There are so many wonderful things about growing older.
Sure, my 20s were fun. Filled with travels and friends and studies and falling in love and out of love and all the things you are meant to be doing when you are that age.
But I have to admit, much as I loved that time, I am loving life even more now.
I feel more confident in my skin, more grounded, more real, more content, more me. However, when it comes to my skin, I want to make sure it stays looking good and glowing for years to come – and doing what I do for a living, I am lucky enough to have chatted to many, many dermatologists and skincare experts over the years.
Keeping your skin looking its best is actually less complicated – and probably far less expensive – than you might think. The pillars of good health, also skin health, is often rather simple. And remember, good skin starts from within.
Here are five easy ways you can start future-proofing your skin right now:
1. Supplement your skincare
Even if you are eating a close-to-perfect diet, nutritionally speaking (which most of us are not, at least not all the time), the majority of us could benefit from taking a multivitamin tablet daily too. As well as that, many now swear by taking collagen supplements, to help maintain the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
Another supplement you should consider is Vitamin C – essential for the formation of collagen, which is a vital component for firm skin.
As we age, the amount of skin collagen decreases, which results in the skin losing its firmness leading to the appearance of looser skin and wrinkles.
2. Wear SPF – always
We need sunshine and sunlight on our skin to produce vitamin D – however, we also need to protect our skin from the skin's harmful rays – a major contributor to skin ageing.
Find a good-quality broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 is plenty) and apply it to your face every single morning. No exception.
3. Increase good fatty acids
What we eat has a massive impact on how our skin looks and feels. Good fats can plump your skin from the inside, and will help keep it hydrated and hence more smooth-looking.
Good sources of Omega 3 fatty acids include fish like salmon and mackerel, as well as fish oil and some seed oils, like linseed.
4. Boost your skin's defence system with antioxidants
Oxidative stress is a major contributor to skin ageing. To combat this and assist our skin's own defence mechanism, we need to load up on antioxidant-rich foods.
Brightly coloured fruit, vegetables and berries are all excellent sources of natural antioxidants. Other sources are green tea and red wine.
5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Not drinking enough water can leave your skin looking dull and dry and prone to age prematurely. Aim for at least two-three litres every day.
