There’s nothing wrong with a few wrinkles, but who wants to appear older than they need to? Here are 14 tips to keep you looking good as the years fly by.
1. Cleanse more effectively
To improve skin tone and texture, use a product containing glycolic acid and massage in for at least a minute before rinsing off. Try Dr LeWinn’s Reversaderm Glycolic Clarifying Cleanser $45.90 or IZ Cleanser $29.99. Glycolic products increase sun sensitivity so apply an SPF30 after your morning cleanse.
Try these products: IZ Cleanser $29.99. Dr LeWinn’s Reversaderm Glycolic Clarifying Cleanser $45.90. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair range $39.99 each.
2. Build collagen by using retinol
This form of vitamin A has long been known to combat wrinkles as well as sun damage and blemishes. Over-the-counter products such as Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair range $39.99 each (see products above) contain a smaller concentration of the active ingredient so are gentle on the skin. For maximum results, see a dermatologist for prescription retinoids.
3. Check your hair colour
If it’s too dark for your skin tone, it will emphasise every line and imperfection. Too light and it will make you look washed out. In general, softer colours are more flattering and warm-toned highlights round the face can add brightness. Your stylist will be able to help you find the perfect hue for you.
Try these products: MAC lipstick in Morange. Elizabeth Arden Advanced Eye-Fix Primer, $52. Maybelline NY Master Kajal Eyeliner in Lapis Blue $19.99. Revlon age-defying CC Cream $28.50.
4. Rethink your make-up
Wear less foundation and choose a dewy formula. Swap black eyeliner for a brown or navy one. Don’t over-powder the face. Choose a long-lasting lipstick to avoid bleed. Prime the eyes to keep shadows to a minimum. Also, be careful with volumising mascaras – some can be too heavy for thinning lashes.
5. Keep skin hydrated
Even a basic moisturiser will plump skin and keep it flexible so expression lines are slower to form. Use an SPF year-round. CC creams are ideal as they can be worn alone or as a base for make-up. Revlon age-defying CC Cream $28.50 is the best I’ve found.
6. Sip water from a glass
Drinking from a bottle or through a straw can deepen lines around the mouth.
Prevent facial lines with this Peace Pillow, $170.
7. Prevent sleep lines
Squishing your face against the pillow makes lines. Sleep on your back, use a smooth satin pillow case and/or invest in a Peace Pillow $170. These are shaped to support the neck, head and shoulders and make it difficult to sleep on your stomach, which is the most line-creating position. I’ve also noticed less eye puffiness since using mine.
8. Quit smoking
Smoking destroys the collagen and elastin in the skin, not to mention creating lines round the mouth.
9. Maintain a consistent healthy weight
Yo-yo-ing up and down causes skin to lose elasticity.
10. Eat an alkaline diet
Consume vegetables, nuts, fruits and seeds and food lower in animal proteins, refined sugars and processed foods.
Yoga is a great way to relax and unwind after a stressful day.
11. Exercise daily
This promotes blood flow to the skin and keeps your complexion glowing.
12. Minimise stress
Try to create time to rest and relax away from phones and computer screens. Meditation and yoga can really help with this.
13. Get a fringe
Have a fringe cut and hide forehead lines. Fringes suit women with round or long face shapes and tall foreheads – that is, lots of distance between the eyebrows and the hairline.
Brows start to thin as we age. Try these products to help you maintain fuller and more youthful looking brows.
14. Create a fuller brow
Your brows give structure to your face and can thin as you age. With a pencil such as The Body Shop Brow Definer $20, fill in sparse areas with short, hair-like lines and finish with a brow gel to hold in place. We like MAC Brow Set in clear $36.
Take a look at this these top five winter skin care tips here.
