Dr Nick Lowe is not only the leading dermatologist in the UK but he's also responsible for re-sculpting the faces of many celebrities. He was also the first dermatologist to ever use Botox in Great Britain.
He knows everything there is to know about looking after your skin and even has a great range of skincare products that the beauty world can't stop raving about. We had breakfast with him and picked his brain on the secrets to beautiful skin.
Q: How effective is microdermabrasion and can you achieve the same results as a microdermabrasion facial using products at home?
A: Microdermabrasion products are becoming increasing popular and do well, really well, but the secret is not to overuse them. A lot is not better than a little. My Cell Renew Dermabrasion Peel product is great, but you should only use it once or twice a week because it takes a few days for skin cells to reform. Your Surface skin cells are important because they form a barrier and so you shouldn't damage it. Go gently with your product and then make sure you use an effective non-acne forming moisturiser afterwards.
Microdermabrasion can be very effective and is especially good for acne, discolouration and pigmentation.
Q: If you have oily skin, should you avoid using skincare products altogether and stick to just cleanising to keep your pores unblocked?
A: Oily skin is a natural response to circulating hormones called androgens which can produce acne and sebum. Over production of sebum can cause blackheads, whiteheads and inflammation so it's important to use light cleansing methods such as a foaming cleanser.
Even if your skin is oily, exfoliation won't help reduce the surface oil, but it will get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. You need to treat the cause of the excess oil with low dose antibiotics, roaccutane or the contraceptive pill Yasmin which reduces androgen activity. You must also moisturise but use an oil control moisturiser and a night recovery cream. 
Q: Do you have any advice for adult or hormonal acne?
A: I'm seeing more and more patients with adult acne and i think this is largely due to stress. Stess stimulates an increase in the production of cortisones to cope with the stress but it also triggers increased androgen activity which causes acne.
Again, you need to treat the cause of the problem but there are lots of over the counter products that can help as well as low dose antibiotics a smentioned before. You can also see a dermatologist who can treat you with a variety of steam extractions, light therapies and peels.
Q: What skincare precautions should you use during a skiing holiday?
A: You get exposed to more sunlight than you realise on a skiing holiday because you generally take a skiing holiday during the winter. The higher the altitude, the higher the UVA rays. You are also exposed to the sun reflecting off the snow which can also cause sun damage so you should cover up. I'd recommend a silk face mask during the day as well as a waterproof day protection cream that you reapply throughout the day.
It's also pretty windy and dry in higher altitudes so you must moisturise a lot and use a body wash that won't dry your skin out.
Q: Do you have any tips for caring for dry skin?
A: Avoid soap and detergents as they dry out your skin. Also avoid hot baths as the hot water dissolves the protective layer of your skin. Use a gentle cleanser that isn't too harsh and a good moisturiser like my Secret Is Out Day Cream, my NIght Recovery Cream and the Eye Serum. 
Q: At what age should you start using anti-ageing products
A: Start early. I'd say that you should start using gentle anti-ageing products at the age of 18-20 onwards, especially if you have been exposed to the sun from an early age. Generally though, people start using anti-ageing products when they reach 30.
Q: What's your take on parabens?
A: There are some risks which have been widely documented and I would recommend them for use in products that treat your whole body because of the risks of absorption but when it comes to face creams and hand creams, they are the best preservatives we have. We use preservatives in products to stop infection and to stabilise the active ingredients .
Q: What's the most exciting development in skincare technology in the last ten years?
A: The increase in the sophistication of ingredients and how you can combine numerous active ingredients such as antioxidants and botanicals to produce a great product. Also, there have been more sunscreen ingredients over the last ten years such as Triazine and Triazone which are particularly effective.
The evolution of modern fillers such as Botox in the last ten years have also been very exciting as well as lasers.
We can also look forward to even more in the future such as more treatments for wrinkles and pigmentation with new lasers, new technology and even new fillers that will be able to increase collagen production.
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