Healthy ageing is the topic on our columnist’s lips this month – she tells us why she’s opting for a more natural approach…
As I approached the end of my third decade a few years ago, I decided I wanted to enter my fourth as a strong, powerful woman who wasn’t afraid to embrace the ageing process. Mother nature loves to deplete us of our collagen once we hit our 30s and 40s, leaving some women opting to freeze themselves in time with botox and surgery. But there are alternative ways to maintain good skin, age gracefully and look good without unnatural enhancements.
1. Good fats
Make sure you get enough omega 3 and omega 6 fats. Each skin cell is surrounded by two layers of fat that make up the cell walls and is known as the phospholipid bilayer. This layer incorporates dietary fats and is key for giving the appearance of plump, healthy skin. Eat nuts and seeds like flax and chia, and oily fish such as sardines and salmon.
2. Healthy foods
Biotin also helps fat metabolism in the skin, assisting in the production of new cells and helps oil glands function properly, resulting in the healthy condition of skin. It is found in good amounts in fish, soy products, egg yolk, almonds, avocado and sweet potatoes.
3. Get your greens
Watercress acts as an internal skin antiseptic and increases the circulation and delivery of minerals to cells in the body which, in turn means enhanced oxygenation of the skin. It’s packed with vitamins A and C, which may combat free radicals, helping to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
4. Beauty boost
Prepping your skin from the inside is important, but there are also a number of things that can help from the outside. Lots of creams and serums make expensive and empty promises, but if you stick to those that contain hyaluronic acid, collagen and peptide technology you won’t go too far wrong. Two brands that offer science-led formulas that can make a difference are CACI International amino lift peptide complex and Boots No7 new firming booster serum.
5. Face facts
Facials can be a lovely relaxing experience, but can be costly, so make sure you are investing in the right ones. I personally love CACI facials. It uses microcurrent technology to tighten the muscles in your face, just as you would your body at the gym. That, combined with LED light therapy (which penetrates the skin) helps to repair collagen. For more information, go to caci-international.co.uk
6. Tee total
When it comes to drinking, unfortunately booze is a serious no-no for those who are big about their skin. It’s often packed with sugar and, in turn, affects cellular health. Load up on water to help flush out any unwanted skin-ageing toxins, and top up your daily dose of green tea which is loaded with antioxidants that can help to delay the ageing process.
7. Smooth ease
A great way to make sure you get your anti-ageing skin food, is a morning smoothie. Make sure you add the best skin-friendly greens and antioxidant-high foods like celery; cucumber; spinach or kale; avocado; berries; banana; ground flax or flaxseed oil; chia seeds; coconut water or nut milks.
