How to keep harmful UV rays at bay and boost your complexion

Bernadette Fallon checks out the latest beauty products to keep skin hydrated and protected

There are two secrets to great looking skin as we age – hydration and sun protection.

The sun is the number one offender when it comes to premature ageing, as exposure to harmful UV light speeds up the skin’s natural ageing process, so wear sun protection every day, not just in summer.

Keeping skin well hydrated is your other secret weapon. Moisturise regularly to improve your skin’s appearance and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Many beauty products have added ingredients to improve skin tone and texture, and make wrinkles look less visible. Here’s what you need to look out for:

Vitamin A compounds, such as retinol, and Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, have long been used to repair sundamaged skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles; recent research also shows that Vitamins D and E also have powerful anti-ageing properties.

Peptides stimulate collagen production to improve skin elasticity, reduce lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAS) work as exfoliators to remove dead skin cells, helping your skin better absorb products and stimulate the growth of smooth new skin.

Aloe Vera is a natural product that also can improve collagen production and skin elasticity. It’s been around for over 5,000 years and the early Egyptians were big fans.

Plant extracts have also been used to combat the signs of ageing since ancient times and can boost collagen production, skin elasticity and tightness. Essential oils, particularly rose, lavender, jojoba, neroli and almond, are all very nourishing for skin.

Green tea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, working to soothe and repair skin.

This creamy W7 Watermelon

Wave Hydro-glow Moisturiser (£6.95) contains watermelon extract as well as hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E for a hydrating boost. Hydrate, smooth and brighten skin with ESPA Tri-active™ Advance Instant Facial

(£60), a 3-in-1 serum, essence and treatment oil. Rich antioxidants help smooth the appearance of fine lines, while jojoba and coconut oils nourish the skin and boost hydration. Exfoliate regularly for brighter looking skin and to speed up cell renewal, which helps anti-ageing ingredients work more effectively.

Cha Vøhtz Soft Buff Skin Exfoliator

(£23) is part of Green People’s Age Defy+ range, specially developed for women over 35. Scientifically tested plant extracts including neroli, pomegranate and hibiscus promote collagen, reduce pigmentation and soften wrinkles. The range also includes Purify & Hydrate Cream Cleanser (£29), a jojoba-rich cream cleanser for increased hydration – studies saw skin moisture levels increase by 42 per cent within 40 minutes after use.

Dr Hauschka’s Regenerating range is formulated from medicinal plant extracts designed to support and replenish mature skin. Rejuvenating ingredients in its Day Cream Intensive

(£55) include blackthorn fruit and blossom, as well as almond and olive oil to smooth, reduce dryness and boost radiance. The silky Oil Serum Intensive (£59) is also deeply hydrating.

Puffy eyes can make you look tired and drawn, try

Skin Republic’s Collagen Hydrogel Under Eye Patch

(3-pack, £5.99) to combat this, with powerful ingredients including collagen, green tea, Aloe Vera and Vitamins A and E.

Pay special attention to your neck, where the first tell-tale signs of ageing often appear. The D’alchemy Neck & Décolletage

Wrinkle Refill (£40) contains neroli, rose, lavender and nourishing oils that not only even out and reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles, but also prevent the formation of new ones.

Skin repairs itself while we sleep, so give it a helping hand with an effective night cream. Clarins Nutrilumière Night Cream (£55) has a plantpowered formulation to help skin appear more luminous, using key ingredients horse chestnut flower and fruit. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum (£78) offers a unique cellular repair process that works with the body’s own mechanism using active ingredients including algae and yeast extracts.

The Cha Vøhtz Age Defy+ Tinted DD Moisturiser

(£37) will give your skin a natural-looking glow, with ingredients to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and SPF15 to protect against sun damage. Give your natural glow a boost with a concentrated liquid shimmer –add ICONIC London Illuminator

(£30) to your foundation, primer or moisturiser or just use on its own.

For that sun-kissed look without the damage, spritz on St Moriz Advanced Pro Formula Radiant Glow Face Mist

(£9.99), which also contains Vitamin E and Aloe Vera.

The Silk’n Facetite (£179) uses heat to help tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production. The compact hand-held device is used with a hydrating hyaluronic serum and designed for use across the face, from the forehead all the way down to neck. Use twice a week for 10 weeks to see best results.