Ten Tips on How to get Healthier, Younger-Looking Skin
1. Go to bed earlier
“Sleep is one of the most powerful anti-ageing weapons we have,” says Karina Stewart co-founder of the Kamalaya Wellness Resort.
“Getting sufficient quality sleep directly impacts ageing, because it affects adrenal gland health and the body’s levels of the hormones cortisol and DHEA, which the adrenals produce. Without sleep, we deplete – and ultimately exhaust – the adrenals. Good quality sleep, however, rejuvenates the adrenals and their ability to produce the hormones we need to keep us balanced, vital, and healthy.”
2. Skip sugar whenever you can
“Food can be our greatest anti-ageing ally – or it can be a huge burden,” adds Stewart.
“Eliminate refined sugars; reduce animal-derived foods; increase your intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes; and avoid chemicals and additives wherever possible.”
3. Go Moroccan
“Moroccan women are famous for their skin,” says Jamila El Maroudi of Mira’s Hand.
“The secret is their weekly visit to a hammam, or traditional Moroccan bathhouse. The hammam ritual has three easy steps, which you can replicate in your bathroom: exfoliate, detoxify, and moisturise.
“In the hammam, skin is first treated with a natural soap or ‘savon noir’ made from olive oil pulp, then exfoliated with a special glove before being lathered with a mixture of Rhassoul clay from the Atlas Mountains and rosewater, to draw out toxins. Finally, both body and hair are moisturised with pure argan oil.”
4. Book yourself in
“I swear by monthly facial massages – they’re a work-out for your skin,” says Jennifer Taylor (Faculty Head of Beauty at The Australasian College).
“With age your muscles loosen, causing droopy skin and wrinkles. Having someone manipulate your face muscles keeps them taut and trains them to hold their place.
“Also, when you smile or laugh, you work your muscles against gravity: it’s literally a sit-up for the skin. So giggle and grin more – and you’ll look younger!”
5. Stress less
“Your skin is the first part of your body that shows signs of nutritional stress,” says Vickie L. Arthur-Hass (senior yoga teacher and beauty therapist).
“Ensure you have optimal intake of magnesium, calcium and potassium to keep skin looking young and vibrant. Magnesium is an anti-stress mineral, giving skin a less pinched look; it also inhibits spasming of blood vessels so blood can circulate to the skin’s surface, giving it a healthy, rosy glow.
“Calcium regulates cell turnover rate in the skin’s outer layers helping it to shed dead, dull-looking cells. Potassium is a key contributor to fluid and electrolyte balance, keeping skin plump and hydrated. Magnesium and calcium are found in large amounts in leafy greens; potassium is high in apple cider vinegar and bananas.
“And release your stress in a 10-minute daily meditation: you’ll feel younger, and any wrinkles will just iron themselves out.”
6. Wear your vitamin C
“A high quality vitamin C serum will keep skin looking younger for longer,” says Yasmin Najjar of NeoSKIN.
“Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, and is a strong anti-oxidant, helping fight free radicals and ward off sun damage. Applied topically, it leaves skin firm, plump, and more radiant.”
Look for products that contain turmeric, too: curcumin – found in turmeric – interacts closely with collagen, the ‘building block’ of the skin, stabilising it and increasing its strength.
7. Work at night
“Your skin does most of its repairing and rejuvenating overnight, so a good night cream and eye cream can knock years off your age while you sleep!” advises Irene Falcone of NourishedLife.
8. Use rosehip oil
“Rosehip oil should always be the first product you put on your skin after cleansing and exfoliating,” says Marie Jenkins, founder of Kosmea.
“It reduces scars and wrinkles, fades pigmentation, improves skin elasticity and tone, and reverses signs of sun damage and premature ageing.
“The vitamin A content in rosehip oil is a natural form of trans-retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A found in prescription-only tretinoin creams which leading dermatologists recommend as the most effective anti-ageing agent. Rosehip oil is best massaged into clean, damp skin – 2-3 drops twice a day.”
9. Follow the formula
“Our all-time favourite equation, proven to work wonders for skin, is: regular cleansing + exfoliation + good moisturiser = glowing skin,” says Tarj Mavi, founder of certified organic skincare brand La Mav.
“By removing dead surface skin cells your face appears and feels smoother, plus skin will absorb moisturiser better, giving you a toned and fresh look.
“Don’t over-cleanse, or use anything that strips your skin, as this washes away your skin’s natural oils, making it flaky, dull and dry. Last but not least – eat healthy, drink water, sleep well, smile more, and worry less. Happy people have the best glow!”
10. Wear sunscreen
“Studies show that even when the skin is badly sun damaged, using sun protection can reverse some signs of aging, such as wrinkling and pigmentation,” says cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Michael Rich.
“Topical creams containing antioxidants – vitamins A, C, and D, and glycolic acids – also provide anti-ageing effects.”
If you want some advice on how to age-proof your brain, you can read more here.
And if you are looking for a more natural approach to dealing with the menopause, whilst ageing gracefully, check out our holistic guide to menopause.
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