The beauty industry has taken notice of us at last! Older women should rejoice that there are now skincare ranges specially formulated for older skin. Our Beauty Editor Jane Garner asks the beauty experts how to keep it looking good. 

Fifty-six-year-old make-up artist Teresa Fairminer is frank: "Being of a certain age myself, I realise how difficult it is for older women when they walk into a shop and are bombarded with all the glitzy cosmetic brands. I advise older women to try to get advice from someone as close to your own age group as possible." Teresa has worked with many top models and well-known names, including HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, Cherie Blair and Amanda Burton.

"Believe me, a 20-year-old is not on your wavelength, however well she's been trained. You have to grow your own laughter lines first to know exactly what suits the more experienced face."

Teresa is cheerfully accepting of her own skin: "As I get older it definitely doesn't pay me to look in the mirror for too long, but being critical of yourself is a waste of time. If you feel you look awful, put blusher on and paint your lips: it keeps everyone's eyes on your smile not your wrinkles.

Teresa is also a firm believer in pampering your face with potions and lotions to accelerate the feel good factor. "A happy face always looks younger," she says.  "Fresh air, a good sleep pattern, exercise and correct eating all work wonders. Facial exercises are brilliant for keeping the muscles toned. Night time treatments are best and drinking water is boringly obvious but it works."

Prevention is better than cure and this is true with skin care. Teresa urges women always to wear sun block on their face and hands "and wear a hat!"

Right products for you

Older women should get expert advice on caring for their skin and finding the right products, according to Clarins skincare specialist Beverley England.

"The key to tackling wrinkles and sagging skin is to try to prevent them. Protect your skin from sun and pollution because you can't reverse Mother Nature. Products that stimulate natural collagen and elastin levels will keep your skin strong and help prevent more wrinkles and sags.
 
"All ages of skin need to be protected from the damaging effects of the elements, so all Clarins day creams contain Anti Pollution Complex which helps protect the skin.

"During and after the menopause, skin becomes more fragile due to hormonal changes linked to ageing. Clarins has a Super Restorative range, which specifically boosts vital cellular functions to keep the skin smooth, firm and strong. If you get middle age acne, this is caused by hormones rather than skin care, so a doctor might prescribe the best treatment."

Asked to outline the best daily routine for older skin, Beverley stresses that this depends on the person and their skin, but generally it's still cleanse, tone, moisturise. "I would also suggest exfoliating once or twice a week, which ensures skin looks fresh and glowing. Introduce additional products if needed to solve specific concerns. And for special occasions Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is great because it adds radiance, gently tightens and is a great primer for make-up."

And if you're at a loss as to what to believe amid all the hype, she concludes: "Cosmetic companies are not allowed to make unfounded claims so a product will do what it claims. However, it is more important whether the product is going to work for you, which is why I recommend consulting a specialist who can explain what it will do. Often customers have an unrealistic perception of what a product is actually going to do for them."

Did you know? 

• Sunglasses don't just protect eyes, they help prevent wrinkles caused by squinting.
• Men give their face a workout every time they shave - try a few 'shaving positions' while you put on your moisturiser?
• Repeated facial expressions create permanent lines on your face - so no scowling!
• Keep your weight healthy and steady - gain then loss of 15lbs or more will contribute to wrinkles and sagging skin.
• Smokers are likely to have five times as many wrinkles as non-smokers.
• Older skin loses moisture faster, so be prepared to top it up.
• Remember what your mother told you - head up, shoulders back, stand tall... you'll automatically look better and smooth wrinkles.

Teresa's favourites

• Face: Guerlain Issima Midnight Secret £53.00 or No 7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum £16.75 (flies off the shelves since the Horizon programme announced it really works!)
• Blemishes/broken veins: Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream £16.00
• Acne/spots: Witch hazel mixed with a little rose water
• Special occasion: Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Serum £95.00 or Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules £55.00 for 60.
• Brighten dull skin: Ariane Poole's tinted moisturiser with SPF15 £20 (www.arianepoole.co.uk) or Cosmetics a la Carte Rose Dew £22.00 (www.cosmeticsalacarte.com)
• Body Shop's new range is "not about turning back the clock, or promising some magical elixir of youth. But an honest acknowledgement that as we age our skin becomes finer, drier and more delicate, and has different needs." Visit its website www.wise-woman.net
  

Night-time care

• If it's old, dry, separated or smells odd, bin it.
• Bought a moisturiser that doesn't suit your face? Use it as hand cream.

Little and often