Ageing is a beautiful and natural part of life, and while the process of losing skin elasticity and gaining a laugh line here and there is inevitable, there are a few simple ways you can help your skin remain healthy and youthful.
When we’re young, our skin appears supple and smooth due to the speed in which our skin cells regenerate.
But as we get older, this speed, along with collagen production slows down, while existing collagen can be damaged due to sun exposure and poor lifestyle choices, leaving you with fine lines and sun spots.
To help you delay these signs of ageing, we sat down with Dr. Michael Freeman, Principal Dermatologist at the Gold Coast’s Skin Centre to find out the very best ways to keep your skin looking young and healthy, from your ’20s to your ’50s.
Want cleat skin like 26-year-old Emma Watson? “A Low GI diet may help reduce acne,” says out expert.
20-30
So, you’re in your ’20s. Lucky you!
As of right now, your skin cells regenerate at a top speed, meaning that your skin maintains its youthful elasticity, your complexion is clear and your smile lines are few.
But just because your skin isn’t showing many – if any, sings of aging, now is the time to get your prevention on, says our expert.
There’s nothing healthy about a tan, ladies!
“For you, it’s all about prevention and protection. Stop intentionally sunbathing, any suntan means you are damaging your skin,” says Michael.
Our skin guru recommends using a daily sunscreen with high SPF to combat any overexposure to the sun’s harsh rays, while expressing the importance of removing cosmetics completely before resting your head on the pillow.
“Make sure to always remove your make up and use a moisturiser at night to restore dry skin.”
“It has always been pretty simple. I simply apply some sunscreen, use a little blush and lip gloss, and I’m out the door,” 37-year-old Kate Hudson says of her routine.
30–45
During this decade, the rate of skin cell regeneration has slowed, which is why skincare in this age bracket requires a little bit of extra time and care compared to that in your younger years.
Maintain the use of everyday SPF to keep your skin looking youthful and fresh, but incorporating a night serum into your bedtime routine will help to reduce crow’s feet and fine lines around the eyes.
Our expert recommends looking for night creams containing Matrixyl – an ingredient specifically used to stimulate collagen synthesis and skin repair.
Gwyneth Paltrow, 43, credits plenty of water for her clear complexion.
And while taking care of your complexion from the outside is, of course, important, Michael also recommends feeding your skin from the inside.
“Be more serious about your food, eat some blue/purple foods containing Procyanidins – a healthy diet can help you look and feel good.”
And if you so please, “Consider a light chemical peel program,” adds Michael.
Kim Kardashian, 35, is a fan of regular preventative procedures. Watch her undergo a non-surgical tummy tuck in the video player below! Post continues…
45+
Even if you’ve worn SPF face lotions every day since your ’20s, our expert recommends regular skin checks at this point.
In terms of holding onto the appearance of younger, more supple skin, regular moisturisation is key, says Michael.
“Treat dry skin by avoiding the hot showers and using a regular moisturiser at night. Moisturise immediately after showering to lock in the moisture left on the skins surface,” he says.
“Keeping your skin lubricated is important for people suffering from eczema especially if your skin is starting to dry out and crack.”
Salma Hayek, 49, recently spoke to InStyle about her insecurities as she approaches her next birthday. “Well I am entering my fifties so your body confidence isn’t that good. I think it depends on the day, for everybody,” she says.
As your natural levels of the hormone estrogen decline, so does your skin’s elasticity and collagen production.
To combat this, Michael recommends searching for a night serum with a higher concentrate of Matrixyl.
“To treat wrinkles and age spots, continue your maintenance programme with light chemical peels or move up to fractional laser.”
“Manage stress – stress can make the skin more sensitive and trigger inflammation.”
