Don’t try this at home: taping to make the face look younger began years ago, but approved products are preferable to packing tape!

I remember reading about this when I was a Hollywood-obsessed teenager. Thinking prevention is better than cure, I gave it a go with brown packing tape.

I soon discovered my 14-year-old face had no loose skin to pull back, so I put a strip across my forehead instead. After looking in the mirror and laughing heartily, I noticed that when my forehead moved, the tape crinkled and I heard it.

Inspired, I thought: what if Marlene’s anti-ageing trick could be applied as long-term prevention rather than a short-term fix? If I stopped frowning when I heard the crinkle – kind of like Pavlov’s dog meets Jennifer Lawrence – then could I train myself not to frown and prevent any lines before they started?

In a personal experiment I don’t recommend aesthetically or socially, I started taping my forehead with anything that stuck to my skin and could be hidden under my hair – sellotape, masking tape, plasters. I didn’t tell anyone what I was doing, but those friends who spotted my “Marlene strips” thought that I was trying to hide spots, it was hilarious and I was off my rocker.

Undeterred, every week at home, I would substitute the tape with mud packs. By their nature, these prevented my face from moving, and I washed them off when they were dry, and my adolescent skin was cleansed (of adhesive) in the process.

It was a cheap form of non-invasive, preventative Botox before Botox was available. Careful removal was the only caveat to ensure no pain, unstretched skin – and a full set of eyebrows.

Eventually time and opportunities to continue my face taping experiment faded. But I think some “face training” habits stuck – and for over 20 years, I would argue that I had fewer forehead lines than my peers. Nowadays, preventative Botox is widely used with the same long-term aim.

Facial awareness: practise relaxing face muscles to reduce tension (and diminish unflattering lines)

I thought my “Marlene strips” were unique (and my fortune was made), but some beauty houses have developed products that are dermatologically friendlier and considerably less visible than masking tape – and one has been around for over a century.

Frownies came out in 1889 and have remained relatively unchanged. The variety of sticky patches supposedly “re-train” the facial muscles over time when applied to the face at night. Furlesse patches work in a similar way but are latex-free and more transparent; and there are a host of other brands.

Theoretically, the lines which can form from sleeping on your side every night can be prevented, and even reduced, by taping the patches onto that area. The tape keeps the skin smooth, preventing further repetitive motions. But in practice, the wrinkles will reform after removing the tape, casting doubt on the manufacturers’ claims the patches will make a difference over time. I have ordered some patches and will let you know how I get on.

Of course, there are proven methods for reducing and eliminating wrinkles such as Botox, dermal fillers and laser resurfacing, or temporary props for special events like Mark Traynor’s miracle face and neck lift.

But regardless of whichever treatment the age-conscious favour, I would make the following observation.

Become face aware. Stop and think about the expressions you are constantly pulling. I find that watching myself talk in front of a mirror, on video chats and on film has made me realise just how expressive I am – which doesn’t always flatter or offset marionette lines.

I still try to relax my face and scalp as often as possible. I recall those restless days in my poster-filled bedroom, trying to resume a mask of tranquility whenever I heard the infamous tape crinkle. As relaxation methods go, trying to make oneself expressionless is perhaps unorthodox but surprisingly effective. Give it a try. Your future complexion (and blood pressure) might one day look back and thank you.

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Male pattern: 40% of men start noticing hair loss by the age of 35

Recently I noticed there seemed to be an increasing number of commercials advertising ways to combat hair loss for both men and women. Regaine products, The Belgravia Centre and The Advanced Hair Studio are three that spring to mind.

So I began to research the issue – and realised why they had apparently increased: almost two-thirds of the population may suffer some sort of hair loss during their lifetime.

According to the Belgravia Centre’s website, 40% of men have noticeable hair loss by age 35, 65% by age 60, and 80% by age 80. It also affects roughly 50% of women.

Causes include genetics, illness, medication, stress, poor nutrition, hormonal imbalances and various other triggers, some unknown. The effects can be devastating to an individual’s confidence, with 60% of sufferers saying they would rather have more hair than money or friends.

On a positive note, various treatments are available, including the products Propecia and Minoxidil, which are clinically proven and medically approved.

Minoxidil is the main active ingredient in Regaine. Their website explains that this reinvigorates shrunken hair follicles so they increase in size and regrow thicker hair over time. It works by helping the blood flow to the hair follicles and increasing follicular size and hair shaft diameter, stimulating and prolonging hair growth.

While I was reading this, I remembered my friend James telling me about Minoxidil. He is very open about his “magic hair pills” and how effective he has found them in treating his hair loss, and how it has boosted his self-confidence.

So, without wishing to promote any particular product or to encourage people to disregard any potential side effects, here is James’ story, in his own words.

“I could feel my hair thinning around the age of 25 and, as I’d always had a fairly dramatic mop, it was pretty obvious. In true male style, I stubbornly pretended not to notice even though it was clearly getting worse.

Follicle challenge: James’ crown after eight years’ ongoing treatment to reverse and ward off hair loss

My mother, who normally is very complimentary, whatever state I may be in, started dropping hints. When she said: ‘Have you thought about a transplant, dear?’ I realised I probably shouldn’t ignore it any more. I didn’t want to have surgery, so I looked for medication.

There’s loads of information online, so it was easy to find out. Around 2008, I started taking a daily combination of 1mg of Propecia pills and Minoxidil topical 5% lotion. Propecia is the brand name for Finasteride and Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Regaine and Rogaine, just considerably cheaper.

You may need a prescription for Propecia, depending on where you are in the world, but Minoxidil is easily found on the Internet and can be bought cheaply in bulk. Propecia used to be around £25 a month, Minoxidil around £60 for a year’s supply.

Results were quick. Within around six weeks my hair had thickened up, and I haven’t lost any more in eight years!

There are a few warnings about side effects but I never experienced any negative symptoms. The only problem is the Minoxidil can leave your scalp itchy and greasy.

I have stopped the Propecia, without noticeable difference, but I have no reason to think I’ll stop taking the Minoxidil. It takes very little time to apply and it’s cheap. I shall keep going as long as it works!

It’s been great for my confidence. My Dad has been almost totally bald since I’ve known him so, genetically, I’d be doomed without it! It’s simple, effective and cheap. Why lose your hair if you don’t have to?”

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Threading costs little more than cotton reels – and no needles involved

One of my favourite websites is NHS Choices, the official site of the National Health Service. Few sites tell it like it is with such unashamed clarity. Medical terms are explained succinctly and plainly, without emotion or agenda. And it was my first point of reference when researching epilating, or hair removal.

Many women remove hair from their legs, bikini line, armpits and eyebrows, but “hirsutism” is excessive hair growth. It is caused by an excess of male sex hormones called androgens, or an increased sensitivity to them. This is mostly caused by polycystic ovaries though 10% of cases have no obvious causes.

This excess hair is usually thick and dark, and may affect around one in every 10 pre-menopausal women. After the menopause, hormonal changes mean up to 75% may have more facial hair. And hair on the upper lip can often look like the fine lines acquired through age or years of smoking, further adding to the effect of a premature dotage.

Excess hair may also grow on the chest, stomach, thighs, and around the genitals. It can also be associated with oily skin, acne, alopecia, a receding hairline, an enlarged clitoris and a deepening of the voice. Unsurprisingly, left untreated, all this can cause depression, embarrassment and lack of self-confidence.

There is no cure, though some women take the contraceptive pill to control it. And there are a number of hair-removal methods that may help, such as shaving, plucking, waxing, bleaching, removal creams and threading.

While all of them work, there are also drawbacks. Shaving can make a woman feel about as feminine as a dock worker, and can encourage the resprouting of bristles. The same goes for plucking, which can also stretch the skin.

Thread bare: the ancient technique can remove hair from brow to chin

Waxing means enduring unsightly regrowth until it reaches a treatable length, and bleaching facial hair can render some women just a horned helmet and blond plaits short of a Viking. Then there are the ingrown hairs, which can occur after all these treatments. And removal creams can be harsh for some skin types. So, on balance, I would opt for threading.

With its origins obscured in history, this ancient practice allegedly started over 6,000 years ago in India and spread throughout Asia, the Middle East, and then Europe. It is used to shape eyebrows, as well as removing all types of facial hair.

In threading, a thin cotton or polyester thread is rolled over areas of unwanted hair, plucking lines of it out at the follicle level. It is initially slightly painful and can make your eyes water, but this quickly subsides.

Like waxing, regrowth is often finer, though threading is more precise and seems gentler on the skin. It is usually cheaper too, and treatments take only a few minutes.

So, next time you walk past your local beauty shop window and catch sight of a slightly fluffy reflection, consider nipping in for just a few pounds and five minutes with the lady and the black chair. It’s worth a tear and a few minutes’ redness to take five years off your face – and put the confidence back in your step.

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For me, the scene in the sit-com Frasier between English physical therapist Daphne Moon and retired cop Martin Crane sums up America’s attitude towards Britain’s teeth:

Daphne: Bloody hell! Five days after Christmas is over and I’m still getting these cards! They do it on purpose, you know. It’s always from someone you forgot, and then it’s too late to send one back, then they sneer at you for the rest of the year! [reads card] “Peace and Goodwill,” my ass! You just lost yourself a customer, Dr. Naran S. Gupta, DDS!
Martin: [sarcastic] Losing a set of English teeth, he’ll feel that!

Indeed. If you’re British and have naturally fabulous teeth, either through genetics or a visionary orthodontist, then I salute you.

Speaking as someone who has had to work long and hard for it, I think the Americans are spot on when they say your smile says everything about you: your health, mental and emotional states, and investment priorities. It’s not just horses that are judged on their teeth.

Having a great smile is a huge boost to your confidence, career and relationship prospects, and is a thing of beauty. People often considered handsome in later life have great bone structures: brows, cheekbones, nose, jawline – and teeth. Think Cary Grant and George Clooney.

It’s an asset anybody can have at any age, and I would recommend everyone to take pride in his or her smile from childhood, particularly as dental care in the UK is then free.

There is alas no substitute for brushing 2-3 times each day and flossing daily – and being English that last part even makes me laugh. It is still the best way to ensure the acidic ravages of food, drink, nicotine and stress don’t burn and stain their way through your enamel, teeing you up for astronomical dental bills and premature ageing. And this is often worsened by people scrubbing at their teeth like a suede brush on a winter boot.

To this end, my dentist – the maestro Mervyn Druian – recommended I use Ultradex toothpaste, which contains no sulphates or harsh abrasives. It claims it is clinically proven to protect your teeth and gums, and eliminate bad breath, but also to restore the natural whiteness of your teeth within 14 days.

And I have to say that a blob of the non-foaming mint flavoured paste does what it says, without the burning feeling that regular toothpaste seems to give me. I also feel like my teeth have been cleaned rather than brushed. While using an electric toothbrush means no paste is wasted down the sink and a tube can last for several months.

So go low-abrasion. And maybe take a year or two off your smile.

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That reminded me of a story a friend once told me about her own father, who’d never seen her mother without her false eyelashes on – in over twenty years of marriage. Amazing. And a feat of considerable ingenuity.

To create the illusion of 24-hour beauty, women not only wear make-up at night but also lie to their partners and tell them they have removed it. The fact they wake up in the morning and their pillow case looks like the Turin Shroud might be a bit of a give away.

Dermatologists also warn about the ageing and germ-fuelled effects. Skin renews itself at night, and lingering layers of foundation (along with the day’s oil and pollution) prevent this. Collagen starts to break down, resulting in wrinkles, and clogged pores hold onto bacteria, producing spots, blackheads and dull, dry skin.

What’s more, sleeping in mascara can cause styes, conjunctivitis, and eyelashes to become brittle and break off easily. And a night of passion also means both of you get up looking like victims from CSI. With latent acne. Nothing says “I love you” more than giving your partner a skin complaint.

So, as much as I’m a fan of my war paint and its effect – and great nights out – I’ve found that the short-term gain is not worth the long-term pain. And all that extra washing of bed linen? Ooh, no thanks.

On the contrary, my night time regime usually starts with a relaxing hot shower and a thorough removal of my make-up with a quick squirt of face wash and a Mia brush – the waterproof and rechargeable face cleaner that seems to do everything it says it should.

First, the blurb. The Mia is the smallest product in Clarisonic’s skin cleansing system (and available in a number of colours, for the accessory conscious). The one-button, one-speed brush uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth the skin.

It’s claimed this gentle 60-second action removes more make-up, dirt and oil than manual cleansing, and helps prepare for a better skin care regime.

Moreover, it’s also supposed to leave the skin feeling smoother and healthier, tighten the appearance of visible pores, and help improve the appearance of skin tone and texture. It can also be used up to twice a day, for one minute each time.

All I can add is “yes” to all that. I emerge from the shower feeling fresher and cleaner than a mountain spring, with a complexion like a ripe peach – in just one minute! Who needs make-up?

Let nature work her healing magic overnight and your brand new mask will look even better in the morning.

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A few months ago, I was at a birthday party, where everyone was looking very glamorous and all set for a great night out. Then, looking back on the photos, I realised something: all the girls had hair extensions or clip-on tresses.

They were all in their thirties, and the general consensus was it’s difficult to grow your hair long, or to have thick and healthy-looking locks. My own hair is now almost waist-length, so I began to analyse why I had been so lucky.

Our hair changes as we get older. As well as turning grey, it becomes more brittle and fragile. Scientists also say hair gets thinner, due to a decrease in the number of active hair follicles and a narrowing of the diameter of each hair.

Other factors also play their part, such as genetics, health, hormones, stress, environment and nutrition, plus smoking, drinking and lack of sleep, as well as heat and chemical treatments. Our hair is a barometer for everything that we do!

Some things can’t be changed: genetics are a given, and few of us are able or willing to retire to a croft. But we can influence almost everything else and boost what we have. A quick look at my diet revealed that I regularly eat foods that help fortify the follicles and scalp.

These include: salmon, nuts especially walnuts, wholegrain bread, spinach, broccoli, carrots, Greek yoghurt, blueberries, eggs, lentils, chicken and tomatoes. I also take a selenium supplement. But why are they all so beneficial?

According to nutritionists, these are among the foods that are key to strong hair as they contain the following essentials: protein, vitamins A, B5, biotin, folic acid, C, D and E, plus omega-3 fatty acids, and the minerals iron, copper, selenium, sulphur and zinc.

An omelette for your barnet: Eggs contain protein, zinc, selenium, sulphur – and iron, which may help prevent hair loss

Vitamin B5 is pantothenic acid, which is seen in plenty of hair care products (and probably explains the brand name “Pantene”). While other internal factors also help, such as getting plenty of water and sleep, and cutting back on alcohol.

Due to being regularly coloured and heat styled, my hair isn’t super shiny. But it is pretty thick, strong and long, and a few external tricks that I have learned seem to help maintain this.

I wash my hair every other day with a shampoo that removes product build-up, such as Pantene’s Ice Shine, and then use Umberto Giannini’s Indulgent Beauty Moisture Mask as a conditioner. I also always use a serum, such as John Frieda’s classic Frizz Ease, which I run through my hair when it’s still damp.

These products help to protect against the effects of the environment, colouring, styling and hair lacquer. I also let my hair dry naturally as often as possible.

After I’ve washed, conditioned and applied serum – and always at night – I put my hair into two plaits. This encourages the follicles to lie flat while I’m asleep, prevents split ends and seems to help it grow.

The plaits are soft, not tightly braided, with a couple of inches left unplaited at the ends. This prevents the hair being stretched when its wet and pulling on the roots, which can eventually make it break off or go thin.

The result is a soft wave that can either be left or easily restyled. Plaits might not be everyone’s ideal night time look but, like retainers, the results are worth it!

Finally, I have my hair trimmed every three months, otherwise the split end fairy will always find me and more will have to be cut off the next time. No arguments, if I want longer and stronger hair.

Now, where did I put those walnuts…?

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