4 ANTI-AGEING SKIN HABITS TO KEEP THAT YOUTHFUL GLOW

As we get older our skin starts to lose vital collagen and elastin that keep it looking young. Luckily, you can cheat and eat your way to smoother, healthier skin.

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Our expert, Terri-Ann Feris, shares her tips and tricks to beat the signs of ageing.

1. BOOST WITH VITAMINS
Vitamins A, C and E help protect cells from free radical damage, delaying wrinkles and also treating pigmentation. Ideally, use products containing these essential vitamins twice a day.
‘Heavy-duty products like serums and oils are more concentrated than moisturisers and will feed your skin with beneficial nutrients,’ says skin expert and somatologist Terri-Ann Feris (somatology is the study or science of the human body). Her advice is to avoid mineral oils, as these are comedogenic (they block pores and can cause blackheads). ‘Go for natural, non-comedogenic plant-based oils,’ she adds. You can make your own skin oil by mixing rosehip with jojoba oil to get your vitamin A, C and E fix.

2. REMOVE DEAD SKIN
Dull skin lacks vitality and youthful glow. Exfoliating once a week will lift dead skin, boost circulation and even out skin tone. Add a teaspoon of sugar to your regular cleanser and massage in gently before rinsing. ‘The active ingredients in your serums and oils will absorb more efficiently on exfoliated skin,’ says Feris.

3. KEEP HYDRATED
Dehydrated skin will develop fine lines. ‘In addition to drinking enough water you can also use a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid,’ says Feris. ‘This helps your skin retain moisture and ultimately stay plump. Try an avocado-based face mask once a week to maintain skin moisture levels. Natural avocado oils deeply penetrate the skin to reduce fine lines and promote skin elasticity,' she adds. Mash half an avocado with yogurt and honey for a hydrating mask. Leave on your face for 15-20 minutes for the best results.

4. ALWAYS PROTECT
Sunblock, sunblock, sunblock! ‘Yes, you’ve heard this one before but sun damage can range from dehydration to loss of elasticity, wrinkles, pigmentation and even skin cancer,’ warns Feris. So always use sunblock – even in winter or on cloudy days.



SKIN FOOD
Include these basic foods daily for healthy, glowing skin.

• Rooibos tea – loaded with wrinkle-busting antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
• Brazil nuts – packed with selenium, which boosts skin-firming elastin.
• Avocado – keeps skin moisturised and plump with essential fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E.
• Lemons – ‘Lemon water is great for the skin as it flushes out toxins,’ says Feris. ‘It also contains vitamin C to boost collagen production for a smoother, healthier look,’ she adds.

By Deevya Vasson Lalla