Drop a decade with these easy-to-follow tips and tricks
Read the labels
Certain skincare ingredients have anti-ageing properties, explains Charlotte Ferguson-Quilter, founder of Disciple Skincare (discipleskincare.com ) and these can help make your complexion look younger. “Derived from vitamin A, retinol treats lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, dullness and firmness – it’s known as a cure-all due to its ability to increase cell turnover and sweep away dead skin cells, revealing brighter skin. Look out for products containing naturally-derived AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), which have the ability to exfoliate and cleanse without the need for scrubs and are usually plant or fruit based. Some naturally-derived AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, have been shown to increase collagen production and increase dermal thickness, but sensitive skin types should choose lower percentages. Another wonder ingredient is hyaluronic acid, a natural substance already found in skin. It has the ability to hold 1,000 times its own weight in water, making it fantastic for plumping, smoothing and replenishing moisture. One final tip – vitamin C is radiance-boosting and evens out both skin tone and pigmentation. Also known as ascorbic acid, this vitamin is a powerful antioxidant and can shield skin from the impacts of environmental pollution and improve hydration.”
Use your nose
Aromatherapy could hold the secret to a youthful glow, says Joannah Metcalfe, consultant aromatherapist at Base Formula (baseformula.com ). “Essential oils and base oils can be particularly effective in helping to keep your skin soft, smooth and youngerlooking. Some of the most important oils for ageing skin are frankincense, rose, neroli, avocado, evening primrose, jojoba and wheatgerm. For a deeply nourishing facial treatment, mix 50ml apricot kernel oil with 5ml jojoba, 5ml evening primrose, five drops of rose essential oil, five drops of neroli, three drops of frankincense and three drops of benzoin. Massage this blend gently into your face and neck two to three times a week – this will stimulate your circulation and increase oxygen supply to the blood vessels in the inner layers of skin where new cells are formed. Let the oil soak in for 20 minutes and then remove any excess with a cotton pad soaked in rose hydrolat.”
Eat pomegranates
These crimson powerhouses pack a nutritional punch, explains Shani Shaker, nutritional therapist and director of Golin (golin.com ). “Pomegranates are renowned for their anti-ageing properties as they are packed full of antioxidants which fight free radicals and reduce inflammation, a key accelerator of ageing. Pomegranate juice has been found to have three times the antioxidant activity of red wine and green tea along with vitamin C, vitamin K, fibre, protein and potassium. When it comes to ageing, skin and teeth are both youth indicators – this fruit can help repair sun-scorched skin by soothing your complexion and reducing damage and they also contain anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which may protect against gum disease.”
Perfect your posture
This is key to helping you look younger, says Gugan Hair, osteopath at Doctify (doctify.co.uk ). “As we get older, our spinal discs become dehydrated, give in to gravity and flatten out, resulting in exaggerated spinal curves. Past the age of 40, your posture can become irreversibly stiffened, causing further visible changes such as loose and weak stomach muscles, sagging breasts and a wrinkly décolletage. To combat this, I recommend taking up yoga and Pilates, as these will encourage full flexibility, improve your core and strengthen your spinal muscles. Supplements will also help – try coenzyme q10, bamboo extract, silica, vitamin C, magnesium and vitamin D. Remember to keep your head up and shoulders back when you’re standing or sitting and your stomach tight when walking.”
Be safe this summer
According to the World Health Organisation, up to 90 percent of visible ageing may be caused by the sun, so it’s important to protect ourselves, says Susan Mah, founder of Tropic Skincare (tropicskincare.com ). “While UVB rays cause burning, UVA rays cause premature ageing as they penetrate deeper into the skin. Look for a product with broad spectrum protection – it will have the letters UVA in a circle on the label. Choose a mineral sunscreen, such as Tropic’s Skin Shade range, which uses zinc oxide (this helps to synthesise new collagen production) and titanium dioxide to fight both types of ray and is enriched with plant extracts to keep your skin plump, too.
Keeping skin hydrated is the key to a youthful complexion, so I suggest buying a high quality after sun product that’s both cooling and conditioning. Use a generous helping of moisturiser daily and a hydrating mask twice a week.”
Raise your heart rate
Your body is designed to move – if you don’t, you’ll lose flexibility and mobility, says Ian Chapman, personal trainer and co-author of The Anti-Ageing Food and Fitness Plan. “Weight bearing workouts are essential, especially in women aged 50 plus, as they could reverse osteoporosis, strengthen bones and reduce body fat. Do a minimum of the NHS recommended 2.5 hours of activity a week, although you’ll achieve better results if you can fit in more. Add as much incidental exercise to your day as you can – use the stairs and walk or cycle instead of driving. If you’re struggling to get motivated, try a new sport, or get a friend involved to keep your workouts fun. Most of all, remember that you’re never too old to gain the benefits of exercise, even if you’re 90!”
