There is no magic pill that stops us from ageing, but that doesn’t mean we can’t all age with grace, poise and great skin!
Collagen is a protein in your body that provides structure to much of your body, including your skin. As you age, your body slowly starts to produce lesser amounts of collagen. One of the visible signs of this is your skin becoming less firm and supple. This is completely natural and just part of life, but there are simple things you can do to help reduce the effects of ageing on your skin.
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Keep hydrated!
You have probably heard that hydration is key to achieving a healthy, radiant complexion. Well, you’ve heard right. Hydration aids the skin to flush away toxins and carry nutrients to the skin’s cells and helps to replenish the skin tissue and assists in increasing its elasticity, resulting in a delay in the onset of ageing, like wrinkles and fine lines.
We recommend drinking at least two litres of water daily to keep your body and your skin sufficiently hydrated however it is important to also include topical hydrating solutions, such as moisturiser and serums to help reduce signs of ageing.
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Beauty sleep
After a bad night’s sleep, we are sure that you can notice the toll it takes on your skin. During sleep, your skin’s blood flow increases to assist in rebuilding its collagen and repairs damage from UV exposure, reducing signs of ageing such as wrinkles and age spots.
To make the most of this natural process while you catch those zzz’s, make sure you remove any makeup and other debris from the skin’s surface. Find a gentle gel cleanser that works with your skin to promote clarity and make skin supple. If you are feeling in need of some extra love, use a toner to assist with the removal of bacteria before you hit the hay.
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You are what you eat!
Science has shown us that our dietary habits play a major role in the ageing process of our skin. Consuming healthy oils, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin C are not just beneficial for your overall health, they can greatly impact the health of your skin. You will be on your way to bright, youthful skin if you pack your diet with these types of foods:
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Avocado -
Full of healthy fats and Vitamin E, avocados are great for supporting the health of your skin. Vitamin E is most effective at combating the effects of free radicals which are responsible for breaking down our skin's collagen. So, while it may hinder your home loan options, we say the smashed avo at breaky is the way to go! -
Foods high in vitamin C –
Oranges, kiwifruits, capsicums and guavas are all rich in vitamin C which is a powerhouse when it comes to anti-ageing as it increases collagen production. -
Fatty fish -
Fish like salmon and mackerel are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are key players when it comes to elasticity and moisture of the skin. Fatty fish are also a great source of vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant for your skin.
For more information on how to navigate what foods you should be popping on your shopping list and what foods you should avoid, check out our blog on ‘Find out what certain foods are doing to your skin’.
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Butt out!
Giving up smoking can have amazing and long-lasting results for your skin. Smoking speeds up the breakdown of collagen and reduces the skin’s elasticity, which are two key players when it comes to ageing skin. Vascular constriction caused by smoking inhibits blood flow and oxygen from reaching skin cells, which also results in premature ageing of the skin.
When someone quits smoking, circulation of blood and nutrients flowing to the outer layers of the skin improve - almost immediately! Most of what has been damaged can be significantly improved, including collagen and elastin renewal.
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Slip, slop, slap!
Oh the sunshine, gosh do we love it and need it… but it sure can wreak havoc on our skin! The damage caused by UV rays is one of the most common causes of premature ageing of the face. Wearing sunscreen daily will help slow down the signs of ageing, like wrinkles and fine lines.
We recommend always applying 30+SPF under your makeup even if your makeup has SPF in it.
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I be up in the gym just workin’ on my fitness, he’s my witness (ooh-wee)
If it’s good enough for Fergie, it’s good enough for us! Keeping fit and healthy is an important part in your quest to youthful skin. By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells keeping them plump and youthful.
Providing your skin with oxygen, blood flow also helps flush waste products, including free radicals, which damage your skin and promote the signs of ageing. We know not everyone loves working out, but maybe this will be a little boost of motivation for you.
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Our favourite topic: Skincare
A daily skincare regime with quality products is an important part of slowing down your skin’s ageing process. Products to seek out should include ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and AHA Enzymes.
Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful moisture binding ingredient that hydrates the skin, reducing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles by creating a plumping effect.
Vitamin C as you know is a collagen booster, so we thoroughly recommend including Vitamin C not only in your diet, but in your skincare as well. It stimulates collagen production, fights against free radical damage while also reducing pigmentation and evening out skin tone.
AHA Enzymes are known for their anti-ageing properties. They can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promote collagen production by destroying old collagen fibres to make way for new ones.
Two of our anti-ageing powerhouse products you need in your life are our Rejuvenating HY C Serum and our AHA Enzyme Exfoliant!
The Rejuvenating HY C Serum is packed full of anti-ageing ingredients and antioxidants including Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C & E, Celery Extract, Sea Buckthorn Oil and Olive Leaf Extract. It encourages cell renewal, increases collagen production, hydrates and fights free radical damage all while reducing pigmentation and evening out skin tone.
AHA Enzyme Exfoliant is fruity and fabulous! It gently exfoliates and dissolves dead skin cells to reveal a soft, bright, even and radiant complexion. A combination of fruit enzymes and lactic acid detoxifies the skin to restore its natural barrier and balance oil production while maintaining hydration.
Combine a great skincare routine with a healthy and active lifestyle and you’ll stave off fine lines and wrinkles for a little while longer!