London: Looking to reduce the signs of ageing? As we age, the skin naturally loses moisture, elastin, and collagen, causing it to thin, wrinkle and sag. And whilst ageing is natural and something to be embraced, it doesn’t mean we don’t want to improve texture, elasticity and bounce for revitalised younger-looking skin.
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Here, Alice Henshaw, skin expert and owner of Harley Street Injectables, shares five ways to help reduce premature skin ageing, from non-invasive medical-grade laser treatments and botox to the importance of wearing SPF daily.
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1. Anti-wrinkle injections
Whether you want to embrace your natural beauty or not, we shouldn’t be embarrassed about our wrinkles, nor be embarrassed to go under the needle. ‘Most people have heard of Botox or anti-wrinkle injections,’ explained Alice, who has a famed reputation for her injectable skills that achieve natural-looking and effective results.
‘While their main purpose is to improve or temporarily remove existing lines, anti-wrinkle injectables can be used as a preventative measure to help soften the expression lines that form when your face moves and put the formation of future lines on pause.’
‘With both age and repetitive muscle movement, lines settle into the face and are visible even at rest. By softening those lines and wrinkles in the skin, your face looks fresher, more youthful, and relaxed.’ Botox is usually required every 3-4 months.
2. Retinoids
If you’re not ready for the needle, retinoids such as tretinoin, commercially known as Retin A, are the only FDA-approved topical treatment for wrinkles. ‘This prescription cream reduces fine lines and large wrinkles and repairs sun damage,’ Alice says. ‘Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A found in many over-the-counter products.
‘Studies show that in a stabilized formula, in high concentrations, it may be as effective as Retin A (tretinoin), without the side effects, such as skin burning and sensitivity.’ In plain terms, retinol works by speeding up cell turnover and collagen production for smoother and younger-looking skin.
3. Laser and light resurfacing
For those who want to take beauty treatments to the next level, lasers have become increasingly popular for improving various skin problems from acne and acne scarring to wrinkles, pigmentation and rough skin.
‘Here, energy from a light source, either a laser or a pulsed diode light, removes the top layer of skin, causing a slight but unnoticeable skin “wounding”,’ explains Alice. ‘This kicks the skin’s natural collagen-production system into high gear, resulting in smoother, more wrinkle-free skin.’
4. Sleep
Sleep plays a vital role in our health and ample rest is essential to allow our skin cells time to regenerate. It’s called beauty sleep for a good reason.
‘When you don’t get enough sleep, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells,’ Alice says. ‘Get enough rest, and you’ll produce more HGH (human growth hormone), which helps skin remain thick, more “elastic,” and less likely to wrinkle.’
She added: ‘On the topic of sleep, it also helps to sleep on your back, as sleeping in certain positions night after night can lead to sleep lines and wrinkles forming. ‘Sleeping on your side increases wrinkles on cheeks and chin while sleeping face-down gives you a furrowed brow. To reduce wrinkle formation sleep on your back.’
5. Sun protection
With 80 per cent of ageing signs caused by sun exposure, it’s important to remember to stay protected every day against the sun’s harmful rays, even on cloudy days. SPF will help protect you against environmental pollutants, sun spots, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
‘Sun exposure is the most common cause of skin damage and wrinkling. UV rays prompt the formation of free radicals within the skin, which damage elastin fibres in the skin, and contribute to wrinkling and skin cancer,’ explains Alice. ‘If you go out in the sun, you should wear a hat and SPF 50 UVA and UVB. Not only will it protect you against skin cancer it will help prevent wrinkles at the same time
