Queen Camilla and Princess Kate’s facialist has given one golden rule when it comes to looking younger.
And Deborah Mitchell, who started her beauty business at age 17, has confirmed that some of the best anti-ageing tips are ones which cost very little or nothing at all.
After several decades in the beauty business Mitchell knows what works. She set up her skincare brand Heaven using her own customised ingredients and her bee venom masks have sold out several times.
They have been a royal favourite for a few years and in December Heaven was one of 400 UK companies awarded a Royal Warrant by Queen Camilla
Mitchell has launched a collagen drink which has helped clients suffering from thinning hair and weak nails.
The Daily Express asked her what simple tricks and tips readers can incorporate into their everyday routine.
Vitamin C for bright eyes and glowing skin
One of the first places to show signs of ageing is the eyes explains Mitchell.
She said: “Drinking enough water and making sure you eat your greens is one way of keeping eyes from looking crepey.”
A good night’s sleep can help, but Mitchell tells all her clients to make sure they are getting enough vitamin C.
Vitamin C is great for boosting the immune system but it is involved in the production of collagen. Collagen is the main protein in skin, bones and connective tissue, and production of it can slow down as we get older.
She said: “When my clients are getting enough vitamin C they also say they love the way their eyes shine and look dewy. Even the colour of their eyes is more vivid, blue eyes look more blue and hazel eyes can look brighter.”
Mitchell says clients who combine a vitamin c supppment with a collagen supplement (Mitchell has just launched her own version) are getting a double dose of collagen-making magic.
She said: “Clients whose eyes often water benefit from extra vitamin C as dry eyes can be helped by vitamin supplements.”
Wearing (less) makeup
Makeup does not necessarily suit older skins and it can make complexions look more lined, says Mitchell.
But if going cold turkey is not an option then Mitchell urges clients to make their own foundation.
She said: “Mix small amounts of foundation with a moisturiser. This won’t sit in lines and it can give your make up a more finished look.”
Mitchell adds that some clients cannot use makeup for other reasons.
She said: “Some people can build up an intolerance to ingredients in makeup. However good quality pigments don’t cause allergies as much.”
“I advise my clients to give skin a makeup break, such no makeup Sundays.
“The microbial build-up can actually cause allergies to makeup use, so if you super or double cleanse, that really is worth its weight in gold.”
Moisturiser and SPF
It goes without saying that wearing sunscreen is a must.
She said: “Choosing a moisturiser that naturally heals such as the bee venom mask/moisturiser a great option too, of course.
“We have developed an anti-ageing moisturiser which uses bio-identical ingredients, but if you can find a moisturiser that suits your skin’s needs, go for something with good quality ingredients. Always try and use a night cream as your skin can then feel the full benefit of it while you are resting.”
Keeping a younger state of mind
Looking younger is a state of mind.
“Think young and you can be young,” Mitchell said.
Being younger is also about making an effort and investing in yourself, says Mitchell.
She said: “You can get to a certain age and think ‘that’s the best you can do’. Well that’s simply not true and skin needs attention the same as a good pair of shoes.”
She added: “Get the right polish and you can sparkle.”
Deborah’s stay young tips
Have an easy but frequent skincare routine – this will make you feel so much better as each day your skin thanks you for it
If you struggle with mornings have a nighttime regime that you can do just before you go to bed. A good body cream or oil which you can apply to your legs, neck and arms and a good quality night cream.
Be active. Find an exercise you enjoy, even if it’s walking with your dogs. This will not only help oxygenate your body it will help you sleep well too. Exercise is an investment in yourself.
Eat food that loves you back and make sure you drink enough water and top up your vitamins.
Be happy and act young.
She said: “Having a postive mindset is the greatest gift you can give to yourself.”
