socks.

Gel-lined socks contain natural oils and vitamins that help hydrate and repair dry skin on the feet.

We’d recommend using the NatraCure 5-Toe Moisturising Gel Socks (£14.99) which includes aloe vera and shea butter, slowly releasing therapeutic oils, botanicals and vitamins. For best results, wear these socks overnight 2-3 times per week. You can read more about overnight treatments in our sleeping beauty guide.

Step 5: Prevent dry skin from coming back

The Body Shop

Once you have dealt with any dry, cracked areas on your feet you can’t stop there. Unfortunately, it comes back if you stop treating it. With this in mind though, there are several ways to prevent it from returning in the future.

Practicing proper foot hygiene: The above steps of thoroughly cleaning feet with a foot soak, removing dead skin and keeping the area hydrated with a good foot moisturiser, should be practiced often in order to maintain soft, healthy feet.

Using warm water: Use warm, rather than hot water for showers, baths and foot soaks to stop your feet getting too hot and humid and ultimately drawing moisture from the skin.

Pat dry: Instead of vigorously rubbing feet after a shower, gently pat them dry with a clean towel.

Wearing shoes that fit correctly: It may seem like an obvious one, but proper fitting shoes can make all the difference.

Invest in a foot spray: Try the Peppermint Cooling Spray from The Body Shop (£6.50) to cool and deodorise hot, tired feet and stop bad odours from occurring.

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Annie Hopson

The post How to get rid of dry skin on feet: The causes and treatments for rough skin and cracked heels appeared first on mamabella.

Remove dark spots on your face, hands and body with our pick of the best dark spot correctors

Annie Hopson — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:00:45 +0000

Here’s how to remove dark spots on your face, hands and body with these tried-and-tested dark spot correctors and serums

Dark spots – known as sun spots, age spots, or hyperpigmentation – can plague your skin for various reasons and many of us turn to concealer in a bid to make them disappear. Yet, you may be better off choosing a dark spot corrector.

The best dark spot correctors use a selection of ingredients to block the different causes of pigmentation while inhibiting the enzymes that create melanin and lead to pigmentation. You can read more about what causes dark spots and how to get rid of age spots here.

What causes dark spots on the face?

Dark spots on the face, hands and body appear for a variety of reasons. These include:

Genetics
UV exposure
Pregnancy
Hormones
Inflammation (from skin trauma like acne or rashes)

How to choose the best dark spot remover

The wide range of dark spot causes makes choosing the best dark spot corrector for you and your skin tricky. What’s more, if your dark spots are caused by genetics, in particular, a dark spot remover may not work as well as it would on spots caused by the sun.

However, before you decide on which dark spot remover best suits you and your face, we’re going to stress (again) how important it is to use SPF. Every day. Even in winter. This becomes even more crucial if you use a dark spot corrector that exfoliates the skin, and makes it more sensitive to the sun.

Read our guide to What is SPF and why is it so important? to learn more, or check out our list of the best SPF products.

The ingredients to look out for in a dark spot remover/corrector include:

Hydroquinone
Kojic acid (from mushrooms)
Arbutin
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) – like glycolic or lactic acid
Retinol,
Niacinamide
Vitamin C

Also, it’s worth noting that unless you go to a dermatologist don’t expect results overnight with any dark spot remover. Once it starts to make a difference, the changes are permanent so it’s worth the wait. It just means you may need some patience! It also means that it’s worth investing in a good remover to get the best ultimate results (and not waste your time…)

Below, we’ve handpicked what we consider to be the most effective correctors for getting rid of dark spots, and hopefully, there’s something here for every budget.

Best dark spot corrector

Editors Pick: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiant Serum – £48
Bargain buy: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA – £8.60
Luxury Buy: Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot Concentrated Serum – £99
Best dark spot corrector for even skin tone: Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads – £18
Best for sensitive skin: Korres Wild Rose 24-hour Moisturising & Brightening cream – £29
Best toner for dark spots: Ole Henriksen glow 2OH dark spot toner – £25

1. Editor’s Pick: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiant Serum Complexion Correcting

£48 | Buy now

Caudalie

Why we love it: OK, so it’s slightly more of Luxury Buy than a high-street bargain, but there’s a reason the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiant Serum is our Editor’s pick.

Not only is it the number one anti-dark-spot product in French pharmacies, but it’s also a global bestseller – with one sold every 30 seconds. In fact, it’s been a bestseller for the past 15 years, since it first launched, and this classic oil-free serum helps to brighten skin, improve the appearance of dark spots, and evens out skin tone, unlike any other product we’ve used.

Caudalie’s cult serum is enriched with Viniferine, which is said to be 62 times more effective than Vitamin C in correcting dark spots and boosting radiance.

Its natural brightening ingredients are also non-irritating and free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates (read more in our guide to clean beauty), making it perfect for those even with sensitive skin. We love it, and we know you will too.

Buy now from Lookfantastic

2. Bargain Buy: The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

£8.60| Buy now from Boots

The Ordinary

Why we love it: Chemistry-led, high-street (and mamabella) favourite, The Ordinary continues to take the beauty industry by storm with this winning formula.

Fantastic for all types of hyperpigmentation, The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA does feel slightly sticky on the skin because of the hyaluronic acid, so we recommend only using a few drops before bed for best results.

This product contains 2% alpha-arbutin, which is a higher concentration than the standard 1% used by other brands.

For anyone who is really on a budget, this is the only product you need, with visible lightening of hyperpigmentation patches over a matter of weeks.

Disclaimer, if you have very sensitive skin this dark spot remover can cause irritation and cause breakouts so it’s worth introducing to your routine gradually.

FURTHER READING: The best The Ordinary products for all your skincare concerns – from large pores to redness, wrinkles and acne

Buy now from Boots

3. Luxury Buy: Dr. Dennis Gross Professional Grade IPL Dark Spot Concentrated Serum

£99 | Buy now

Dr Dennis Gross

Why we love it: This is one of the most pricey recommendations we’ve ever made in our Best Buys lists, but we stand by it. As you can guess by this dark spot corrector’s name, it produces professional-grade results. Plus, because it’s concentrated, you only need a tiny amount.

This means that it lasts a lot longer than you might think. We’re not saying this makes it great value for money but it’s not quite as expensive and extortionate as first appears.

The Professional Grade IPL Dark Spot Concentrated Serum is great at lightening sun spots, age spots, and any dark patches on your skin in a matter of weeks thanks to it being formulated with 10% L-ascorbic acid, lactic acid, kojic acid, and arbutin.

Its formula removes over-pigmented surface cells, clears and illuminates skin tone, and fights against environmental aggressors. In a clinical study, 80% agreed that their skin tone looked more even and 88% agreed that their dark spots and sunspots had faded.

If we had one criticism – other than its high price – this dark spot corrector smells remarkably like soy sauce…and looks like it too!

FURTHER READING: Lactic acid for skin: What is lactic acid and what does it do?

Buy now from SpaceNK

4. Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads

£19 | Buy now

Dr Dennis Gross

Why we love it: This is the second entry in our best dark spot corrector list for the Dr. Dennis Gross brand. This goes to show just how good the brand is.

These Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads are by far the gentlest peel pads we’ve tried. They contain a combination of lactic and mandelic acid. This combination not only creates an even-looking glow, but it also reduces the appearance of scarring, pores and it lightens dark spots over time.

This is the only peel on the market to combine five alpha and beta-hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) with potent, wrinkle-fighting antioxidants, to smooth, refine and protect the complexion. For best results, we recommend using them two to three times a week and it is available in five, 30 or 60 packages.

FURTHER READING: Best face exfoliator: Get smoother skin using scrubs from Upcircle, The Ordinary, Nip+Fab and more

Buy now from Cult beauty

5. Korres Wild Rose 24-hour Moisturising & Brightening cream

£29 | Buy now

Korres

Why we love it: Fantastic for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Greek beauty brand Korres focuses on using natural ingredients and homeopathic remedies.

Its Wild Rose 24-hour Moisturising & Brightening cream is, as the name suggests, a highly moisturising and brightening cream. It contains 96.8% natural ingredients and is enriched with wild rose oil, leaving skin feeling extremely soft and smooth.

High in Vitamin C, this product works to correct pigmentation while making the skin visibly brighter.

It’s fragrance-free, relatively well-priced, and suitable for vegans. It’s also the best dark spot corrector for anyone with sensitive skin. This is because it doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients or high potency AHAs.

The downside to this is that it can take a little longer for pigmentations to fade – but we think it’s worth the wait.

FURTHER READING: Vitamin C: What does Vitamin C do and which is the best Vitamin C serum for skin?

Buy now from Sephora UK

6. Ole Henriksen Glow 2OH dark spot toner

£25 | Buy now

Ole Henriksen

Why we love it: Made by a Danish skin cosmetician, the Glow 2OH Dark Spot toner is ideal for anyone looking to add an extra layer of treatment into their hyperpigmentation routine.

This product contains high-potency glycolic acid and lactic acid alongside witch hazel water, camomile, and sandalwood extracts.

When applied to the skin it does tingle, however, it’s still gentle enough to use every day.

Its sugary lemon scent is refreshing and after a few weeks, the skin appears brighter and smoother.

We wouldn’t recommend using this product alone on dark spots or acne scars that are particularly bad, as it might take some time for results to show. However, it is a great post-inflammatory treatment to use alongside other serums and moisturisers in our best dark spot remover and corrector list. And it’s affordable, too.

FURTHER READING: What does toner do – and why is it so important?

Buy now from Boots

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Annie Hopson

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Best anti-ageing cream for targeting wrinkles and fine lines

Annie Hopson — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 08:00:05 +0000

There are an increasing number of products vying for the title of the best anti-ageing cream but which of them are actually worth your money?

Even if you don’t think you need the best anti-ageing cream yet, trust us when we say it’s never too early to start taking care of your skin.

For centuries, people have tried obscure beauty rituals to help turn back the clock on ageing. Cleopatra, for instance, is believed to have bathed in donkey milk due to its anti-ageing properties. Thankfully, we now know ingredients such as retinol, peptides, antioxidants and SPF all go a long way in keeping skin looking youthful.

Of course, drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet and staying out of the sun is the best formula for ageing gracefully. But as we’re not all saints, incorporating a great anti-ageing cream into your skincare routine is at least a good place to start.

We get it though. Anti-ageing skincare products are everywhere and their formulas can be some of the most expensive skincare products on the market. As a result, we’ve purposefully kept the prices as low as possible for this list of best anti-ageing creams without skimping on quality. Hopefully, there is something here for all budgets!

Best anti-ageing cream

Editors Pick: Olay Regenerist Whip SPF30
Bargain Buy: Nivea Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Day Cream
Luxury Buy: Origins Plantscription SPF25 Power Anti-Aging Oil-Free Cream
Best for necks and boobs: PRAI Ageless Throat & Décolletage Crème
Best for quick results: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
Best anti-ageing cream for firming: L’Oreal Revitalift Pro-Retinol Cream

1. Editors Pick: Olay Regenerist Whip SPF30

£34.99 | Buy now

Olay

Why we love it: The little red pot of wonder. We love Olay Regenerist Whip because it glides on the skin, is extremely lightweight and smells incredible.

This product is proof that not all anti-wrinkle creams have to be thick and cakey on the skin. Its breathable formula uses niacinamide and peptides to smooth and reduce the appearance of fine lines, and it increases the skin’s elasticity. The cream is extremely hydrating and protects skin all day long, with SPF30 and SolaSheer Technology.

It’s the perfect base for makeup, leaving skin with a smooth and matte finish. At just under £35, this product isn’t the cheapest on the market, but it’s often on offer in high-street stores like Superdrug or Boots.

If you’re a fan of Olay products, make sure to check out the Olay Skin Advisor tool which reveals how old your skin really looks…if you want to know of course!

FURTHER READING: Olay Regenerist review | What do all the Olay creams do – and which one is right for you?

2. Budget Buy: Nivea Q10 Power Anti-Ageing Cream

£11.49 | Buy now

Nivea

Why we love it: Anti-ageing skincare products tend to err on the pricey side. If you’re on a budget, or just looking to dip your toes in the tide of anti-ageing products, a fantastic place to start is with the Nivea Q10 Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Day Cream. It’s light and fresh and leaves skin feeling extremely hydrated and beautifully dewy.

As the name suggests, it’s enriched with Q10 which is an enzyme naturally found in the skin that fuels the production of cell energy. This, in turn, helps the skin repair itself and regenerates new cells.

As we get older, regeneration slows down, so this product is perfect for helping skin appear more youthful. Its second ingredient, creatine, keeps skin firmer and reduces sagging and also has the welcomed addition of SPF15.

This product keeps the skin smooth, soft and youthful and also doesn’t break the bank (which we love!)

You can, alternatively, buy Q10 separately from The Inkey List. A bottle of Q10 serum costs £4.99 but it doesn’t come with SPF or the other benefits of the Nivea Q10 cream.

3. Luxury Buy: Origins Plantscription SPF25

£52 | Buy now

Origins

Why we love it: If you have oily or combination skin, some anti-ageing creams can be too rich and heavy, leaving your skin overly shiny. Origins Plantscription is oil-free so it hydrates, tightens and plumps without leaving skin feeling overloaded.

It’s enriched with anogeissus, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, leaving skin feeling firmer and lifted. The second ingredient is Cassia Alata, which contains anti-fungal properties and is used for treating skin inflammation and blemishes, as well as being an advanced anti-ageing ingredient.

This is definitely a Luxury Buy and the most expensive on our list, but a little of this product goes a long way, and it’s definitely worth it for how smooth your face is left feeling.

4. PRAI Ageless Anti-Ageing Crème

£25 | Buy now

PRAI

Why we love it? Approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute, PRAI Beauty’s bestselling range of luxury products has been proven to fight the effects of ageing, leaving skin with a youthful and restorative glow.

This cream, created specifically to care for the skin on your neck and décolletage, is rich in hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump skin, alongside Vitamin A, E and F to protect and rejuvenate. It’s reasonably priced for 50ml, and the lightweight formula glides on effortlessly – so a little goes a very long way. The pretty packaging also looks very aesthetically pleasing on the bathroom shelf.

You can read more about the PRAI range in our What happens during the menopause? guide and if sagging neck and chest skin is a particular concern, take a look at our best neck cream list.

FURTHER READING: The best creams, lotions and masks to help lift and firm your boobs | Worried about saggy boobs? Experts reveal how to beat the ‘boob drop‘

6. L’Oreal Revitalift Pro-Retinol Anti-Ageing Cream

£12.99 | Buy now

L'Oreal

Why we love it: This budget-friendly option can often be found even cheaper on offer, yet even at full price – we’re not complaining.

This formula contains the anti-ageing ingredient retinol, which increases cell turnover and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s also enriched in Centella Asiatica, a traditional Chinese herb that helps to strengthen and repair the skin barrier for youthful-looking skin.

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Best neck cream: Stop sagging necks, décolletage and cleavage with firming creams from Prai, IMIM and more

Annie Hopson — Sat, 14 May 2022 07:00:09 +0000

Many of us barely have time for a facial skincare routine, let alone factoring in time and money for our necks and chests. Yet these areas show signs of ageing much sooner meaning it’s worth investing in the best neck cream sooner rather than later.

This is because the skin around the neck and so-called décolleté area (a fancy name for your chest and cleavage) is fragile, finer and more delicate than on our faces.

So often, people spend a great amount of time, effort and money nourishing their faces with anti-ageing creams, moisturisers, oils and serums and ignore other areas that are just as much on show.

Therefore, especially as we get older, it’s essential we give our neck and cleavage area the TLC it truly deserves. Fortunately, there is a whole host of creams on the market formulated to combat the signs of ageing around the neck and décolleté area. Below we have handpicked some of our favourites for you to try.

Best neck cream

Editors Pick: Ageless by Prai Throat & Décolletage Cream – £25
Bargain Buy: Beauty Pie Uber Youth Neck serum – £16.45
Luxury Buy: Sanctuary Spa Supercharged Face & Neck Crème – £16.50
Luxury Buy: Elemis Pro Collagen Neck and Décolleté Balm – £53
Best daytime neck cream: L’Oréal Paris Rehydrating Lotion – £11.99
Best for horizontal necklines: IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Neck Cream – £44
Best neck cream for cleavage: This Works Perfect Cleavage Firming Lotion – £38
Best neck cream for quick results: YEOUTH Neck Firming Cream – £22.95
Best neck cream for sensitive skin: IMIM Firming and Sculpting Neck Cream – £16.99

1. Editor’s Pick: Prai Neck Cream

£25 | Buy now

Prai

Why we love it: If you’re looking to refresh mature skin and help it regain its natural radiance, Ageless by Prai is for you. Not only is it fantastic at toning your neck and décolleté skin, it gives mature skin an incredible shine while improving skin elasticity.

Prai Beauty’s bestselling range of products is an absolute favourite of ours. It contains no harsh chemicals; is cruelty-free and is suitable for vegans. It uses so-called SEPILIFT DPHP technology, along with a mix of mulberry, saxifrage and grape seed extracts, to brighten the skin and help fight the appearance of age spots.

It can also tackle other forms of discolouration within the first seven days of use. Finished with a combination of Prai oil (from which the entire brand gets its name), shea butter and hyaluronic acid, this crème is highly nourishing on the skin and helps maintain a supple, youthful appearance.

Buy now from Boots

2. Budget Buy: Beauty Pie Uber Youth Neck and Chest Serum

£16.45 | Buy now

Beauty Pie

Why we love it: If you’re anything like us and you often forget to apply neck and chest creams, this serum spray is a fantastic alternative. It’s also an ideal way to keep your neck and chest hydrated. Simply spray this serum on your skin and let it sink in. You can massage the serum into your skin, as the motion of massage can enhance the effect, but if you don’t want – or don’t have time – you don’t have to.

It contains 5% niacinamide (Vitamin PP) – a wonder ingredient that helps brighten and lighten the skin, which means this serum can reduce the look of sun and age spots.

It additionally has 4% Idealift Peptides to fight the visible effects of sagging, while Oligogeline helps boost and lift, and Kigeline improves skin firmness and elasticity. You can read more about this in our best firming lotion list.

What’s great is that you don’t need to be a Beauty Pie member to give this serum a whirl. Simply add to your basket and Beauty Pie will give you a “day pass” meaning you can get members’ prices without signing up. However, we highly rate a huge number of Beauty Pie products and we believe membership is more than worth it. If you’re keen to know more, check out our Spotlight on Beauty Pie UK.

FURTHER READING: Beauty Pie reviews: We put the best Beauty Pie products to the test to see if a membership is actually worth it

Buy now

3. Luxury Buy: Elemis Pro Collagen Neck and Décolleté Balm

£53 | Buy now

Elemis

Why we love it: Elemis Pro Collagen Balm combines nature’s finest skin savers with scientific expertise to create skincare that delivers visible results.

This formula is enriched with Omega 7 in sea buckthorn to repair and heal damaged skin (in particular age-related hyperpigmentation), padina pavonica which is a natural filler and nourisher to smooth fine lines, polysaccharides to instantly tighten, and amino acid-packed algae which works like collagen to increase elasticity.

This balm also stimulates calcium production, which supports the building blocks of the skin meaning that the neck area appears firmer and smoother. Another bonus is that the rose and mimosa scent is incredible!

While the price tag is high, a little of this product goes a long way: two-three pumps easily serves the whole neck and chest area so it’s worth the investment in our opinion.

Buy now from Lookfantastic

4. L’Oreal Age Perfect Retightening Anti Ageing Collagen Day Cream

£11.99 | Buy now

L'Oreal

Why we love it: The L’Oreal Age Perfect Retightening Anti Ageing Collagen Day Cream easily absorbs and is non-greasy. Its re-hydrating formula targets the sagging of the skin, while melanin-block helps reduce the appearance of age spots. What’s more, the pump dispenses the correct amount to use each time so you know there is no wastage when using this lotion.

This day cream is also enriched with Collagen AA Fractions, perfect for mature skin, and after just one use, skin feels hydrated, smoother and plumper.

L’Oréal is a high-street favourite when it comes to skincare and the price of this product, with its immediate effect, is worth every penny.

Buy now from Superdrug

5. IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Neck Cream Moisturiser

£44 | Buy now

IT Cosmetics

Why we love it: IT Cosmetics was created by Jamie Kern Lima who was a former title winner of Miss Washington in 1999. She wanted to build a community of self-love and her skincare is all based around being confident in your skin. You can read all about IT Cosmetics as it was one of our Brand Spotlights series.

As a result, IT Cosmetics has gained recognition for its brilliant CC creams and moisturisers and this Neck Cream is (almost) second to none. The only reason is doesn’t feature higher up this list of the best neck creams is because of its price.

With amazing reviews, this cream helps transform the appearance of your neck, neckline and chest; it helps improve the horizontal lines that you get around your neck leaving your skin around your neck firm, hydrated and rejuvenated. It’s great for all skin types, too.

Using ingredients such as fucoidan seaweed extract, shea butter and a Tri-Structural Complex – composed of elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid – this moisturiser will give you the appearance of younger-looking skin.

Within a week use of day and night, there has been a visible difference and with continued use, you will notice a powerful difference, your neck looking tighter and firmer.

See our science of moisturiser article or our What is hyaluronic acid guide? for more info.

Buy now from Boots

6. Sanctuary Spa Supercharged Hyaluronic Face & Neck Crème

£16.50 | Buy now

Sanctuary Spa

Why we love it: This neck cream, from Sanctuary Spa is incredible value for money and outperforms many more expensive creams on the market.

The formula is perfect for dry and dehydrated skin, and can be used as a day and night cream for an extra shot of moisture.

It’s enriched with nourishing shea butter and hydrating hyaluronic acid to give thirsty skin an instant glow, and it gives the neck and décolleté area a plumped and firmer look in a matter of weeks.

The rose geranium essential oil and rosa centifolia flower extract, combined with lavender and frankincense essential oils, gives this product a beautiful and relaxing long-lasting scent.

Buy now from Amazon

7. This Works Perfect Cleavage Firming Lotion

£38 | Buy now

This Works

Why we love it: The Perfect Cleavage Firming Lotion by This Works is a great combination of natural essential oils and plant extracts.

This formulation makes this entry in our list of best neck crems extremely effective at tightening and brightening the delicate neck and cleavage area.

It’s enriched with a blend of tightening larch extract, soothing algae, renewing rose and cell renewal boosting comfrey root, plus brightening Vitamin C for reducing UV exposure damage.

It smells great, leaves skin with a beautiful sheen and it’s good value for money.

Buy now

8. Yeouth Firming Neck Cream

£22.95 | Buy now from Amazon

Yeouth

Why we love it: Yeouth’s firming neck cream is packed with antioxidants including green tea, which encourages cell healing to protect and repair ageing skin, Vitamin C to improve collagen, synthesise and brighten skin, and argireline to help relax the muscles to delay the appearance of wrinkles.

After only a few applications, the skin around our neck and cleavage area appeared hydrated and firmer, and uneven skin tones were more balance.

At just under the £30 mark, it’s safe to say the results achieved from this product are great value for money.

Buy now from Amazon

9. IMIM Firming and Sculpting Neck Cream

£16.99 | Buy now

IMIM

Why we love it: This deeply moisturising neck and décolleté cream from IMIM is infused with a combination of peptides to stimulate natural cell collagen and elastin production, and speed up cell renewal to improve skin elasticity and firmness.

It leaves skin feeling super soft after only a few applications.

This formula is fantastic for those with sensitive skin as it does not include any harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens and fragrance (read more about these in our guide to clean beauty). It’s also cruelty free and suitable for vegans. It certainly lives up to its loyal online following.

Buy now from Amazon

Do neck firming creams work?

As we age, the muscles in our neck weaken and skin loses its elasticity. Posture and weight loss can also cause sagging. Combined with the fact our neck has fewer oil glands, it means that this area of the skin is more vulnerable to dryness, age spots, sun damage, and over time, wrinkles.

Neck firming creams work by rehydrating the area to counteract this loss of moisture. Firming neck creams also contain ingredients designed to help increase cell turnover and boost collagen and elastin. These are the building blocks of youthful skin so firming neck creams help delay the signs of ageing and sagging.

Is face cream good for neck?

Contrary to popular belief, the best neck creams aren’t face creams under a different name. They’re not a marketing ploy. Neck creams are, in fact, often thicker and contain ingredients to help lift and tighten the skin as it loses collagen and elastin over time.

You can read more about this in our guide on how to prevent wrinkles, and our explainer about what happens to skin and hair during menopause.

While you can absolutely get away with using everyday face creams on this specific area in your early 20s, as you get older, it’s best to invest in a targeted neck cream.

How to apply cream to neck

According to Faye Purcell, Q+A‘s Skincare Expert and Development Chemist, you need to make sure you exfoliate your neck before applying any creams. Dead skin cells make it look dull and dry and using a gentle exfoliator, containing acids such as glycolic, lactic, or salicylic, will create a blank canvas.

“Apply your products to the neck in upwards strokes to help lift and stimulate the skin and reduce sagging,” Purcell continues. “Always apply SPF to your neck and extend it all the way around to the ears and remember to cleanse your neck at the end of the day when washing your face as this will help get rid of any dirt and build-up.”

As an added tip, she added that exercising your neck muscles can help improve the effectiveness of firming creams. To do this, raise your head so that your chin is facing upwards to the sky, then move your jaw forward to feel a slight stretch in your chin. Hold for 3 seconds and repeat 10 times.

FURTHER READING: Spotlight on Q+A Skin’s affordable, natural and highly effective skincare bundles

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Annie Hopson

The post Best neck cream: Stop sagging necks, décolletage and cleavage with firming creams from Prai, IMIM and more appeared first on mamabella.

Best stretch mark cream: From Bio-Oil to Burt’s Bees Belly Butter, these are the best ways to prevent stretch marks

Annie Hopson — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 11:00:50 +0000

We recently revealed the science behind what causes stretch marks and the different ways you can attempt to get rid of them. Now we’ve handpicked the best stretch mark creams to prevent or remove them at home.

Medically known as Striae or Striae Distensea, stretch marks are the result of extreme skin growth or shrinkage. They’re usually indicative of a key point in your life and it’s why they’re colloquially called Life Lines.

Love them or hate them, stretch marks are part and parcel of our experiences and – while we’re certainly not suggesting you should get rid of them – if you don’t feel confident with them, there are things you can do.

While it’s difficult to get rid of them altogether, there are products that go a long way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks on the skin. The market is saturated with creams, oils and scrubs that all promise to get rid of stretch marks once and for all, but where do you begin? And which brands live up to their promises?

We’ve put together a list of the best stretch mark creams that minimise the appearance of stretch marks – all of which hit a different price point, so hopefully there’s something here for every budget.

FURTHER READING: Stretch marks: What are stretch marks and can you actually get rid of them?

Best stretch mark cream

Editor’s Pick: Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin – Smoothing Body Treatment – £33
Bargain Buy: Bio-Oil – £9.99
Luxury Buy: Beauty Bio The Sculptor Skin Firming Body Cream – £70
Best for scars: Face Theory’s Retin-C Vitamin Scar Treatment Oil – £17.99
Best for pregnancy: Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter – £35
Best for Mums: Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter – £13.99
Best natural stretch mark cream: Little Butterfly London Cocoon of Bliss Stretch Mark Butter – £27.50

1. Editor’s Pick: Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin

£33 | Buy now

Paula's Choice

Why we love it: Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin Smoothing Body Treatment really is the cream of the crop (excuse the pun) when it comes to the best stretch mark cream in our opinion.

It’s super hydrating and feels silky on the skin while also helping to improve a variety of other skin concerns – from rejuvenating and reviving complexions, to smoothing wrinkles and fine lines and aiding visible sun damage to the skin. Paula’s Choice cuts through the noise, it delivers beautiful results and really does live up to its claims.

A word of warning: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding never use retinol-based products, or products containing retinoid, as it can be harmful. Find out more in our guide to the skincare ingredients that safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding

If this doesn’t apply to you, then retinol is one of the best cosmetic ingredients for rebuilding collagen in the skin and diminishing the appearance of stretch marks. This smoothing retinol body treatment is jam-packed with antioxidants and emollients to reveal softer and firmer-looking skin.

It also contains Vitamin C, which brightens and helps to protect the skin from premature ageing, too.

FURTHER READING: What is retinol and what does retinol do for your skin?

Buy now from SpaceNK

2 Bargain Buy: Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

£9.99 | Buy now

Bio Oil

Why we love it: If you prefer using oils as opposed to thicker stretch mark creams or lotions, then Bio-Oil is a top seller when it comes to diminishing scars.

It’s clinically proven and dermatologically tested to treat scars, stretch marks while also improve dull, ageing skin.

It’s fast-absorbing and is made up of a blend of Vitamins A and E to soften and hydrate skin.

It’s also suitable to be used during pregnancy as there are no harmful chemicals used in the formula.

Bio-Oil is widely available online and in many high street beauty shops and pharmacies. It’s inexpensive and a little really does go a long way! No wonder it’s most peoples go-to product when it comes to preventing or removing stretch marks.

Buy now from Boots

3. Luxury Buy: Beauty Bio The Sculptor Skin Firming Stretch Mark Cream

£70 | Buy now

Beauty Bio

Why we love it: The science-based skincare brand Beauty Bio has hit the nail on the head with its The Sculptor firming body cream. This all-rounder is amazing at treating problem skin, such as cellulite, dimpling, fine lines and, of course, stretch marks.

This product really does a fantastic job at firming up skin and leaves it feeling highly nourished. The down side is that it’s significantly more expensive than the rest of our roundup.

However, that being said, if you’re looking for a solution that tackles multiple trouble areas on the skin, it’s worth the investment and will save you buying multiple creams that could add up to the same amount.

It’s packed full of beneficial ingredients, such as organic green tea seed oil, caffeine to aid collagen production, and sea algae for skin elasticity. After a few weeks of use, stretch marks seem to appear far less prominent.

Buy now from Amazon

4. Face Theory’s Retin-C Vitamin Scar Treatment Oil

£17.99 | Buy now

Face Theory

Why we love it: Creams spiked with retinol are fantastic for reducing the appearance of stretch marks on the skin as the ingredients stimulates the collagen production in the body to generate new and slightly thicker skin over time.

However, be mindful that if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not use retinol-based products as it can be harmful as we mentioned before.

Face Theory’s treatment oil consists of a blend of 2% retinoid, Jojoba oil plus Vitamin E and C to brighten skin. It also inhabits the generation of melanin and accelerates the synthesis of collagen. It’s vegan friendly, and due to its high concentration of actives, only a small amount is required per use – so it goes a long way.

Elsewhere, it’s also nourishing and light, and absorbs quickly leaving your skin feeling hydrated and the appearance of stretch marks faded.

Buy now from Face Theory

5. Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter

£35 | Buy now

Mama Mio

This Tummy Rub Butter contains what Mama Mio calls an Omega Rich Skin Stretch Complex, which is a blend of different oils.

These include avocado oil, inchi oil, and argan oil – the last of which contains Omega 3, 5 and 6 designed to add moisture to the skin and keep it elastic and supple. Elsewhere, there is coconut oil, sweet almond oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E.

It’s designed to prevent stretch marks from appearing while you’re pregnant (which, for the record are totally normal) but it’s also great for a stretch mark cream after you’ve given birth.

Like the Mio Skincare range, all Mama Mio products are vegan, cruelty-free and its packaging is recyclable.

Buy now from Mama Mio

6. Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter

£13.99 | Buy now

Burt's Bees

Why we love it: If you’re a mum-to-be, or breastfeeding, it’s essential to use a stretch mark cream that is safe and effective, extra moisturising, has a pleasant smell – so not to kick off any morning sickness or put the baby off feeding – and is easy to apply.

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter is exactly that product.

It’s specially designed with pregnant women as well as new mums in mind and is fantastic at nourishing the tummy area before and after pregnancy. It’s so good, even seasoned Mums can benefit…

This is because it’s enriched with naturally hydrating cocoa, shea and jojoba butter, to help skin recover during rapid weight gain. It also provides relief and comfort to stretched skin.

It has no unnatural added fragrance, so won’t bother sensitive noses, and the formula is non-irritating and made without any harmful ingredients.

FURTHER READING: What skincare ingredients to avoid when pregnant or breastfeeding

Buy now from Amazon

7. Little Butterfly London Cocoon of Bliss Stretch Mark Butter

£27.50 | Buy now

Little Butterfly

Why we love it: Not a chemical in sight and completely cruelty-free, Little Butterfly’s stretch mark butter is natural, organic and nourishing. It’s incredible at comforting strained skin and minimises the appearance of stretch marks on the skin.

Blended with an array of hydrating whipped butters including cupuaçu, mango, cocao and shea to deeply nourish and provide long-lasting moisture, it smells divine.

The product melts into your skin upon application and is also suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It leaves skin feeling super hydrated, soft, and glowing and the packaging is also gorgeous too! What’s not to love? Well, other than the slightly high price.

Buy now from Feelunique

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Annie Hopson

The post Best stretch mark cream: From Bio-Oil to Burt’s Bees Belly Butter, these are the best ways to prevent stretch marks appeared first on mamabella.

Best foot cream: Soothe cracked heels, dry skin and fungus with these top foot creams

Annie Hopson — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 14:20:13 +0000

When shopping for skincare, looking for the best foot cream may not even register on your radar.

In winter, your feet spend most of the time deprived of fresh air and moisture, while in the summer months they can get too much exposure. While the words ‘foot cream’ don’t exactly scream glamour, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t show your pieds some TLC. Plus, the longer cracked heels and dry skin are left untreated, the higher the chances of the skin splitting and becoming painful to walk on.

The skin on your feet is thicker and naturally drier than on other areas of the body. As a result, you’ve probably noticed that dedicated foot creams are made with heavier, richer textures than face or body lotions, and they often boast exfoliating properties that tackle tough, dry patches.

This is why you could moisturise your feet with standard body lotion for weeks and barely see an improvement. We do understand, though, that spending money on yet another skincare or makeup product may not be possible for everyone. With this in mind, every entry in our best foot cream list, even our Luxury Buy, comes in at under a tenner.

To improve the effectiveness of whichever one you buy, we recommend applying after a shower when your skin is soft. We also suggest you invest in a foot buffer or check out our overnight beauty guide on the foot treatments that work as you sleep. We’re also big fans of moisturising socks (like these from Avon) that work with any cream.

Best foot cream

Editors pick: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Foot Magic – £3.99
Budget Buy: Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly – £2.99
The best foot mask: Lush Volcano Foot Mask – £10
The best foot cream for hard skin: CCS Foot Care Cream – £7.99
The best athlete’s foot cream: Scholl Athlete’s Foot – £4.80
The best for instant softness: Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream – £7.99
The best foot cream socks: Footner Exfoliating Socks – £9.99

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Best BB cream | Best moisturiser | Best tinted moisturiser | Best toner | Best primer | Best cleanser| Best eye cream| Best anti-ageing cream | Best hand cream| Best foot cream | Best face mask | Best face exfoliator | Best face oil| Best serum| Best night cream | Best SPF | Best Vitamin C serum | Men’s skincare routine

1. Editors pick: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Foot Magic

£4.99 | Buy now

Palmers

Why we love it: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula is an absolute winner for us and at £4.99 it’s totally budget-friendly.

This creamy product is enriched with Vitamin E and other natural emollients and completely lives up to its name ‘foot magic’.

Its extremely softening and hydrating for even the roughest, driest skin and has the addition of soothing peppermint oil to revitalise sore, tired feet. It’s also vegan.

We love it and we think you will too.

Buy now from Boots

2. Bargain Buy: Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly

£2.99 | Buy now

Vaseline

Why we love it: Chances are most of us have this little pot of wonder in our bathroom cabinets or dressing tables at home.

Pure petroleum jelly is very gentle on the skin, making it a perfect choice to soothe dry and cracked feet.

Vaseline can take a while to soak in, so try coating your feet before bed, slipping on a pair of socks (ideally cotton), and letting it soak in overnight while you’re asleep. This will help maximise its softening effect.

Alternatively, Vaseline can be used to block the moisturising properties of other products from escaping your skin. In this way, put on your normal foot cream or similar. Apply a layer of Vaseline over the top and leave both to work their magic.

In fact, the beauty, excuse the pun, of Vaseline is that it has many other uses in your makeup and skincare routine so it’s a good all-rounder.

Buy now from Amazon

3. Luxury Buy: Lush Volcano Foot Mask

£10 | Buy now

Lush

Why we love it? The Lush Volcano Foot Mask is a little different from traditional creams and lotions.

The cooling, invigorating mask contains powerful deodorising ingredients to help smooth and draw out deep-down dirt.

To use, smear the clay onto your soles and heels, cover with a plastic bag/wrap (it can get a little messy), sit back, and relax for 10 minutes before rinsing to reveal super soft skin.

It’s more effort than others on this list but is worth it.

If you want something a little cheaper, and easier to manage, we also recommend Avon’s Footworks which does a similar job while you sleep for slightly less money.

Buy now from Lush

4. CCS Foot Care Cream

£7.99 | Buy now

CCS

Why we love it: If you suffer from hard skin, this Swedish formula in the CCS Foot Care Cream is exceptionally thick and moistening.

It will leave your feet feeling completely smooth and hydrated within a few days.

This is because it contains urea, which is the natural moisturiser found in the human body. Urea helps break down hard skin, as well as prevent it from returning.

We love its minty scent, too.

Buy now from Boots

5. Scholl Athlete’s Foot Cream

£4.80 | Buy now

Scholl

Why we love it: This is a specialised Athlete’s foot cream, designed to get rid of the fungus that causes the skin to flake and itch between your toes.

That said, Athletes’ Foot is one of the most common fungal infections of the skin and is contagious so it can’t do any harm to use this even if you’re not currently suffering.

The main differences between Athletes’ foot and just dry skin are that the affected skin is red with a scaly coating.

This coating cracks and peels, and is typically itchy and sore.

Scholl’s treatment works thanks to a specially formulated antifungal medication called Terbinafine.

This is not a one-treatment solution, however. You need to use it twice a day for at least a week to notice a significant reduction in symptoms.

Buy now from Amazon

5. Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream

£12.99 | Buy now

Burt's Bees

Why we love it: The main ingredient in Burt’s Bees’ foot cream is coconut oil, which is known to protect against microbial infections, as well as being a powerful antioxidant.

Alongside coconut oil it also contains rosemary and peppermint extracts, which help to smooth your skin leaving instant softness.

The formula is thick and can therefore feel sticky on application, so you must be patient whilst it works its magic – and believe us when we say, it’s extremely nourishing.

It also has a lovely minty coconut smell, too which is an added bonus.

Buy now from Superdrug

6. Footner Exfoliating Socks

£9.99 | Buy now

Footner

Why we love it: If you’re a beauty buff, you may have seen exfoliating socks gaining attention over recent years. In a nutshell, they consist of plastic socks full of a special chemical solution that helps break down dead skin over time, leaving your feet smooth and baby soft within ten days. You can read more about this in our How to get rid of dry skin on feet guide.

To use, soak feet in water beforehand, and pop the socks on for 60 minutes before rinsing it off. After five to seven days the peeling process will begin and the dead skin will begin to flake off.

By day ten, the peeling will have stopped completely, leaving you with incredibly soft skin where even the toughest, driest patches once remained. If you’re grossed out very easily, then maybe give this one a miss, but we’re completely obsessed with them.

We should also note that this isn’t a catch-all solution. If you have particularly cracked heels or dry patches, these socks will help but won’t get rid of it completely. We recommend you combine these every couple of months with a regular foot treatment done daily (or at least weekly).

Buy now from Amazon

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Annie Hopson

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Spotlight on…Avon – the affordable, inclusive brand that’s so much more than a beauty company

Annie Hopson — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 05:00:51 +0000

Is it just us, or is there something really nostalgic about flicking through an Avon catalogue? People over a certain age will remember fondly spending hours reading the catalogue front to back, peeling back the perfume samples and picking their favourite products.

And while some people may not have returned to the Avon brand since this youthful dalliance, a huge number of us still rely on the affordable, high-quality makeup and skincare brand.

Today, Avon is the fifth-largest beauty company, and the second largest direct-selling enterprise, in the world and we’re big fans here at mamabella. Which is why Avon is the latest in our Brand Spotlight series.

Over the past few months, we’ve been shining a light on brands that represent and align with what we stand for – brands that offer great products at low prices; brands which champion inclusivity and diversity; clean, sustainable and ethical beauty brands, and brands that are challenging the beauty industry hierarchy.

Avon: a brief history

Avon

Avon’s founder, David H. McConnell, initially sold books as a door-to-door salesman in New York where he would offer a homemade rose scented perfume as a free gift.

The perfume was so popular that in 1886 McConnell abandoned books altogether and started a perfume company. From a small office in New York City, McConnell mixed the company’s first fragrances himself, and recruited a team of women to be sales representatives.

By the end of its first year, the company had a line of nearly 20 different fragrances and in 1902; it began selling a full range of cosmetics. After his death in 1937, McConnell’s son took over the family business, and changed its name to Avon in 1939 in honour of Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Why we love Avon

Avon is a brand that has been empowering women for more than 134 years, long before women’s rights were widely recognised.

Being years ahead of its time, McConnell’s company was a radical business model. He believed in the power of community, and was passionate about giving women the opportunity to take control and responsibility of their lives and their families.

He recruited door-to-door female saleswomen, which offered women a chance to work outside the home in an era when there were few opportunities to do so.

Today, Avon has grown into a global cosmetics company with more than 6 million representatives. Not only do we love its products, the nostalgic feeling of flicking through the catalogue but Avon’s long, incredible history of empowering women is what sets them apart from the rest.

Below we’ve shared some of our absolute favourite products, and they are all so affordable, too!

The best Avon products

For baby soft skin: Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil – £3.50
For a well-rested night sleep: Planet Spa Aromatherapy Beauty Sleep Pillow Mist Spray – £4
For a natural radiant complexion: Avon True Nutra Effects Radiance Tinted Moisturiser – £5
For youthful looking skin: Anew Ultimate Multi-Performance Day Cream – £16
For the perfect pout: Avon True Nourishing Lip Oil – £4
For lengthy and full lashes: True Supreme Length Nourishing Mascara – £6

︎ Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil

£3.50 | Buy now from Avon

Avon

Who’s it for? Just about anyone looking for super-soft skin.

Why we love it: Skin So Soft is one of Avon’s most iconic ranges and was first introduced in 1962 as a bath oil. Today, the range is one of the most popular that Avon produces and we can’t get enough of this product.

It’s infused with jojoba oil and leaves skin, well, so soft. It certainly does what it says on the tin, and it’s the perfect addition to your skincare routine after an evening soak. Many loyal lovers of this dry oil also claim it keeps bugs at bay as a great insect repellant too!

How to use it: Spray the quick-drying formula onto skin after bathing.

Buy now from Avon

︎ Planet Spa Aromatherapy Beauty Sleep Pillow Mist Spray, Lavender & Chamomile

£4 | Buy now from Avon

Avon

Who’s it for? Can’t sleep or feeling stressed? This product is definitely for you – here’s to better beauty sleep.

Why we love it: This miracle spray is infused with mood-enhancing french lavender and chamomile essential oils. It smells gorgeous and gently calms your mood to help you fall into a deeper, longer sleep. It’s highly rated, and rightly so.

How to use it: Spray this mist on your pillow and bedding to help relax you into a deeper sleep. It can also be used on dressing gowns and blankets, whatever takes your fancy.

Buy now from Avon

︎ Avon True Nutra Effects Radiance Tinted Moisturiser SPF20

£5 | Buy now from Avon

Avon

Who’s it for? Perfect for anyone with dry or sensitive skin.

Why we love it: If you’re looking for a natural, low coverage tinted moisturiser then this is a winner. It’s formulated with passionfruit seed extracts and vitamin E to boost the skin’s natural radiance for healthier looking skin.

We love how it quickly adjusts to match a variety of skin tones, which is easily blended into the face for a radiant glow. At a fiver, we also love the price. No wonder it’s one of Avon’s bestselling products.

How to use it: Apply in the morning to cleansed, dry skin with your finger tips or a foundation brush.

Buy now from Avon

︎ Anew Ultimate Multi-Performance Day Cream

£16 | Buy now from Avon

Avon

Who’s it for? Ageing skin – although even people as young as 25 can be classed as having mature skin so it’s never too early to start trying to prevent wrinkles.

Why we love it: This multi-tasking moisturiser visibly transforms multiple signs of ageing, improves texture, clarity and uneven skin tones and also contains SPF 25.

It’s been clinically shown to improve skin’s firmness, and dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within the first four weeks of use.

It’s oil-free and paraben-free and also suitable for vegans. We love how visible the results are and we also love the price. For an anti-wrinkle day cream, this certainly is a strong contender against some of the more expensive brands out there.

How to use it: Apply every morning over a cleansed face and neck before applying foundations. It can also be used before sun exposure.

READ NEXT: Best anti-ageing creams and best eye creams

Buy now from Avon

︎ Avon True Nourishing Lip Oil SPF 12

£4 | Buy now from Avon

Avon

Who’s it for? Anyone looking for the perfect nourished pout.

Why we love it: Do you hate lip glosses that feel sticky? Yep, us too. Thankfully, this glossy lip oil, with a hint of colour, has SPF 12 protection for all round perfect lip care without the stickiness.

Infused with jojoba, avocado and coconut oils, plus vitamin E for healthy, natural looking lips, this oil claims to lock in three times more moisture, and it left our lips feeling extremely hydrated, so we’d have to agree.

How to use it: Wear it by itself, or even over your favourite lipstick for instant nourishment.

Buy now from Avon

︎ True Supreme Length Nourishing Mascara

£6 | Buy now from Avon

Avon

Why we love it: Flake-proof, clump-proof and smudge-proof? Tick, tick, tick.

This mascara is fantastic for healthier and longer-looking lashes. The formula is infused with coconut oil, argan oil and vitamin E to help nourish and strengthen lashes.

It lasts the entire day and night, and is easily removed due to its oil-infused formula without losing any lashes in the process. We love it, and it’s very gentle on sensitive eyes.

How to use it: Apply to clean lashes by gently coating lashes from the root to the tip. For thicker application, repeat.

READ NEXT: Best drugstore mascara

Buy now from Avon

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Annie Hopson

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Stretch marks: What are stretch marks and can you actually get rid of them?

Annie Hopson — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 19:37:37 +0000

Tiger stripes, lightning strikes, stretchies – whatever you call stretch marks, chances are everyone you know has at least one or two somewhere on their body.

They’re not the reserve of overweight people. They’re not only common among Mums.

Whether it’s through puberty, weight gain, pregnancy, or just generally growing in the body we own, stretch marks affect both men and women of varying sizes and shapes.

It’s rumoured that both the Ancient Greeks and Romans used olive oil to make stretch marks disappear on pregnant stomachs.

Today, we spend thousands of pounds on ‘miracle’ products and laser treatments in hope to fade them, and use photo editing software to make them vanish from ad campaigns and social media posts.

This in turn has inevitably led to (mostly but not exclusively) women understandably feeling a variety of different emotions when they see stretch marks on their skin. Whether you love them or hate them, we’ve unpacked the science behind what causes stretch marks and how to get rid of them, should you want to.

At mamabella we believe women are beautiful in all shapes and sizes and should feel comfortable and empowered in their own skin. Our stretch marks tell a unique story and we’re under no circumstances telling you to get rid of them. We’re also not judging you if you want to minimise them.

We’re simply arming you with the information about what they are and what causes them to fade should that be something you’re interested in.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks, medically known as Striae or Striae Distensea, are exactly that – marks left on your skin after its been stretched.

They are long, narrow streaks, stripes or lines that develop on the skin. They can occur on a range of body parts, including but not limited to, the stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms and lower back.

Before stretch marks initially begin to emerge, the area can appear thick and pink, and may also feel irritated or itchy.

As the marks develop, they appear as wrinkly, raised streaks that can be red, purple, pink or reddish-brown depending on the skin tone.

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks are caused by extreme skin growth or shrinkage. The most common causes include:

Pregnancy: Between 50 and 90% of women who are pregnant experience stretch marks during or after birth
Puberty: During puberty rapid growth is typical for young people, which in turn can lead to stretch marks
Rapid weight gain: Putting on a lot of weight in a short period time – like we have during lockdown! – can also cause stretch marks

Now for the science.

The skin consists of three key layers. Stretch marks form in the dermis (or in layman’s terms – the middle layer) when the connective tissue is stretched beyond the limits of its elasticity.

As the body grows, the connecting fibres in the dermis layer slowly stretch to accommodate slow growth.

However, rapid growth leads to sudden stretching and causes the dermis to tear, allowing deeper layers of skin to show through. This can form stretch marks and contributes to the way they look.

Do stretch marks go away?

Over time, the streaks eventually fade and flatten and tend to change to a silvery colour and may gradually become less noticeable.

They get this silvery or glossy appearance as the pale fat beneath the skin becomes visible in place of the usual blood vessels.

How to get rid of stretch marks

There is a number of ways to get rid of – or at least reduce the appearance of stretch marks, from cosmetic products right up to surgery.

We should note that its relatively straightforward, and can be cheap, to minimise how noticeable stretch marks are but they’re very difficult to get rid of completely due to the fact the skin has been damaged and torn.

As a result, be a little cynical of high-street products that promise to get rid of them, especially if they claim to get rid of stretch marks in a matter of weeks.

Like with many skin concerns, prevention is better than cure.

READ NEXT: How to prevent wrinkles

If you moisturise often – around twice a day – every day from around the age of puberty, you may reduce your chances of developing stretch marks as you grow as supple, well moisturised skin will not give in to stretch marks as easily.

However, we’re acutely aware that if you’ve landed on this page, it’s probably too late to stop them in their tracks. Plus, there’s no *guarantee* that this will work – stretch marks for almost everyone is an inevitability.

While we still recommend you moisturise daily, here are a few other ways to tackle the dreaded stretch marks.

Retinol

Face Theory

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding do not use retinol-based products, or products containing retinoids, as they can be harmful.

Creams spiked with retinol – derived from Vitamin A – stimulate the collagen production in the body to generate new, slightly thicker skin over time.

This is why you’ll find retinol in a whole host of the best anti-ageing creams and best eye creams on the market.

Whilst this isn’t a cure, it comes pretty close and can help to fade the appearance of new scars, making stretch marks look more like un-stretched skin.

mamabella recommends: Try Face Theory’s Retin-C Vitamin Scar Treatment Oil 09 (£17.99).

It consist of a blend of 2% retinoid, plus Vitamin C and E with a non-comedogenic base to accelerate skin cell shedding and renewal leaving skin feeling hydrated and the appearance of stretch marks faded.

Buy now from Face Theory

Dry brushing

Dr Barbara Sturm

Exfoliation alone won’t make stretch marks disappear.

However, what it can do is make retinol creams work better as it helps loosen and lift dead skin cells that might be getting in the way of the formula.

Dry brushing (gently brushing your dry skin before getting into the shower) is a great option if you have a normal skin type.

Dry brushing can also reduce the appearance of cellulite.

mamabella recommends: Try the Dr. Barbara Sturm brush (£25), which comes in two densities, soft and medium depending on what you prefer.

It can be used anywhere from your feet, legs, arms to your bum and tum.

We also rate the cactus brushes from The Body Shop. You can read more in our guide on how to get rid of cellulite.

Dry brushing is not suitable for sensitive skin or if you have conditions such as eczema.

Buy now from Cult Beauty

Self-tan

St Tropez

Using fake tan is a quick and easy way to temporarily get rid of stretch marks and boost your confidence.

mamabella recommends: For a glowy, sun-kissed look try working a gradual tanning lotion into your daily routine such as St. Tropez Gradual Tan Lotion (£15).

It’s fast drying, non-sticky and provides a hint of bronze that slowly intensifies for a natural-looking finish.

It may not permanently change the appearance of stretch marks but glowing skin is always en vogue.

If you haven’t ventured into the realms of fake tan yet, our editor recently took the plunge for the first time and you can read her experience including what to do – and what to avoid – in our beginner’s guide to fake tan.

We’ve also explained the science of fake tan if that will put your mind at rest!

Buy now from Cult Beauty

Oils

Bio-Oil

For most people, oils are the first choice when it comes to looking to get rid of stretch marks. They’re usually full of vitamins and help get hydration into your skin quicker than most moisturisers.

The act of massaging the oil into the skin, and the fact it takes a little longer than creams, is also beneficial to improving the texture of your skin.

mamabella recommends: Try using a gentle all- over body oil such as Bio Oil (£9.99).

It’s fast absorbing and packed with Vitamins A and E to soften and moisturise skin, all of which can help temporarily reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

This is suitable to be used during pregnancy, teenage growth spurts and periods of rapid weight gain – or at any point in your life!

Massage the oil in a circular motion until its fully absorbed and for best results, apply twice daily for a minimum of three months.

In addition to stretch marks, hormonal changes in pregnancy can also affect the condition of your skin and leave it dry or sensitive when it wasn’t before.

This is one particular area where oils can be hugely beneficial beyond the cosmetic and the Natural Birthing Company sells an oil called Nourish & Relieve.

It’s safe enough to be used throughout pregnancy as well as during labour and the postnatal period and contains sweet almond, grapeseed, olive and wheatgerm oil plus glasswort extract, and cocoa and shea butter.

Buy now from Cult Beauty

Lasers

The most drastic way to get rid of stretch marks, not to mention expensive is through the use of lasers.

Laser therapy is an effective way to resurface the skin, however it does come with a hefty price tag – into the hundreds, or thousands – and does require multiple treatments to tackle the area. Having said this, the procedure itself is said to be fairly quick and painless.

The laser delivers pulses of energy into your skin, tricking your cells into thinking they are injured – you are numbed first, don’t worry.

This causes the body’s natural healing process to kick in, triggering your cells to release the chemicals that it needs to create new collagen in the area, all of which eventually improves the appearance of stretch marks.

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Annie Hopson

The post Stretch marks: What are stretch marks and can you actually get rid of them? appeared first on mamabella.