Turning back the age clock

Expert tips for caring for ageing skin, the natural way

In today's world, the pursuit of youthfulness often leads to invasive beauty practices and skincare products filled with chemicals. However, it's possible to take a holistic approach to anti-ageing, nurturing the health of our skin naturally. From harnessing the power of antioxidant-rich foods to indulging in nourishing botanical extracts, we find out how to keep your skin looking radiant and vibrant for years to come.

Eat well to age well

"Maintain a balanced diet with foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fermented foods and vitamins A, C, D and E to support skin health," says Ruth Jamieson, a functional nutritionist with ARVRA wellness (www.arvra.co.uk). "Combat dryness and itching by focusing on essential fatty acids found in walnuts, oily fish and flaxseed." Ruth also recommends eating foods that are rich in sirtuin activators, which can support DNA repair and combat ageing. She adds: "Top foods that contain sirtuin activators include the following: blackcurrants, green tea, kale, parsley, onions, olives, fermented tofu and other soy products, turmeric and dark chocolate."

Hydration is key

"When it comes to maintaining healthy skin, hydration is everything ... both for internal and external skin health," says Denise Rabor, a natural beauty expert and owner of the independent natural skincare brand, the DOR Beauty Edit (thedorbeautyedit.com). "We all know that drinking adequate amounts of water is important for healthy skin, but so is eating water-rich foods like cucumber and cutting back on dehydrating fluids like tea and coffee. Eating water-rich foods not only increases your water intake, but you also have the added benefits of the nutrients. Dehydration can affect our skin in the form of dryness and fine lines, so by keeping yourself hydrated, you will help keep your skin feeling plump and maintain your skin's elasticity."

Try some anti-ageing herbs and plant compounds

"Specific herbs are known to help protect the skin matrix, and some are known to support collagen synthesis," says Ruth Jamieson. "Some of these natural compounds can fight off harmful molecules called free radicals and protect our skin from damage. Others, like arabica coffee fruit extract and poplar bud extract, can help our skin make more collagen, which keeps it firm and youthful. Others, like cinnamon, ginseng, radix astragali (a root), ganoderma lucidum (a fungus), ginkgo biloba (a Chinese herb), and gynostemma pentaphyllum (a herbal tea), are gaining popularity as anti-ageing treatments."

Treat your skin daily

"Moisturising our skin on a daily basis is vital," says Denise Rabor. "Using serums that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can really boost the moisture content of our skin. Hyaluronic acid in particular holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. After cleansing, apply your hyaluronic acid serum to your face neck and décolleté, before applying any treatment serums like vitamin C, and then seal it all in with your moisturising cream. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts collagen production to support the structure of your skin. It also neutralises the free radicals that cause oxidative stress to skin and lead to premature skin ageing."

Exfoliate each week

Regular exfoliation is an important part of any natural beauty routine. It helps to remove dead skin cells and gives your complexion a fresh, radiant appearance. It's important not to exfoliate every day though as this can actually damage the skin's protective barrier. Two to three times a week should be sufficient. Finely ground oatmeal, sugar and fruit enzymes are all natural exfoliants which won't irritate the skin.

Look for a natural sunscreen

Sun exposure is one of the main causes of premature ageing, leading to wrinkles, age spots, and loss of elasticity. Look after your skin by wearing sunscreen every day – even when it's cloudy. For the most natural form of protection against harmful UV rays, look for sunscreens that are mineral-based, containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are known as "physical" sunscreens because they sit on the skin's surface, shielding it from the sun's rays.

Use natural oils

Natural oils are a great way to hydrate and plump up your skin, as opposed to heavy, chemical-laden moisturisers. Jojoba oil, argan oil and rosehip seed oil are all rich in vitamins and fatty acids that help restore moisture and improve skin elasticity. These oils also have anti-inflammatory properties which can be particularly soothing for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

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