No amount of eye cream will mprove age-related sagging or puffiness, but applying SPF regularly is vital
their role is largely to prevent oxidative damage to the skin, rather than treat the signs of ageing once they have developed. These are some of the key antioxidants you hould be looking for: Vitamin C — also great for brightening skin, helping with inflammation and helping build collagen which gives skin its s support structure. Vitamin E — shown in studies to help limit the damage associated with UVB radiation from sunlight and can also help reduce fine lines. Resveratrol — can limit damage caused by UVB radiation, and has also been shown to improve skin firmness and elasticity. Other antioxidants worth keeping an eye out for include: Grape seed Green tea Silymarin from milk thistle Coffeeberry
PLASTER ON PEPTIDES
PePTIDeS are types of protein and are hugely important in the human body, often acting as ‘messengers’, conveying information between cells and tissues. Some types can repair the skin’s support structure, thereby improving visible wrinkles.
One of the most widely studied peptides in skincare is Pal-KTTKS, or more commonly Matrixyl — you’ll find it in Olay regenerist 3 Point Treatment Cream (£14.69, superdrug. com), Sarah Chapman eye recovery (£44, sarahchapman.net) and no7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Serum (£34, boots.com).
In some trials, Pal-KTTKS was proven to thicken the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, increasing levels of both collagen and elastin.
BE SUNSCREEN SAVVY
ThIS will always be the cornerstone of anti-ageing prevention as the sun remains the biggest cause of premature and accelerated skin ageing, responsible for fine lines, wrinkling, uneven skin tone, pigmentation and textural changes.
Sunlight contains a mixture of several types of light, UVA and UVB, responsible for the majority of skin ageing, but also visible light and infrared radiation, thought to generate free radicals in skin cells which also accelerate the ageing process.
From an anti-ageing point of view, sunscreen should be worn daily. In the winter months, particularly in the northern hemisphere, using a moisturiser or make-up with SPF is satisfactory if you are going to be indoors during the day (although a separate sunscreen is even better).
In the spring and summer months, however, aim for a broad-spectrum sunscreen ( i. e. one that offers protection against UVA and UVB) with an SPF 15–30 as a minimum.
Using an antioxidant serum, which can neutralise the free radical damage caused by visible light and infrared, in conjunction with a standard sunscreen, is a sensible precaution, although there are some products which blend antioxidants and UV protection, such as heliocare 360 OilFree (£28, dermacaredirect.co.uk), eltaMD Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 (£ 17, uk.strawberrynet.com) and Solero Facial Anti-Ageing Suncream SPF 30 (£4, lloydspharmacy.com).
DO THE BARE MINIMUM
I KnOW not everyone has the time or money to spend on their antiageing routine, which is why I’ve developed a guide to anti-ageing skincare even the laziest woman can do. It incorporates the most effective products mentioned above into the simplest regime possible. every morning make sure you . . . Cleanse Moisturise Apply antioxidant serum Apply sunscreen every evening make sure you . . . Cleanse Apply retinoid
YOU CAN USE A CHEAP CLEANSER . . .
The choice is huge and the best product for you depends on your skin type, personal preference and budget. There is a common misconception that expensive products work better than their cheaper counterparts. More often than not, the extra pennies are going into pretty packaging and clever marketing.
One thing I will say is that wipes are a no-no unless you’re using them as a last resort at the gym or on the go. This is because they can cause skin irritation, and smear dirt, makeup and oils across the skin’s surface.
AND DITCH EYE CREAM
I hAVe heard some odd claims about moisturisers making your skin ‘lazy’ and less able to hydrate itself, but I can’t say there is any robust data to back this up. On the contrary, moisturiser is necessary to maintain the elasticity and flexibility of the skin’s upper layers. This keeps it healthy and allows it to function as a barrier.
Moisturisers can improve the texture or quality of skin, treat dryness and provide sun protection. There is plenty of scientific evidence to support their use.
A quick word about eye cream: no amount will improve age-related sagging or puffy eyes regardless of what the product promises. The skin around the eyes is vulnerable to damage from the sun’s radiation, and while an eye cream will moisturise, plump the skin and temporarily improve fine lines, wearing SPF around the eyes is vital to prevent premature ageing.
Moreover, you do not necessarily need a separate product: if a product is suitable for the face, it should be fine to use around the eyes.