A straw poll of the first question put to beauty editors almost always turns up some kind of inquiry into whether anti-ageing creams actually work. So here’s the truth: it is unlikely that any cream is going to revert you to the fresh-faced beauty of your sixteen year old self, but skincare technology these days is highly sophisticated and there is an ever increasingly number of creams that make a profound visible and tactile improvement to the skin. Among this year’s launches there are serums that matched up to the brightening effects of 4% hydroquinone in tests (yet without the side effects of the banned skin-whitening drug) and a cream that is almost as adept at retexturing the skin as Fraxel laser treatments (the slightly inferior results are acceptable given the aggressive nature and risks involved with the cosmoceutical lasering process).

Here at Emma Hardie HQ, the latest cream in our arsenal of youth elixirs is no exception. The new Rejuvenating Night Cream (£56) has been showed to boost the skin’s ability to produce collagen by a whopping 200%, meaning that using it will definitely result in more plumped, cushioned skin. There couldn’t be a better time for this extra boost than autumn either. “Our bodies change in autumn,” says Emma. “They begin to slow down before a period of winter hibernation so all our organs, including the skin, need extra help at this time. It is also around now that we need more nourishment and quenching as the summer sun has depleted our skin and central heating threatens to compound the problem.”

Boasting a host of skin perfectors such as pumpkin enzyme to gently left away dead skin cells that cause a dulling down effect and a herbal complex that calms redness, the Night Cream is a born multi-tasker but it owes its anti-ageing abilities to its high-tech delivery system. Often, even if a product is brimming in excellent ingredients, it can fall down if it doesn’t encapsulate them in a way that makes them bio-available to the skin cells. “We have included some excellent collagen-boosting peptides in the formula but what is even more crucial is the inclusion of platinum, which acts like a spaceship to transport the peptides into the dermis,” explains Emma. Applying it overnight multiplies the benefits further. “At night when we’re asleep the brain frequencies changes,” says Emma. “The brain signals to the cells to regenerate so it is the perfect time to apply a good healing product to the skin. As the connective tissue and muscle are relaxed at night and the natural cell function isn’t being disturbed by make-up or facial expressions, creams penetrate better.”

This is what beauty sleep truly means.

Skin clinic
I have come back from my holiday and, instead of a nice even summer glow, am covered in grubby-looking brown patches. Help!
It sounds like you are suffering from hyperpigmentation induced by excessive exposure to UV light. Sometimes the underlying cause is hormonal and sunlight simply makes it show up but, whatever the root problem, the topical treatment remains the same. “The important thing is to encourage the damaged skin cells from deep in the dermis to move more quickly up to the surface of the skin so they can be sloughed away,” says Emma. “The sooner this happens, the sooner the fresh, clean skin cells will be visible and your skin will look brighter.” Your first step of action is to increase exfoliation; cleansing with the Moringa Seed Cleansing Balm and microfibre cloth is a perfect start. “Apply a pea-sized amount of the balm to damp skin and then, supporting the skin with one hand, sweep the microfibre side of the cloth across the skin in straight lines.”

What we’re loving...
Neal's Yard Remedies eco-friendly make-up range. As the first entire range approved by the Soil Association, the eye liners, shadows and lip glosses are packed with nourishing organics and derive their flattering hues from natural mineral pigments (from £9; www.nealsyardremedies.com). Cire

Trudon Perfumed Stink Bombs (£29 for 10 vials; www.united-perfumes.com). The most innovative way to scent your home, simply smash one of the glass vials on the ground and breathe in an intense burst of fragrance.

Sweater jackets - the ideal transitional fashion item, there is nothing more apt than one of these sturdy buttoned cardigans for a brisk autumnal amble in the countryside. Check out Gap’s version.

Seasonal Product Focus
You guessed it - the new Amazing Face Rejuvenating Night Cream (£56) is what our skin is hankering after as the nights draw in and we focus on comforting and cosseting ourselves through our food, clothing and skincare choices.

Latest news update
We can’t get enough of the Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm so it is heartening to hear that Cosmo girls can’t either - our multi-tasking cleanser recently scooped a covetable Cosmopolitan Beauty Award. We’re also thrilled at the response from Emma’s appearance on 10 Years Younger: there’s now a waiting list for her lifting facials so if you want to garner some tips you can always watch the clip on Youtube (type in ‘10 Years Younger, season 6, episode 10’).