Quite simply, peptides mimic nature’s tissue regenerating processes. They assume the role of messenger and can signal specialised cells in the Dermis (Fibroblasts) to increase the production of:

• Collagen
• Glycosaminogylcans – which are key components of the dermis that give it strength and turgor.

There are many types of Peptides used in skincare products, for example: Palmityoyl Tripeptide-5, Oligopeptides, tetrapeptides, Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 – this is marketed as the Botox alternative – but no topical product can stop muscle contraction in the way Botox can! All of these Peptides will have a slightly different way in which they strengthen the dermal matrix.

The Bottom Line on Peptides

These are very worthy ingredients to look for in any anti-ageing product you may choose, just make sure there is enough of them in the product. Check the ingredients list and make sure that your peptide ingredient is halfway or above in the ingredient list, this is normally reflected in the price. They are also a good choice for sensitive skins, who cannot tolerate Retinol or AHA’s. They won’t work miracles, but used regularly you will see excellent cumulative results and keep your skin in good condition – try applying after using a Derma Roller for extra penetration and results.

My Top Peptide Products

• Jan Marini Transformation Cream
• Jan Marini Age Intervention Peptide Extreme
• Dermalogica Power Rich
• O2 Intraceuticals Line Wand

Why is Salmon so Skin Friendly?

Wild Alaskan Salmon contains DMAE, which is a powerful antioxidant that has the ability to stimulate nerve function, so your muscles contract and tighten your skin. It can prevent, what is clinically known as  “Anatomical Loss of Position” – that’s a sagging face to me and you! It is also high in the antioxidant “Astaxanthin” which gives the natural red colour to Wild Salmon (as opposed to dye in farmed salmon). Astaxanthin comes from a type of red algae that the Salmon eat, then passes up the marine food chain.

So if your skin needs to look extra wonderful, try and follow the Perricone Prescription – even if it is only for 3 days! I noticed a difference in the smoothness of my skin and it definitely looked plump and pert! We should all aim for 3 portions of oily fish a week, so if you don’t like Salmon, try Sardines and Mackeral which are also rich in DMAE, or if you don’t like any fish (slap on the wrist) then try taking DMAE and OMEGA 3 supplements.

Botox is actually a bacterially borne substance called Botulinum Toxin that was identified in the 1970’s to cause food poisoning. Since then, it has been used widely in medical practises to help, among other things, correct facial asymmetry related to paralysis and control muscle spasms, its use in cosmetic applications is relatively recent.

How does it work?

Because it temporarily paralyses muscle tissue and breaks a muscle protein called SNAP-25, which is necessary for muscle contraction. localised injections of botox smooth out the lines caused by common facial expressions (frowning, squinting), crows feet, frown lines and furrows in the forehead are the most common areas treated, and just one session can last up to six months and when used properly is perfectly safe.

Like everything else in life, however more is not better! – unless you like looking expressionless, so take it easy!

What’s important to remember is that botox only smooths lines caused by repeated muscle contractions. Lines caused by sun damage and other causes of premature ageing are not remedied by the injection because they are not caused by muscle activity, but rather by the collapse of collage and elastin.

So whether or not you choose to get botox, you should still take good care of your skin and keep your skin protected from the sun. Injections should not be an excuse to forget to look after your skin – prevent the damage before it is done.

A good skin routine with products that contain antioxidants, cell communicating ingredients (vitamin A, peptides), AHA’s and most importantly sun protection. Remember that whether you get a facelift, injections/fillers – it is still the same skin you are lifting or filling! So take care of it!

The risks

Do your homework and find a reputable doctor or clinic – go with a friends recommendation, and be aware that things can go wrong!

Botox like products are no substitute for botox, no matter what they say on the label! Hexapeptides do have firming properties but cannot stop your muscles from contracting!

Allergan are the makers of Botox (Botox is the Trade name) – For more information take a look at their website.

An up and coming rival for Botox is Dysport, also known as Azzalure, this is made in the UK and first came on the market about 10 years ago. This competition will probably bring the prices down and make these injections more accessible for many people.

I don’t frown (sorry!) upon anyone who has opted for Botox! I think it has a place in an anti-ageing strategy if you desire it! For now though I am quite content with managing without it, and far too much of a wimp!

Vitamin C is one of the many super vitamins with powerful antioxidant and age-defying effects. It is an important Vitamin to be taken  internally and also to apply the most stable/non-irritating form of Vitamin C topically to our skin.

The best known form of Vitamin C is “L-ascorbic acid”, this is the most widely used in vitamins and skincare products, however it is water soluble and cannot penetrate the surface of the skin, it is also rather acidic and can be  irritating to some skins.

Vitamin C is critical in every aspect of a youthful, healthy skin – remember that we cannot make Vitamin C in our bodies, it has to come from food or supplements. The average pool of Vitamin C is around 1500mg and the average person must have a continuous intake of Vitamin C in order to maintain bodily functions. Our skin is especially vulnerable to Vitamin C deficiency, as it is pulled out of the skin to maintain other bodily functions. Stress can cause even greater amounts of Vitamin C to be depleted from the skin.

Scurvy - the Sailors Disease

Scurvy is one of the conditions of severe Vitamin C deficiency and was most common in sailors at sea without any fresh fruit or vegetables for many months. One of the first signs was slack, loose skin, as we know Vitamin C is vital for Collagen production and maintenence and a lack of Vitamin C causes it to degrade – hence the slack skin, a persons gums would also bleed. This is extreme and hopefully no-one is suffering from scurvy anymore!, but you would be surprised how many people are lacking enough Vitamin C. Since Vitamin C in our foods is affected by climate, soil conditions, cooking, storage time etc, you may not be getting as much as you’d thought! hence the wisdom of taking a daily supplement of around 500 – 1000mg. If you find that regular Vitamin C Supplements can irritate your stomach, look out for C-esta supplements, it is gentle on the stomach and easier to absorb by your body, it can be more expensive though.

The Different Forms of Topical Vitamin C

1. L-ascorbic Acid
2. Ascorbic Acid
3. Ascorbyl Palmitate (C-ESTER)
4. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
5. Calcium Ascorbate

It has been proven that the most effective form of topical Vitamin C is C-Ester, as it is the most stable and easily absorbed by the skin. Vitamin C-Ester is formed by adding a fatty acid from Palm Oil to L-ascorbic Acid – the resulting chemical bond creates a fat soluble compound containing Vitamin C. Compared to Ascorbic Acid it is 30x stronger at a quarter of the dose. Vitamin C-Ester can protect the skin against Free Radical damage, reduce fine lines, stimulate Collagen production, reduce pigmentation, and give a visible improvement in the skin tone and texture.

Jan Marini Skin Research has the brilliant C-ESTA Line, which incorporates C-ESTER technology alongside DMAE (Jan’s DAE Complex), for tighter, smoother skin and the prevention of future skin damage.

I definitely recommend Vitamin C for inside and outside skin rejuvenation and health benefits, it truly is a superstar ingredient! It may not be the only ingredient to consider but it should be a strong consideration in an anti-ageing skincare regime.

Resveratrol is the latest hot topic in the beauty industry right now. Resveratrol is a powerful Antioxidant and a member of the “Flavonoid” family and has shown to have 17 times greater antioxidant activity than Idebenone (this is the main ingredient in “Prevage”). Resveratrol is produced by several plants when under attack from bacteria and fungus, it’s part of the plants defence system.

Resveratrol Rejuvenates Skin Cells

 It rejuvenates the DNA of cells, accellerates wound healing and has shown to increase collagen and elastin. This is why the skincare companies “in the know” have been adding this ingredient to the formulations of their products, and is touted as an anti-ageing wonder ingredient! but it doesn’t stop at skincare, it is also definitely worth ingesting this compound for added antioxidant benefits – so you may ask, where can I get some!? well, Red Wine contains Resveratrol (it is in the skin of red grapes) and a new study says that you don’t have to drink gallons of the stuff to get enough of this compound, phew! It is also found in Peanuts, certain berries and the roots and stalks of Japanese Knotweed.

I must admit, I love Red Wine, it is the only alcoholic drink that I really enjoy, so I am thrilled at the health and anti-ageing prospects of Resveratrol. Health experts have always maintained that red wine had many health benefits, and could prevent heart disease, so this may explain the French Paradox of a very rich, fatty diet and the low cases of heart disease in France, it is said to help break down stored fat in the body.

Nearly all the dark red wines contain Resveratrol; Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir. If Red Wine is not your thing, then you can find very good Resveratrol Supplements in capsule and liquid.

With all these plus points, it is not surprising that Resveratrol has found it’s way into skincare ingredients – Environ have a range called AVST that contains Resveratrol, also Jan Marini Skin Research have included it their Age Intervention Regeneration Face Mask, which is excellent, and I am sure many more brands will follow!

Mmm Shiraz or Cabernet?…………..

Crystal Clear Skincare have come up with the ultimate, instant eye lift with these Chitosan impregnated pads.
Available in a box of 8 treatments these miracle pads smooth, lift and hydrate the fine, delicate tissue around the eyes, creating a look that is instantly fresher and less tired, they also feel lovely and cooling on the skin. 
It’s the ultimate optical illusion – giving you an instant eye lift thanks to the unique combination of an activator solution with Caffeine applied over the Chitosan pads.

 
Plumps up and smooths dehydration lines while stimulatiing  the micro-circulation with Caffeine.
Great for the morning after a night out, or pop them on before a party for perky eyes! as the skin is definitely tighter and looks brighter.  They are very simple to use, just cut round the template on the Chitosan pads and then soak with the activator solution, then apply them to underneath your eyes and find somewhere peaceful to lie down for between 10 - 20 minutes, or longer if you doze off! Achieve a similar result all over your face with Crystal Clear Mini Lift Mask, this is like a facial in a box.

Benefits of Crystal Clear Wrinkle Erase Pads

To buy Crystal Clear Wrinkle Erase Pads visit our Skincare Shop – all Crystal Clear Skincare is available including the brilliant Eye Pen.

 Hopefully some of the information here will motivate you to make a few changes and put you on the road to beautiful skin and bundles of energy.

Feeding your skin with optimum nutrition will result in clear, radiant, glowing skin and a sparkle in your eye. Better skin is ultimately about better health and nutrition is a major weapon in the battle against ageing.  Growing older is ineveitable, looking older isn’t, we can do so much to take control over how we feel and look with food. Feeding your skin from within is essential, as our largest organ their is no doubt that the skin responds to what we eat, so solve some of your skin issues with improving your diet.

Skin cells rely on a balanced supply of nutrients to grow, strengthen and fight Free Radical damage, giving your body essential antioxidants and nutrients is an effective solution to fight ageing from the inside- we truly are what we eat. Neglecting to eat well can result in your skin ageing considerably faster and deficiencies of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, B complex and Essential Fatty Acids can show in the skin as eczema and other skin conditions, it may even impair the skin’s ability to heal and repair itself. Skin is often the last to get it’s ration of nutrients, so it’s important to have a consistent diet with a variety of foods to give your body enough nutrients - supplements are also well worth taking, antioxidants and fatty acids in particular.

Eat Yourself Beautiful

Plenty of fresh, untreated foods are essential for the health of your entire body, the bonus is healthy, smooth, glowing skin with less skin problems like acne, ezcema and sensitivity – and definitely less wrinkles. Variety is the spice of life – and eating a varied diet is the best way to stay looking younger and prevent disease. Eat fresh wholefoods like – Oily fish, chicken, grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, oils, herbs and spices. Wholefood basically means it hasn’t undergone any processing and is as unrefined as possible, Wholefoods do not contain any added sugar, salt and fat – unlike the many food choices in the western diet today.

Foods To Avoid

• Burnt, brown or fried foods – these produce Free Radicals in the body
• Pesticides on fruit & veg - use organic where possible or grow your own
• Processed Foods
• Sugar – try Xylitol instead

The Best Way To Eat

I believe the best way to eat, to avoid premature ageing and promote good overall health – is an Anti-Inflammatory diet, rich in Antioxidants and Low Glycaemic Load (GL). First of all let’s understand Inflammation – this is a process that robs the skin of it’s youth, although inflammation is a natural healing reaction, it easily gets out of control and many researchers believe it is proving to be the basis of virtually every disease process from heart disease, cancer and dementia to skin problems including skin ageing. UV, pollution, ozone, smoking, all cause Free Radicals to be produced in the body – this triggers inflammation.

The GL Way of Eating

The GL diet has received a lot of media attention and lots of books have been written on the subject – fortunately it’s not hype, and here to stay. It has many positive medical benefits such as reducing adult-onset diabetes and heart disease. The perks of eating low GL is weight loss and a slim body and loads of energy – it is above all Anti-inflammatory. GL is a ranking system for Carbohydrate content in food portions based on their Glycaemic Index (GI) and portion size. The Glycaemic Index is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels, foods are rated to whether they are low (0-10), medium (11-19) or high (20+) GL. A high Glycaemic Load food, i.e – white bread, croissants and sugar releases sugars into the blood stream very quickly (known as a sugar spike) – this spike in insulin sets off a cascade of inflammation in the body. Low GL foods release sugar into the blood stream more steadily, resulting in a slow release of Insulin with very little inflammation. The Italian/Meditteranean diet is very low Gl and rich in Fish, fruits and vegetables with beneficial oils and herbs, it also helps that the food is delicious.

Increased blood sugar causes chemical reactions in the body which create inflammation, this leads to a damaging effect on skin cells and Collagen fibres and can result in inflexible collagen and wrinkle formation. To improve and protect our skin we need a low Glycaemic Load diet – rich in Antioxidants. One of the benefits I have found in this way of eating is a huge increase in energy levels, also by keeping blood sugar levels stable, you not only feel better but your not tempted by a high sugar treat or snack high in fat. We should aim to have something to eat every three hours to help keep blood sugar stable.

The Top Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Ageing Superfoods

By simply maintaining a sensible approach to the foods we eat, I admit we can’t be 100% saintly all the time, treats in moderation, but I try to eat the best I can 90 % of the time, and don’t feel bad if you have a treat occasionaly! Luckily, there is an abundant selection of readily available foods, (some call them Superfoods) that are rich in Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory, here’s my pick of the best skin friendly foods ……..

Protein

The body could not grow or function without protein – it is the basic material of life. It’s the Amino Acids in Proteins that are actually the building blocks of our body, as the body can only manufacture 11 of the 20 Amino Acids that are essential for life, the remaining 9 must be supplied by our food. An ongoing lack of protein is first noticeable in the face, as the sharp definitions and contoured cheekbones start to turn soft and doughy. When the protein supply is lacking, the body is forced to feed upon itself, this causes both muscle and tissue to break down. Try to have a portion of protein with each meal –  one egg, up to 70g of free-range skinless  Chicken or turkey – white meat is high in Selenium which is essential for the proper function of some antioxidant enzymes, meat (red meat in moderation) or oily fish – Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon, Mackerel, goats and sheep’s cheese and yogurt, milk, Soya, and don’t forget about nuts and seeds! All of these are face firming protein.

Berries

Bright red and dark  berries are rich in antioxidants and Vitamins that help protect the skin and fight disease. Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Cranberries, Black & Red cherries, red grapes, Boysenberries, Bilberries. Each berry brings its own unique nutrients to the table, so aim for a mixed handful every day and experiment. Use in a trail mix, on porridge and muesli,  For more information read –  The Nutritional Super Berries.

Fruits and Vegetables

Aim to eat around five to seven portions (a portion should fit in the palm of your hand), the more brightly coloured the better! Choose from a rainbow of beautiful Vitamin and Mineral rich fruits and Vegetables – Beta-Carotene rich red and yellow bell peppers, tomatoes, beets, courgettes, carrots, sweet potato, squash, red cabbage, cantaloupe melon, nectarines, apricots, Pomegranates, Apples have tons of antioxidants mostly in the skin so ensure you don’t peel. Dark leafy greens are high in Beta-Carotene and other anti-ageing antioxidant micro-nutrients including Vitamin E and manganese, good choices are – broccoli, Kale, Chard, Spinach and some lettuces like Romaine or Watercress and peppery Rocket. Beans have many health promoting benefits and are rich in B Vitamins and Potassium, this includes dried beans and green beans. There is so much choice available, so if you don’t like one type of vegetable, you can easily find another you love. Vegetables are also a source of fibre which is essential for a healthy digestive tract.

The Good Fats

Fat free diets are definitely trouble. Fats are essential for the functioning of our whole body, including the brain. We also need fats for our body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). However, some fats we should definitely put aside, these are a saturated fats found in full-fat dairy products and red meat, these can be pro-inflammatory in large amounts so portion size should be limited or eaten very occasionally.  Hydrogenated Trans Fats shouldn’t really be in our food, so steer clear – look at the ingredients to check as they are a genuine danger to health.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are the good guys, they are called essential as they are essential for life - our body cannot make them and must obtain them from the food we eat. EFAs are divided into two main groups – Omega 3 and Omega 6, these must be consumed in the right ratio which is 2:1 of omega 6 to omega 3 – these fatty acids are much needed not only for your internal organs but for your cell membranes, plumping the skin and moisturising from inside. Other sources of good fats are – Nuts and Seeds (Flax seeds are excellent), Avocados and Olive oil. I take Udo’s Choice balanced Omega Oil - 1 tablespoon a day, also Viridian Beauty Oil is excellent, taking a supplement ensures you don’t become deficient in EFAs.

Low GI Grains

Opt for non refined grains like Organic rough old fashioned oats, Granary bread (or Rye or Spelt), Brown rice, Wholemeal pasta, Barley, Quinoa – these are all low GI and will release their energy slowly. Avoid the Carbohydrates which cause fast and high blood glucose responses like white bread, cakes, biscuits, pies, pizza.

Juices

A cup of fresh fruit and vegetable juice everyday will boost your nutrients and have a cleansing effective on your digestive system. Try juicing carrots, beetroot, apples, ginger and any fruit and veg that may go to waste. My favourite is apple, carrot and ginger.

Nuts and Seeds

The energy in nuts and seeds amazes me – they are the life source of plants and absolutely bursting with nutrients, including protein – so good for vegetarians. They are also packed with EFAs, vitamins (skin friendly Vitamin E) and many minerals. Some of the best are Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame. Most nuts are good, avoid too many Cashews (quite fattening). Walnuts and Almonds have a rich source of antioxidants and protein, aim for a handful of seeds and nuts everyday.

Turmeric

This is one spice to add to your shopping list! Turmeric and Ginger are both high in an antioxidant polyphenol called “Curcumin” and are very anti-inflammatory. A very skin friendly spice that turns everything a lovely yellow colour. I roast a mixture of vegetables and add one teaspoon of Turmeric powder and Olive oil and coat the vegetables.

Better Health Equals Better Skin

I have tried to show you some of the foods we should be eating, instead of concentrating on everything that we shouldn’t! and remember better health equals better skin, if you start introducing some of the good foods into your life you will age beautifully with heaps of energy and glowing skin.

Resources

Check the GI database for the GI of  value of individual foods - http://www.glycemicindex.com

Patrick Holford is a leader in the GL way of eating - http://www.patrickholford.com/

 Here’s some great  books for recipe ideas and planning your food – some have  a focus on skin and health.

The Low GL Diet Bible and Cookbooks – Patrick Holford – Check out his huge range of books on the GL principle, including recipe books.

Eat Yourself Beautiful – Liz Earle (Skin Secrets also has some wonderful recipes)

The Complete Italian Cookbook – Anthonio and Priscilla Carluccio

The Perricone Prescription – Dr Nicholas Perricone

Healing with Wholefoods – Paul Pitchford

Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill- Udos Erasmus, lots of information of Nutritional Oils

There is also a growing recipe collection in my Nutritional News section and articles on the benefits of individual foods that are particularly good for us and why, like Dark Chocolate, Red Wine and Tea.

 The Anti-Inflammatory food pyramid is a practical eating guide for people of all ages to follow, to stay healthy and reduce the risk of age related diseases. You will also look better and have more energy!

The Acai Berry (pronounced ah-sigh-ee)  is a small, round, dark purple berry, the size of a small grape. The Acai Berry grows in clusters on the Acai Palm Tree, and is native to tropical Central and South America. The prime commercial source of Acai Berry comes from the area where several rivers converge within the Amazon estuary. The people of Brazil refer to Acai as “The Milk of the Amazon“.

Harvesting the Acai Berry doesn’t harm the Rainforest (something that concerned me), in fact the Acai Palm Tree will continue to thrive once the berries are picked, and it is an incentive for the natives to preserve the tree.

For centuries, the people of the Amazon have loved this unique fruit for its health boosting properties and prized it as a source of health and vitality. It seems modern science is beginning to document the many beneficial properties of the Acai Berry. It has extraordinary antioxidant levels and nutrient content, and is becoming one of the world’s top superfoods.

Why is Acai Berry so good?

The Acai Berry contains concentrated levels of Anthocyanins - a powerful family of antioxidants that assist in neutralizing the harmful effects that Free Radicals have on the body. Acai has an ORAC score (a measurement of antioxidant power) higher than any other fruit and vegetable to date, in fact it has twice the antioxidants of Blueberries and 10 – 30 times the anthocyanins of Red Wine.

 Acai Berries are rich in …

• Antioxidants
• Phytonutrients
• Amino Acids
• Vitamins
• Trace Minerals
• Omega fats – 3, 6 & 9

The Claimed health benefits of Acai Berry are….

• Healthy and more Youthful Skin!
• Slowing of the Ageing Process
• Promotion of weight loss
• Increased energy
• Stronger immune system
• Improved eye sight
• Improved circulation
• Preventing age related degenerative diseases – it has shown anti-cancer activity in a cell culture model.

There is a lot of claims being made about Acai Berry, and it seems that medical research is proving many of them true. Acai Berry may not be the answer to all diseases, and is not the only Super Food to eat, but consumed regularly will boost your health as part of a well balanced diet and Anti-Ageing strategy. For more information read Amherst College’s special Acai Berry Report.

There are many Acai Berry Supplements available today, one of the best is Dr. Perricones Super Berry Powder with Acai. If you would rather drink the juice, then Monavie has a Premier Acai Berry Blend, which has recently launched in the UK –  I take an egg cup full of this juice everyday – it’s delicious.

The ageing we see on our skin is around 80 – 90% from environmental factors (i.e. – the sun/daylight), the rest is genetic. So you see how much you could potentially control the ageing process!! So get your protection on all year round!, an absolute minimum is SPF 15, and the reason for this is that SPF 15 has shown to protect your Langerhans Cells, any less will just not protect them. These cells are so important to your immune function of your skin.

2) Your fork is your best weapon against skin ageing! - Think of it as a two-pronged attack – your topical skin products do the work on the surface and your diet tackles the task from inside! Eating the right foods gives the skin the nutrients it needs to be healthier, smoother and dare we say it – less wrinkled! A diet rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids will have great benefits for your skin and your health. Don’t forget your protein as this is the building blocks of our cells, and we need it to keep our skin firm! Try and eat some protein with each meal. Our skin is often the last to get its ration of nutrients, so a good supplement regime will benefit you, I take a multivitamin and an antioxidant supplement, as well as a balanced omega 3 & 6 oil (Udo’s Choice). Food for thought – Salmon, Soya, Olive Oil, Dark Chocolate, Blueberries, Goji Berries, Pomegranate, Seeds and nuts, Turkey and Broccoli. Try and eat as many Antioxidant rich foods as you can!

3) Beauty Sleep - Sleep is the foundation of our wellbeing. We all know the effects of a bad nights rest on our skin! – the reason is that human growth hormone is released to revitalise your body and regenerate cells, this doesn’t happen as well when we have not had enough or had any deep (slow wave) sleep.The way you sleep also determines your wrinkle pattern. If you favour one side, your face may end up more pleated on that side. Try a Silk Skin pillow case, or try to sleep most of the time on your back.

4) Where there’s smoke, there are wrinkles! – I have included this as it should be a habit to – get out of the habit!!! Smoking is possibly the worst thing (it’s up there with sunbathing) you could do to your skin. You literally rob the skin of Oxygen and precious Vitamin C – we need this to make and support Collagen. If you smoke – you will double the rate at which you age.

5) Exercise is Key – The only trouble with exercise is that we do not do enough of it! Exercise is vital for stimulating circulation and increased circulation means the network of capillaries can deliver the nutrients and water to our skin cells. Our skin’s hydration is only as good as our circulation (even if you drink litres of water!), it’s no good if your blood isn’t bringing it to your cells. Exercise also stimulates growth hormone – which slows right down when we hit 30! Quick bursts of exercise are good and also weight bearing exercise.

6) Use ingredients that work – Skin care has never been as scientific as it is now. Although cosmetic products have their limits as to what they can achieve, they can still give you remarkable cumulative results. These are my top A list ingredients that are proven and have evidence to back up their claims - Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid (topical exfoliants), Salicylic Acid, Retinoids (i.e. Vitamin A), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Peptides (cell communicators), Sunscreen actives. (We need these in high enough quantities to make a difference). The nearer the top of the ingredient list – the better! 

These are the B list and have a supporting role - Resveratrol, Green Tea, White Tea, Soy Isoflavones, Pomegranate, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Grape Seed, Linoleic/Linolenic Acids – this list is extensive, so I have chosen the most popular.

If some of both lists are in your products in high enough quantities, then you have a product well worth using!