5 Top Tips to beat ageing
It’s as sure as death and taxes – skin ageing, there’s nothing we can do about it. It’s sinister in its approach, slowly but surely over time we notice a few more lines, soft at first, deeper as the years go by and then we see discoloration – sun spots, freckles and the more persistent sister – pigmentation. Those over the age of 30 will know exactly how it feels to suddenly realise that you have to take care of your skin, that you need something more than just a moisturiser to keep a youthful appearance.
Dr Katherine Armour, Consultant Dermatologist in Melbourne who has both a private and public practice spoke at the launch of L’Oreal Paris’s newest ageing combatant: Revitalift Total Repair 10.
She outlined the two types of ageing: intrinsic (chronological thinning of the skin, slowing of cellular renewal that occurs all over the body) and extrinsic (external factors like sun and pollution). The most dangerous is of course sun damage, not just because of the high risk of skin cancer we get ‘downunder’ but also because of the damage it does. One only needs to compare the skin on the back of your hands to the buttocks to see the difference.
Exposure to the sun is inevitable, you can not escape it. Recent studies have shown that UVA penetrates deeper, damaging collagen. UVA is present all day long and is not shielded by windows (UVB is), so you need to be diligent with sunscreen ALL DAY long to protect yourself. And here’s the reminder of what will happen if you don’t, the clinical signs of ageing are: fine lines, skin cancer, brown spots, pigmentation, dullness, loss of volume, irregular texture, redness.
Dr Armour’s top 5 tips to fight ageing are:
1. Daily sunscreen.
2. Use an appropriate moisturiser for your skin type that will improve the appearance of your skin concerns.
3. Use a gentle rather than deep cleanser.
4. Add active ingredients into your daily regime. Vitamin A is the ultimate skin superstar but you also need Vitamins B and C. Niacinamide stimulates new collagen production and Vitamin C gives skin luminosity and prevents melanin production. Soy is also great for skin texture.
5. Avoid smoking – there are thousands of toxic chemicals that chew up collagen type 1, smoking also decreases the blood flow to the area and promotes toxin build up resulting in clogged up, dull skin that can’t repair itself properly. Seriously – why would you?
Not surprisingly the key ingredients listed above can all be found in the new range by L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Total Repair 10. It also contains a broad spectrum SPF and at just $39.99 it is an affordable way to get Vitamin A (Pro-Retinol A), B, C into your skincare regime. Coined a multi-tasking moisturiser for it’s ability to soothe stressed skin, protect from environmental elements and nourish – it is one to consider adding to your shopping trolley.
What are your thoughts on ageing?
