More anti-ageing body products on test

Elemis Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream

£29, www.timetospa.co.uk

I was keen to test out an anti ageing hand cream as I've always considered hands to be a real give away when it comes to guessing someone's age. So any product that promises to reduce age spots, smooth and hydrate my hands as well as strengthening my nails and cuticles, which this cream does, is something I'm willing to try.

Did it work?

I've been using the product for three weeks now morning and night, and I am so impressed! Unlike other hand creams I've tried, the Elemis cream is light and non-greasy and the initially strong smell disappears as quickly as the silky smooth cream is absorbed. Included with the product was a handy leaflet giving you directions as to how to massage the product into your hands, smoothing out towards the wrist and finishing by pressing your thumb into your palm. I don't think my hands have ever felt as smooth, and the effects last all day.

The thing that I have been most impressed with is how much this product has improved my cuticles which are usually prone to splitting and dryness, but are now as smooth as the rest of my hands.

Would I buy it again?

Would I buy it? Definitely, I haven't found another hand cream that targets the problem of ageing skin as well strengthening your nails, and given that you only need a small amount the bottle will last a long time.

Julie, 9/10  

Medik8 Red Alert

£33, www.medik8.co.uk

I had read about this product recently as I have started to notice the appearance of a small patch of red thread veins on one of my legs, oh the joys of getting older! Medik8 Red Alert is the leading product targeting this problem along with skin redness, rosacea and bruises. And its vitamin K content and non-invasive solutions appeal to me a lot more than the prospect of laser removal.

What does it do?

The product is not a luxury beauty buy and before starting to test it out a good read of the instructions is important; the cream should not be used by anyone taking blood thinning medicines as it increases blood flow. Despite its medical claims the cream did not have any clinical smell, the texture was silky smooth to the touch and was easily absorbed into my legs. Should you need to apply the product to your face, the cream can be used under makeup, sunscreen and any other products that form part of your beauty routine - another bonus!

Did it work?

So are my thread veins fading? After only three weeks of using the product twice a day, I can see a small change. They definitely appear lighter and the cream should be used for 8-12 weeks to see clear results, but so far I am impressed and will continue using the cream and see what happens.

Julie, 6/10

Champneys Collagen Plus restructuring neck & bust cream

£15, www.champneys.com

The idea that creams can somehow help to tighten and treat the crepey skin around your cleavage has always seemed a little far fetched to me, so it was with a hopeful yet realistic point of view that I started testing out this neck and bust cream.

What does it do?

Designed to stimulate the production of collagen in the skin to firm up this notoriously difficult area, Champneys cream uses Collaxyl teamed with the hydrating properties of Algisium C and anti-oxidant rich vitamin E. As directed I used light strokes starting from my bust upwards to my neck when applying the cream, and did this in the morning and just before bed.

Does it work?

The surprising result is that the cream has worked and I enjoyed using it. The cream has a light texture that was absorbed into the skin quickly and did not feel greasy. Now the skin on my chest feels smooth and appears less lined after using for just a week. Continual use for three weeks has seen the appearance of my neck and cleavage further improved, I just wish the pot was a little bigger but at this price I can treat myself without feeling guilty.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! The price is fantastic which is just as well because with results like this you will want to buy tubs of the stuff.

Patricia, 8/10

Espa Concept Deeply Nourishing Body Cream

£42, www.espaonline.com

It makes sense to me that the attention we lavish on our complexions ought to be extended to the rest of our bodies. Anti ageing skincare is such a huge market and only now are we really starting to invest in products that help improve the condition of our skin all over our bodies. With that in mind I entered into a three week test of luxury spa brand Espa's body cream, determined to test its claims of improved skin elasticity and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.

The packaging alone is a thing of beauty, the marble effect lid brings a little of the spa experience into your bathroom and then when you feel the rich, luxurious texture of the cream you really do feel like you are pampering yourself. I used the cream daily on my legs, arms, neck and chest loving the sweet smell and how quickly such a rich cream was absorbed into the skin.

Does it work?

After a week my skin felt super smooth and after three weeks the lines around my neck and chest in particular have reduced significantly. I am so impressed with the product that I'm thinking about treating myself to an Espa spa treatment to celebrate!

Mary, 9/10

Decleor Excellence de L'age Sublime regenerating cream with essential oils and phyto-age complex
£86, www.beautyexpert.co.uk

This cream has been created specifically for the face and neck but I decided to use it down into the décolleté area and although I didn't see any drastic improvements over the two week period I shall definitely be continuing to use it! Although a little thick in texture it has a lovely delicate fragrance and is easily absorbed. My skin was left feeling soft and nourished (the skin on my face can often feel slightly dry especially in the mornings). The cream combines a cocktail of four firming Essential oils which target wrinkles, dryness, pigmentation and loss of firmness. Although my deeper wrinkles didn't really show much in the way of improvement my skin did feel plumper, firmer and I am convinced that some of the tinier wrinkles are far less noticeable. Remarkably it does also look brighter and healthier.

Debbie, 8/10 

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