Now that 40 is in sight, I’m very aware of my skins firmness….after all, who doesn’t want to look as fresh, healthy & youthful for as long as possible.
1. SPF – SUN PROTECTIVE FACTOR
There’s no point in reading on if you’re not wearing a broad-spectrum SPF daily, 365 days of the year! If you’re not, put it on your to-do-list today! UVA which is as strong in Ireland in January as July, breaks down collagen and degrades elastin. The sun really is the skins worst enemy.
While Image have 4 SPFs so choose from, my personal favourite is Prevention + Matte SPF 32 €42.50. It’s a 3 in 1 product…it moisturises, protects and is a great make-up primer, especially if your skin gets shiny throughout the day.
2. ANTI-OXIDANTS
We’ve all heard of using lemon juice on our fruit salad to make it last longer….well anti-oxidants for our skin work similarly.
In the enviroment, there are lots of baddies known as free-radicals which damage our skin cells thus accelerate aging. In clinic, we use powerful anti-oxidants such as Vitamins A, C & E to tone, tighten, brighten and of course protect. By far our most popular anti-oxidant rich serum is the Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum €65.50
3. MAKE COLLAGEN, PROTECT ELASTIN
I always explain to clients that collagen is like the scaffolding of our skin, it keep our skin upright. Elastin on the other hand gives our skin theirs spring, similar to elastic, if pinched, it’ll spring back into place.
The one ingredient needed, if you are concerned about Aging is Retinol! This powerful form of Vitamin A helps stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin.
If you want to “Age Later”, you need this powerful little ingredient in your life! Image Total Retinol-A €75
4. EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE
As we age our skins shedding process slows down and we get a build up of dead skin cells. Not only does this make our skin look older & duller, it makes it harder for our topical products to penetrate and makes our skin lazy…so we need to give it a kick in the behind to get it moving!
There are many types of exfoliating products and it can be confusing to know which one to use for your skins needs. During our Skin Fitness Assessment €60, we will discuss your skins needs, including what exfoliaters are best for you to achieve healthier skin.
5. HYDRATION IS KEY
One of the many benefits to moisturising daily is to hydrate your skin. When your skin, just like your body, is not hydrated it cannot repair itself and therefore can suffer damage due to those pesky free-radicals ew spoke of earlier.
6. DON’T SMOKE
Smoking destroys collagen and elastin…need we say anymore….
7. RELAX YOUR NECK
Well here’s one we never think of! Relax your neck when exercising…I see people jogging around town, straining their necks..this will strengthen the neck muscles that will pull your face down!
8. H2O
As spoken about in 5. , you skin needs hydration. Water it from both sides for maximum benefit. Drinking water will also help keep your digestive tract moving, which in turn will lead to clearer skin. I never recommend the 2 litres to people as everybody’s needs are different, but if thirsty drink water instead of teas, coffee, fizzy drinks or fruit juices.
Drinking tepid water with juice of half a lemon will make it even more beneficial.
9. EAT THE GOOD STUFF
We all know it but do we live it? You can eat foods to nourish your skin or you can eat foods to age it….it’s your choice! To feed your skin, include good fats like coconut oil, salmon and avocado ; lots of dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and kale and beta carotene rich foods including sweet potatoes. And don’t forget a good quality green tea from your local health store for lots of anti-oxidant protection.
10.SUGAR!!!
So we can hide the expanding waistline, but unless we change religion, there’s no hiding the damage sugar can cause to our skin! Through a process called glucagon, AGE’s ( advanced glycation end products) are produced, which, you guessed it, destroy collagen and elastin!!