Top ten tips for ageing skin

How to make your skin look at its best

1. Cleanse, tone and moisturise, using products suitable for your skin type

2.  Ageing skin is usually dry and dehydrated, so look for  hydrating products for a dry skin

3.  Toners are not always necessary nowadays, but the hydrating spritzers are useful for use throughout the day to refresh and hydrate (and stop make up looking powdery)
4.  Cleansers should be gentle and avoid using soap, as it is far too moisture-stripping. Opt for creamy cleansers that can be tissued or rinsed off
5.  Exfoliation is a vital step for healthy skin, because as we age, our cell turnover slows right down, leading to a build-up of dead cells which can make skin dull and prevent creams from penetrating effectively. Look for gentle exfoliators rather than a harsh scrub and aim to use twice a week
6.  A good moisturise is your skin’s saviour as you age, as it is reduces water loss throughout the skin and prevents flakiness and tightness.  Look for ingredients like Shea Butter, Hyaluronic Acid and Rosehip Seed oil, Vitamins A, C and E.
7.   Use a good SPF all year long. This is your weapon against preventing further skin ageing and stopping your brown spots from getting worse. Over exposure to the sun is what causes the patches of pigmentation in the first place, so you must get into the habit of using SPF. Also apply it to your hands instead of hand cream.
8.   Use a moisturising/firming face mask once or twice a week. Using it after you have exfoliated will help the mask to penetrate better. This is an intensive moisture boost and can plump the skin and combat dehydration. Apply your mask generously and leave it on for 15-20 minutes, lie down with your feet up – raising your ankles above the level of your heart helps the circulation – and relax!
9.   Use a good eye cream. Eye formulations are often lighter, as the skin around your eyes is very delicate. A good eye cream/serum is used to fill out lines around the eyes and hydrate the skin.
10. A lovely treat is a silk pillowcase. As well as feeling luxurious, silk feels beautiful on your skin as you sleep and you wake without creases and with less frizzy hair! Cotton pillowcases tend to absorb your face creams at night, which is a waste of money on your creams

Getting into the habit of really caring for your skin pays dividends as you age and once you know what you are doing, can be thoroughly enjoyable!

Julia is a leading holistic skin therapist who combines high tech treatments and skincare with an in depth knowledge of nutrition and natural therapies.
She draws upon her 15 years of experience and training to visibly improve her client’s skin conditions and believes in a preventative approach to anti-ageing. Julia’s philosophy is that “all skins can be measurably improved”.www.juliahart.co.uk