Turn back time with these simple steps
Go green
Cellulite (that annoying orange, dimply skin) affects nearly all of us females and unfortunately it increases as we age – but luckily there are natural ways to fight it. Look out for skincare products that contain pink peppercorn, as this enhances your blood circulation and limits fatty deposits, as well as green algae, which provides natural collagen to improve the elasticity of your skin. Use daily for best results!
Tropic Skincare Body Love Firming Buttercream, £20 tropicskincare.com
Brush off
Brushes aren’t just for your hair – they can also be used as an anti-ageing tool, as Lorena Öberg, founder of Lorena Öberg Skincare (lorenaoberg.co.uk), explains. “Body brushing, if done regularly, can prevent cellulite. Use a firm brush on dry skin in upwards motions all over your body, as this will promote circulation to prevent dimpled skin.” Using a natural bristle brush will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth – choose one with a long handle so you can reach your entire body.
Liz Earle Natural Bristle Body Brush, £9 lizearle.com
Let your hair down
Locks lost their lustre? Restore your tresses to their former glory and keep them looking youthful and shiny by dosing them with vitamins (including A, C and E), minerals and antioxidants through your shampoos, conditioners and masks. Check for ingredients that can help to strengthen, repair damage and retain moisture, such as baobab proteins. These anti-ageing nutrients not only boost softness and deeply nourish, but they also give protection from UV stress.
Evolve Organic Beauty Superfood Shine Natural Shampoo, £12 evolvebeauty.co.uk
Feed your face
Add an oil to your nightly skin routine to fight the effects of ageing. “My top tip is to feed the skin with all it needs in terms of oils and vitamins to rebuild and repair itself,” says Lucy Galland of Purepotions Skincare (purepotions.co.uk). “One of the best sources of those skin-nourishing nutrients is rosehip oil. This precious liquid has been proven to aid the regenerative process of the epidermis in damaged or fragile skin.”
Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, £19.50 trilogyproducts.com
Be firm
Over time, our neck and chest areas are over-exposed to the sun, meaning that they age faster and can lose elasticity as collagen production slows down. Thankfully, there are products out there that will banish the dreaded ‘turkey neck’ and restore that youthful glow! Keep your eyes peeled for ingredients such as vitamin C, which will promote the creation of collagen, as well as larch extract, which can help to tighten and rose which renews cells.
This Works Perfect Cleavage Firming Lotion, £38 thisworks.com
Protect yourself
It’s vital to use sunscreen throughout the year to keep it looking youthful. “Sunscreen is the best and cheapest antiageing product you can use and it’s been clinically proven to slow down the effects of time on the skin,” explains dermatologist Dr Susan Mayou. “UV rays can penetrate the skin on cloudy days and throughout winter months, so using moisturiser or foundation with an SPF 30 is advisable all year round. Ensure that all areas that are exposed to the sun are included – don’t forget your ears, neck and décolletage.”
Tropic Skin Shade Mineral Sun Protection, £28 tropicskincare.com
Step to it
It’s easy to forget your feet when it comes to skincare. They go through so much each day to support your entire body, so it’s important to give them some love in return to keep them looking youthful. “Regular exfoliation of the feet can keep them smooth and consistent moisturisation will soften them,” says Lorena. “The best tip with exfoliation is to scrub for longer instead of harder, as this will get you the best results without damaging the skin.”
Neal’s Yard Pumice Foot Scrub, £15 nealsyardremedies.com
Nail it
As we age, our nails can become more brittle and rigid, so buff them regularly and use a cuticle oil to encourage your nails to grow. It’s best to steer clear of certain polish shades, such as neons, which can look harsh against your skin, or grey tones, which, in turn, can make your hands look a similar colour. Stick to classic colours, such as reds or nudes which can camouflage nails that aren’t in the best condition.
Nailberry Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Au Naturel, £14.50 nailberry.co.uk
Combat dry skin
If you feel like your skin has been lacking moisture lately, you’re not alone. Dry skin is a common issue in mature skin due to the loss of oil glands and the fact that the barrier is weakened, meaning that it’s less able to protect itself against the external factors that accelerate age-induced dryness.
To combat this, find body lotions that contain essentially fatty acids, as they contribute to the fluid lipid film coating the skin’s surface, which maintains moisture, softness and elasticity.
Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Body Lotion, £12.99 burtsbees.co.uk
Lend a hand
Like our feet, our hands are often neglected – but they’re exposed almost all the time, meaning that they’re open to the elements and damaging pollution and can be quick to show signs of ageing. Give your hands some TLC with creams that feature antioxidants, as these will protect your cells, as well as argan oil, which has skin-firming properties and restores elasticity, making it look youthful.
Lavera Anti-Ageing Hand Cream, £5.45 pravera.co.uk