Ageing is normal and inevitable. Ageing well and in good health is something you have to choose and take responsibility for.
Many of us spend time and money focusing on hiding the ‘signs’ of aging, with skin creams and treatments. Yet there is so much you can do to look after your skin from the inside out!
My skin actually looks much better now than it did in my 20s, simply because I take care of it more.
In this post I’ll take you through some of the steps on how to get glowing skin and look absolutely fabulous in your 40s, 50s and beyond.
Is ageing skin inevitable?
Ageing has a lot to do with genetics. Look at your mum and you will get a pretty good idea of how you will age. However, diet, environment, lifestyle, positive thinking and outlook on life also play a part.
You may have noticed your skin has changed after 40. Perhaps you have noticed bags under your eyes, or fine lines, and maybe your skin is not as tight as it used to be?
You may even find that the regular creams and make-up that you have been using for years no longer seem to work?
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and drier, losing elasticity and volume. Perimenopause and menopause can also affect it.
There are a few signs to look out for – dark spots caused by sun damage, dull skin, wrinkles and fine lines, sagging skin, open pores and dry skin.
But not all is lost! You won’t look 20 again but you can slow down the signs of ageing by making a few changes, cutting out some of your bad habits and adding in some new ones.
Cut down on caffeine and alcohol
Large amounts of alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate our body and will remove moisture from our skin.
Drink both in moderation. I always say life is all about balance. Drinking 1-2 cups of coffee or tea is ok, as is a glass of wine with your meal.
Instead choose green tea which is high in antioxidants and herbal teas.
Drink more water!
Water not only flushes out and detoxifies the system, it also re-hydrates our bodies and maintains the skin’s elasticity. You can never have too much of it! Drink as much of it as you can to keep your skin clear, glowing and plump. Aim for 2 litres a day.
If you don’t like the taste of water. You can try flavouring your water with sliced fruit. Lemon and cucumber slices are a popular combination.
Cut down on sugar
High intakes of refined sugar will speed up skin ageing, causing more wrinkles and lines. I would say, try to limit all refined sugar.
See if you can you replace your sugary treat with something else? Maybe a little dark chocolate, fruit or a small amount of good quality honey?
Excess refined carbohydrates and processed foods will also speed up ageing. Have the odd take away, or ready meal, but make it once a month, not every day.
What about the sun?
We all know that we need to be careful in the sun. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to many skin problems and contribute to the ageing of our skin.
Use a good sunscreen, and think about wearing hats, sunglasses, covering your arms and keeping out of the sun at the hottest parts of the day.
Moisturise often
Make sure to constantly keep your skin moisturised throughout the day. Especially during the winter months when the heating and cold weather can dry out the skin.
Eat the rainbow!
Another way to protect your skin from sun damage is to eat plenty of dark leafy greens like kale and spinach. Kale in particular is one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin nutrients that help block out the free radicals created by UV light.
Eating a diverse variety of fresh fruits and vegetables each day that are different colours will give your skin and body everything it needs. The darker and brighter the colour, the more nutrients you will get.
Get your beauty sleep
We all know the saying and there is a lot of truth behind it. Our bodies regenerate and make collagen when we sleep which is all good for our skin. Make sure to get good quality sleep and aim for at least 8 hours a night.
Increase Collagen and hyaluronic acid
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. It’s the major component of the connective tissues that make up several body parts, including skin. It’s what makes our skin plump and elastic.
As we age, collagen decreases so you may want to add in a supplement. There are many on the market, but I recommend a powder by Higher Nature which also contains hyaluronic acid.
You can also boost your collagen through these foods
- Bone broth
- Chicken
- Sardines
- Berries
- Broccoli
Treat yourself to a facial massage
Facial massage is great for younger looking skin. This is why your skin looks so fresh afterwards.
Here are some techniques that you can use at home to achieve the same results:
- Long diagonal strokes upward, in line with the cheekbones, help engage and tighten muscles.
- Light tapping will stimulate the lymphatic system and drain the skin of excess fluid to reduce puffiness.
- To reduce the appearance of under eye bags, stroke from inside the eye socket outwards.
- For best results, invest in a good quality facial massage oil.
Quit smoking
There is no other way of saying this. Smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion.
Exercise
Exercising regularly will also help skin! It improves blood flow which nourishes cells and removes toxins from the skin. Improved overall health and less stress means better skin.
Supplements
One supplement that is truly amazing against sun damage is astaxanthin. Use it together with your SPF and your skin will be glowing.
Vitamin C and A are also amazing for the skin.
If you are on any medication always consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Treatments for Sun damage
I always promote healthy eating, lifestyle and supplements. But sometimes if there is a lot of sun damage like pigmentation, you may need a little help. IPL is fantastic for getting rid of dark spots and pigmentation caused by sun damage.
I hope you have found this post detailing how to get glowing skin helpful. If you have any questions or are looking for help with your health journey, please do get in touch.