Nanoceuticals are the latest and most potent new anti-ageing treatments for skin, body and hair. They use nanoparticles – particles that are 100,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair – to deliver highly concentrated ingredients beneath the skin with greater affect.

The small size of these particles changes their qualities making them super-absorbable. So even though many of the ingredients are not necessarily new and already found in dietary supplements and creams such as Vitamin C Ester, Vitamin E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Acetyl L-Carnitine, Co Enzyme Q10, DMAE (dimethyaminoethanol) and Idebendone, a man-made substance which claims to be the most powerful anti-oxidant in existence – their effect on the skin is far more potent.

Their increased effectiveness means that many women are avoiding cosmetic surgery in their 40s and opting for preventative and restorative treatments. The success of these new creams is their ability to work at a cellular level, making them more efficient at preventing and repairing the damage caused by free radicals, the unstable molecules, that ravage cells and cause age-related damage through pollution, smoking, sunbathing, poor diet, alcohol and stress.

The secret of keeping your skin at its best whatever your age is two take a two-pronged approach by using these topical creams and lotions to prevent damage and combining this with a diet containing a high-level of antioxidents both from food and supplements.

Both L’Oreal and Estee Lauder have already launched high end mass market products that incorporate this technology. One of the most exciting products recently launched on the UK market is a new product for hair called Tanagra, which was developed in Brazil and reverses damage caused by age and misuse. It uses nanotechnology to impregnate the hair shaft with nanoparticles of keratin, which is lost from damaged or ageing hair. The keratin is “locked” into the hair shaft by a heat process. The end result is an amazing head of shiny hair, even for blondes, which lasts for several months.

These are some of the latest treatments to arrive on the market:

Leorex

This range of products contains a patented ingredient called Nano-Silica which lifts wrinkles by a non-chemical, purely physical process. After application there is both a short-term and long-term effect on lines. The nano-particles form on and below the skin, supporting the collagen and encouraging new collagen growth. The particles also scavenge the damaging free radicals in the skin and prevent new wrinkles from developing. There are a number of products in this range but the most potent is Leorex Hypallergenic Wrinkles Nano-Relief, which costs £75. The full starter kit costs £140. Available by mail order and selected salons 08700 117563 (from the UK)

Dr Denese Instant Wrinkle Press

Another top notch product from Dr Denese of New York which tightens wrinkles within minutes of application with a freezing affect. It also helps minimize dark undereye circles with “nanopeptides” and is applied under all other creams and over them throughout the day if necessary. It contains Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3 as well as Gamma Amino Butyric Acid which is the ‘exclusive inhibitor peptide factor’ Instant Wrinkle Press costs £44.95 for 15ml and is available from Dr Denese on 0870 1900 003 or online at www.drdenese.co.uk

Tanagra – for shiny, glossy hair repair

This one-hour treatment uses nanomolecular keratin particles so small that you could fit millions onto a pinhead.The keratin is misted into the hair shaft then the nanomolecules are locked into the hair with another mist. The result is beautiful, soft and silky hair with an incredible shine. Up to three treatments may be needed each one increasing the amount of keratin in the hair and top up treatments every few months are recommended. It works on all kinds of hair but the most dramatic results are seen in extremely damaged or porous hair.An added bonus is that colour treated hair stays more vibrant and takes colour better. Costs from £50 per treatment www.tanagra4hair.com

Dermaglow

The Dermaglow Pro-Peptide Instant Wrinkle Eraser is another product that freezes wrinkles instantly and last up to 24 hours. Within minutes a reassuring tightening sensation is accompanied by a 50-90% visible reduction in lines and wrinkles. Created by Canadian Pharmacist Calvin Davies this formulation contains Palmitoyl Oligopeptide which works to regenerate the skins upper layers by stimulating collagen. GABA prevents the nerve endings in the skin from causing lines and wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles. Hyaluronic Acid, the ingredient used in many anti aging injectables, fixes moisture on the skins surface, preserving suppleness, elasticity and tone without the needle. The active ingredients are delivered using nanospheres. Costs £75 0800 328 7612 www.dermaglow.co.uk

Valmont Anti Wrinkle Factor

Made in Switzerland this cream has a lovely smell and texture that the skin loves and becomes immediately radiant and soft on the first application. It is created by Valmont together with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and uses ingredients and delivery systems to plump wrinkles from the inside out. It is made in three “strengths” to combat wrinkles of different ages. Factor1 is preventative and for women in their 30s and costs £119 ; Factor 2 targets the start of sagging for women in their 40s and costs £133 and Factor 3 is aimed at the countering the effects of the menopause in the 50s and costs £147. Key ingredients include Triple DNA, RNA and rice and soy peptides. Available from the Valmont counter in Selfridges, Oxford Street, W1.

Gatineau with nanosphares and collaspheres

This new range is aimed at combination skin where some patches are dry, some oily or a bit of both. The cleanser cleans without stripping and moisturises without greasing, thanks to sebum regulating agents and self-adjusting moisturisers. But the big breakthrough, which is the very latest in enzyme technology, is Gatineau’s Self Regulating Complex of nanospheres and collaspheres. These are tiny molecules containing rebalancing and nourishing ingredients respectively, so ingredients like green tea extract to help reduce shine, while hyaluronic acid moisturises, and vitamins provide healing and have antioxidant powers. The Primrose Gel Make-Up Removercontains hyaluronic acid to recondition and moisturise dry areas. Costs £17 for 250m. The Nasturtium Toner is £17 for 250ml. The Day Emulsion – is an ‘intelligent’ day cream that adjusts itself according to the skin’s needs, is £36.25 for 50ml. The Night Cream has nourishing collaspheres, plus revitalising vitamins A, E and F, for longer-term hydration and is £42.50 for 50m. The Tonimasque Cream Mask is softening and moisturising. Blackheads and impurities are gently drawn out, the complexion is clarified and skin texture evened and toned and £22 for 75ml. Available at selected beauty salons nationwide, QVC The Shopping Channel, on-line at www.thebeautyroom.com and by mail order. For nearest stockist and mail order details, readers should call 0800 731 5805.

SACHY ‘HAPPY SKIN’

From Fake Bake the brand famed for their professional self-tanning products are two new anti-ageing products, a tinted and non-tinted moisturiser which work with peptides. SACHY which means ‘happy skin’ in Japanese, and uses a dual action formula works on the surface of the skin treating wrinkles, helps refine scars, improve stretch marks and treat sun damage. SACHY product can be used under make-up whilst the product with tint (which suits all skin tones) will offer coverage and deliver a smooth and velvety finish to the skin. SACHY can also be used on the arms and legs for a beautiful, vibrant finish. Sachy contains three natural botanical butters Shea, Cocoa and Mango which moisturise whilst it’s natural organic oils, almond and sesame oils nourish and tone. Sweet Almond protein helps firm skin. The blend also uses six powerful anti-oxidants which help kill free radicals that are damaging to the skin: Vitamins A, C, and E plus Phyllanthus Embilica Extract, daisy flower and the most powerful on the market, green tea. SACHY is available from Harvey Nichols £35 for the concentrated wrinkle cream and £75 for the larger tinted version. Call 0870 054 4455 or go to www.fakebake.co.uk

SkinGenuity Body Perfecting Formula

A nano solution for cellulite uses Ethosome particles to deliver the fat busters to target cellulite. In clinical trials this cream visibly reduced the appearance of cellulite by up to 80% within 56 days. The active ingredients includes: Bupleurum chinensis extract to stimulate fat metabolism and remove cellular waste and toxins; Caffeine to stimulate fat metabolism and help reduce skin puffiness; Coenzyme A to activate the breakdown of fatty acids; Grapefruit extract an antioxidant rich in AHAs to promote rapid cell turnover and smoothe the skin; Gingko Biloba extract to stimulate lymphatic drainage, which improves the removal of impuritiesThe non-greasy, cooling gel sinks into the skin immediately without having to massage it in and allows you to get dressed straight away. Costs £89.50 (200ml) is available from by mail order online at www.physonics.com or on 0870 067 3396.