There are so many different products and treatments available that promises to assist with the ageing process. Even though something new pops up daily, there is no need to get confused by everything on offer – here are Dr. Maureen’s top tips to combat the ageing process, many of which many are lifestyle related.
1. PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN
Sun damage is the number one enemy to young looking skin. The sun causes 80% of photo-aging. Only 20% is hereditary. Damage to the skin is mainly done by the age of 20. A sun tan produces deep wrinkles, leathery-textured skin and brown pigmentation spots. Use a daily moisturizer combined with a broad spectrum sunscreen. If you want a tan –fake it.
2. QUIT SMOKING
If you haven’t already, then stop smoking if you want to protect your skin from premature aging. You may not be able to completely reverse the damage smoking has done to your skin but you will stop the damage getting worse. Smoking reduces levels of collagen in the skin. The tell-tale signs of a ‘smoker’s face’ is dull, grayish, dry skin, increased wrinkling around the eyes and puckering wrinkles around the mouth. Is this really what you want for your skin?
3. EAT ANTI-OXIDANT FOODS
For maximum anti-oxidant protection eat fresh vegetables, fruit and whole grains which are high in anti-oxidants. Add green tea to your daily diet which provides natural anti-oxidants. It also helps the body to burn abdominal fat.
4. DRINK LOTS OF WATER
Hydrate your skin from within. If you want to look younger you need to make sure that you drink enough water as it is an essential part of your anti aging regimen. Skin cells need water or they will dehydrate and essential anti-aging nutrients cannot be delivered to your system.
5. TAKE A DAILY ANTI-AGING SUPPLEMENT
Boost your anti-oxidant intake with a daily supplement. Go for one with high levels of Omega 3, Ubiquinol, vitamin C and vitamin E. Vitamins C and E are two wonder vitamins that work together to restore collagen in your skin. The Omega 3’s maintain the structure and fluidity of cells and moisturise the skin from within.
6. EXFOLIATE AND MOISTURISE YOUR SKIN
Exfoliate your face at least twice a week to ensure that fresh, live skin is soaking up your moisturiser. Choose a daily and nightly moisturiser with high doses of retinol, hyaluronic acid and peptides that work to reverse the aging process.
7. EXERCISE
Exercise is good for the skin – increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. Exercise will also give you more energy, build muscle mass, increase blood flow to your skin, help prevent high blood pressure, strengthen bones and raise your metabolic rate.
8. GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP
Getting enough sleep is very important for a vibrant and younger looking skin. During sleep your body releases growth hormone which stimulate cell turnover.
9. STOP STRESSING
High levels of stress can prematurely age you. People with fluctuating emotions tend to age earlier than those with more stable moods. Stress is a feedback mechanism to make you aware that your perceptions and emotions are unbalanced. Reduce the aging process by maintaining emotional stability, consistency and a moderate lifestyle. Practice deep breathing and stretching.
10. START NON-SURGICAL, ANTI-AGING PROCEDURES EARLY
Use small quantities of Botox and dermal fillers at the first sign of a wrinkle or furrow. It will prevent the wrinkle from forming any further and will stimulate collagen production in that area. Early, small quantities of Botox and filler will alleviate the need to use major quantities in your forties, fifties and sixties.
About Dr. Maureen Allem
Dr Maureen Allem is a general practitioner with a special interest in aesthetic and integrative anti-ageing medicine and procedures. She is also the Founder and Medical Director of Skin, Body & Health Renewal and the Oasis Spas.
