Do YOU know the top 10 anti-ageing rules?
EATING tumeric and using sunscreen with Infrared-A Protection are amongst experts’ top tips to keep that youthful glow.
Dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall of Ladival, nutrionist Christine Bailey on behalf of The Harley Medical Group, Dr Anita Sturnham, GP and skincare specialist on behalf of Skincere and Session stylist Neil Moddie reveal their anti-ageing must-dos.
Many of us spend thousands a year on anti-ageing products but there are some simple, every-day things you can do to help keep the wrinkles at bay.
As well as coming up with what you should be doing to stay looking you, the experts have suggested the best ways to fulfill these tips.
Apply SPF every day
Rain or shine, literally apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains both UVA and UVB protection every day to prevent sun damage to your skin.
Dermatologist Justine urges people to look at what your sun cream protects against. She said: “Standard sunscreens that we currently know and buy only protect against UVA and UVB. By choosing a sunscreen that also includes Infrared-A Protection, people can protect against four times more of the sun’s damaging rays.”
Stay hydrated
Nutrionist Christine said: “The more hydrated your skin, the better your wrinkles will look.”
Drink plenty of water throughout the day and use products that give your skin a boost of hydration.
Eat yourself young
Anti-ageing creams and treatments may have some benefit, but according to Christine, the real secret lies on your dinner plate.
She said: “Tumeric is an anti-ageing spice that has tremendous amount of research to support its anti-ageing properties. Primarily due to the presence of the active component curcumin - it has been shown to reduce inflammation which is a primary driver for many health conditions as we age.
“Secondly, berries - blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or more exotic goji and acai. Packed with vitamin C needed for the production of collagen which keeps our skin radiant and glowing. They are also rich in polyphenols including anthocyanin known for their anti-ageing properties including improving circulation and memory. These plant antioxidants are also great for protecting the skin from pollution and UV rays.”
Get moving
Your avoidance of the gym could be causing you to age faster. GP Anita said: “Exercise reduces our risk of heart disease, strokes and diabetes but we also know that it can be vital for healthy and radiant skin. When we exercise we improve our vascular health and every organ in our body, including our skin, gets a healthier blood supply as a result.”
Have an early night
Justine said: “It’s not just your body and your mind that need downtime. Your skin need that rest to repair itself, Get your eight hours to combat skin and puffing eyes.”
Quit smoking
Anita said: “Smoking can accelerate the skin ageing process int he skin. Over the years skin scientists have studied the harmful effect of smoking on the skin. Harmful effects include increase in lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, skin pigmentation and telangiectasia. Did you know that by the age of 70 years, smoking 30 cigarettes a day could lead to the equivalent of an extra 14 years of skin ageing.
Swot up on skincare
The way you treat your skin first thing in the morning and last thing at night has a major impact on how youthful and dewy it looks. Not only should you ensure that you’re using the best ingredients but make sure you’re layering your skincare right. After cleansing, apply eye cream, followed by serums, hen moisturisers, then - for an extra boost of radiance and hydration - oils. The last step in your routine depends on the time of day. In the morning, finish with sunscreen. In the evening, finish with a retinoid.
Consider more than just your face
Justine said: “Often ignored areas like your neck, hands, knees and jaw line can be the tell-tell sign of ageing. Collagen levels diminish throughout the body we can lead to sagging skin in unusual places.”
Don’t neglect your hair
Session stylist Neil said: “Hair is made up of many protein strands. The life span of a hair strand is anything between two to seven year. Your genes determine a lot about how much hair we have on our heads and bodies.
“As we age, hair strands become smaller and lose their pigment, some strands just don’t grow anymore and so our hair become thinner. Each strand of hair you have sits in a tiny cavity called a follicle. When the hair follicle shrinks over time this results in shorter and finer hair. Eventually the follicle doesn’t grow new hair. Nourishing the hair from the inside out if the most effective way of getting hair back on track.”
Cut down on the alcohol
Christine advises: “Alcohol is not only high in sugar but can very dehydrating which can cause the skin to look tired and dull. A build-up of toxins can also take its toll on the liver and our ability to cleanse. This can show up on our face making it less than radiant looking.
“Hydrate by drinking six to eight glasses of water or try warm water with a little fresh lemon juice added. Other healthy options include coconut water, herbal teas and green tea rich in skin protective antioxidants.”