Do you find yourself wishing you had the firm, plump, dewy skin of a 21 year old?
Well stop! In our 40’s, 50’s and beyond, not only do we clock up all the advantages that come with life experience, we can absolutely maximise the condition of our skin, naturally, to radiate the most healthy, glowing & vital version of ourselves. I’ll be summarising my top tips for younger looking skin below…
Realistically, we’re not going to 100% recoup that uber youthful fleshiness without fillers (and even then, not fully due to
other factors). But really and truthfully, who doesn’t want to look the absolute best they can? In my opinion it’s not vanity, it’s self care – and if it inspires you to be the best version of you, then why ever not?
Here are 5 easy and effective steps you can take (and it’s never too late!):
Sun Protection:
Even on a gloomy day in the middle of winter (and indoors if there’s lots of natural light) we’re exposed to UV rays – also known as daylight!
UVA rays are the culprits for skin ageing – in fact, 80% of premature ageing is caused by UVA rays. This, of course, is almost entirely preventable! (I wish I’d known this before my 30’s and taken action before my 40’s but as I said, it’s never too late!)
It’s a no-brainer then to shield your skin from harmful UV rays by using a broad spectrum sunscreen daily (UVA and UVB). Use a separate sunscreen in addition to your moisturiser/makeup.
Just make sure if it’s a chemical sunscreen, apply directly to clean skin and if it’s a physical/mineral version you can apply on top of moisturiser or makeup. I personally love
Heliocare.
Remember, UV exposure speeds up skin aging, causing wrinkles, pigmentation and ultimately depleting collagen which causes skin laxity.
Hydration:
Keep your skin hydrated with plenty non-caffeinated, non-sweetened (artificially or otherwise) drinks – so that really leaves us with water & herbal teas! (Nothing wrong with a couple of coffees of a morning – just don’t have 8 a day). Hydrating the skin also includes your skin care regime – more of that below.
You’ve probably heard when reading up on tips for younger looking skin that you need to be downing at least 2 litres of water a day. But if you’re consuming plenty of fruit & veg this will top up your hydration levels. The amount you need will also vary depending on your activity level and the temperature.
Just don’t over-do it as this can not only be counterproductive (too much can deplete your nutrient levels) – but at an extreme level, glugging excessive water can actually be dangerous. So everything in moderation!
Healthy Diet:
Consume a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, protein and healthy fats. These are essential for maintaining your body’s essential functions; a happy bi-product of this is the prevention of premature wrinkles, sagging and volume loss.
Here are just a few nutritional powerhouses that will go a long way towards maintaining healthy skin and good health in general:
LEAFY GREENS: Provide vitamin E which protects skin cells against free radical damage (Free Radicals are a harmful molecule that can accumulate in cells, damaging DNA and proteins).
AVOCADO: Abundant in naturally occurring fatty acids for optimal skin repair.
GARLIC: A strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which reduces accumulation of free radicals (see above).
BEANS & LENTILS: These provide fibre, protein, iron, and antioxidants. Protein is a building block not only of muscle but of skin, and you know by now what antioxidants do for our skin (hint: free radicals)!
OILY FISH: Among many powerful nutrients contained in oily fish like salmon and mackerel, salmon specifically contains the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin, known for improving skin hydration, smoothness, elasticity, fine lines & wrinkles!
BERRIES: Powerful polyphenol antioxidants in berries do what those antioxidants are known to do – reduce damaging free radical build up. Ellagic acid can help brighten skin and even reduce sun induced pigmentation.
The list goes on; other foods to include are berries, quinoa, flaxseeds and nuts. Put simply, the less processed the food, the better it is for your body… your skin really is your body’s billboard.
Vitamin C
One of the best tips for younger looking skin is Vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant eliminates free radicals, slowing down the ageing process. Your skin will thank you if you consume it AND put it directly on the skin. Boost your intake with a quality supplement as well as citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and even white potatoes (chips, anyone? 😉
Did you know: caffeine inhibits the absorption of vitamin C, so leave 2 hours either side of your coffee or tea between taking your Vit C, to maximise absorption.
Skincare Routine:
We’ve established that Vitamin C is a non-negotiable not only to consume, but also to put onto your skin. This will soak up free radicals, helping to prevent premature ageing. Depending on your skin concerns, you may also want to include retinoids, hyaluronic acid, AHA exfoliants (alpha hydroxy acids, i.e. glycolic and lactic acids) and BHA exfoliants (beta hydroxy/salicylic acid) to address specific skin concerns.
Lifestyle Habits:
I think we all know by now that smoking and excessive alcohol really will prematurely age your skin.
There is only so much that skin care products and advanced anti-ageing procedures will do for your skin if you’re continually self-sabotaging.
We’ve all been there – a few years on & off with the social smoking; too many Saturday nights forgotten thanks to Tequila.
But if you’re going down the route of
investing in your skin – it’s not too late – just ditch those bad habits now (or at least go by the 80/20 rule).
Also, prioritize quality sleep to allow your skin time to repair and regenerate. I personally recommend using a
Shakti mat to help you fall into a deep sleep.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin as you age.
More Tips for Younger Looking Skin…
Improving Ageing Skin with Advanced Skin Treatments
In fact, it reaches the depth that previously only plastic surgeons could reach! These treatments mean business; they really are in a league of their own.
I really hope these tips for younger looking skin have opened your eyes to the fact it really is achievable to have younger looking skin with just a few lifestyle changes as well as perhaps, for those over 40, some clinical help along the way.
I’d Love to Help
My well established clinic is based in Christchurch, not far from Bournemouth, Ringwood, Southampton and Poole. It’s a private, home based clinic with many 5 star Google reviews, so you can be assured of comfort, privacy, a warm welcome and of course the best advice and anti-ageing treatments that are bespoke to you.
I look forward to meeting you.
Alex x
Keep your skin hydrated with plenty non-caffeinated, non-sweetened (artificially or otherwise) drinks – so that really leaves us with water & herbal teas! (Nothing wrong with a couple of coffees of a morning – just don’t have 8 a day). Hydrating the skin also includes your skin care regime – more of that below.
Consume a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, protein and healthy fats. These are essential for maintaining your body’s essential functions; a happy bi-product of this is the prevention of premature wrinkles, sagging and volume loss.
I think we all know by now that smoking and excessive alcohol really will prematurely age your skin.
Our natural collagen and elastin is depleted gradually from our mid to late 20’s, then more rapidly from our 40’s.
And did you know – the Focus Dual HIFU procedure can safely lift & tighten from the deepest layer of the lower face and jowl area, without even breaking the skin!
