While we can’t actually do anything to slow down time, there are quite a few things we can do to keep skin looking as fresh, plump and smooth, for as long as possible.
Firstly, let’s look at some of the factors involved in skin ageing:
The Sun
No question about it, sunning your face ages your face. It’s been estimated that 80-90% of skin ageing is caused by sunlight. Protecting your skin from the sun is the very first step and a highly important part of an anti-ageing protocol.
Smoking
No big surprise. Smoking is the second greatest ager of the skin after the sun. The toxins accelerate the rate that your skin ages and depletes the body of vital nutrients.
Alcohol
Alcohol causes the small blood vessels close to the surface of the skin to swell and become inflamed; over time they break, leaving thread veins or a ruddy, flushed complexion. Excess alcohol also stops your liver clearing toxins properly, leading to a dull, older-looking complexion.
Poor Sleep
When you’ve not had enough sleep it often shows! Puffy, baggy eyes and saggy, lacklustre skin…I’m sure we’ve all looked in the mirror after a late night and wondered ‘what the heck happened?’ 7 – 8 hours sleep will help you to keep you looking (and feeling) vibrant and youthful.
Feed Your Face with…..
Lean Protein:
Lean protein is very important because collagen and elastin are proteins. You need to eat good quality raw materials for your body to make good quality skin. Good protein sources include organic chicken and turkey, white fish, organic or omega-rich eggs, tofu, tempeh and edamame.
Healthy Fats:
These are needed for plump, healthy, hydrated, silky soft skin; they are also wonderfully anti-inflammatory and help to promote a radiant complexion. Excellent food sources include oily fish, avocadoes, nuts and seeds.
Antioxidants:
These are the powerhouses of anti-ageing action! Eat at least half a plate of brightly/darkly coloured vegetables with main meals – think a rainbow of deep greens, reds, oranges and yellow. Be heavy handed with spices and herbs such as saffron, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, basil, parsley and rosemary, and munch on skin superfood berries including blackberries, blueberries, black currants and cherries.
Drink Lots of…..
Aim for 6 – 8 glasses per day of a combination of the following:
Water – filtered or mineral
Coconut water – coconut water hydrates the body quickly as it naturally contains the electrolytes needed.
Fresh vegetable juices and smoothies – load up with beetroot, kale, spirulina, and herbs such as mint. Try the combination of melon, kale and mint.
Herbal teas – nettle nourishes the blood and helps to clear the kidneys, which is great if you’re looking to target dark circles under the eyes. Fresh mint is anti-inflammatory and refreshing. Lemon and ginger is wonderful for detoxing; add a pinch of cayenne pepper to fresh lemon and ginger tea for an extra skin-cleansing kick!
For further information and expert skin advice, Robyn can be contacted at Wimpole Aesthetics, 48 Wimpole Street, London, W1G 8SF on 020 7 224 2247 or online at http://www.wimpoleaesthetics.co.uk
