Look Younger For Longer

There are some things in life that are inevitable. But unlike rainy weather and holidays coming to an end, the recent scientific advancements in skincare mean we can now take greater steps to slow down the visible signs of ageing.

"Ten per cent of ageing comes from intrinsic factors," says Colin D'Silva, senior scientist, P&G Beauty. "Basically, things just slow down with time: collagen declines, your skin doesn't exfoliate as well, and it loses its ability to hold water as efficiently."

Dr Lucien Aubert, director of Biotherm Research Laboratory, adds that we also need to take significant steps to shield against the external aggressors, which make up the other 90 per cent of skin ageing.

"To prevent the ageing process, it's very important to protect and repair the DNA in your cells," he says.

Here, we show you how to combat these changes with a gentle, but high-tech approach.

Protect & Repair

Undo the day's damage for a healthier look

The issue: "DNA is the path of genetic information in every cell in your body, and more than 300,000 DNA modifications are induced every day, in each skin cell, by the sun and other aggressors, such as pollution," says Dr Aubert.

He explains that skin cell production is like photocopying: each time you take a copy (that is, your cells divide and multiply), some information is lost and the quality of the reproduction deteriorates. This, combined with a slowed rate of cell renewal due to biological factors, results in visible signs of ageing.

"To prevent this process, and to maintain an original copy of each cell, the protection and repair of DNA is very important," he asserts.

The solution: According to Dr Aubert, every age group can benefit from products that protect your DNA, and encourage optimum cell health.

"If you're 20, you want protection to slow down the ageing process, whereas in your 50s, you need to not only shield and repair your DNA, but also to rebalance it to an optimal, healthy state," he says.

By combining the protective effects of reverserol SV – an extract from the South American candle bush plant – with Biotherm's star ingredient Pure Thermal Plankton, research has shown that this combination can help to protect your complexion's DNA, while also preserving its repair and rejuvenation capacity.

"It's not genetic modification; we don't change the DNA structure, we just rebalance the skin to function normally," points out Dr Aubert.

The buys:

The Biotherm Skin Vivo range, including Reversive Anti-aging Care Cream, $140, and Reversive Anti-aging Serum, $155, applies Dr Aubert's research. "It's a line of anti-ageing skincare that works to protect and improve the natural repair process of your DNA, and also helps the skin rebalance to a healthy, optimum state," says Dr Aubert. Trials of this new range by Dr Aubert and his team have shown the visible signs of ageing were significantly reduced over four weeks, with greater improvements over another three weeks. "From hydration and elasticity to tone and radiance, we showed that all skin parameters changed," he states.

Lancôme Génefique Youth Activator, $239, uses similar technology, claiming to speed up the skin's repair process to its optimum level, for a velvety and even tone.

Shy away from the sun

With up to 90 per cent of skin ageing caused by the sun's harmful UV rays, it's no surprise that dermatologists and skincare scientists unanimously recommend the use of broad-spectrum sun protection when heading outdoors. "The sun is the worst thing for the skin," says Dr Aubert, who stresses that it's responsible for speeding up the ageing process, while limiting your complexion's capacity to repair itself against future sun exposure and other external aggressors.

Re-plump & Replenish

Create a cushioned, crease-free complexion.

The issue: Think of your skin like a mattress: the "springs", made up of proteins such as collagen and elastin, keep the surface plumped and youthful.

According to a recent study by skincare brand SK-II, a change in firmness suddenly occurs in your 30s, when your skin's ability to produce these support proteins starts to decrease, leading to a loss of density and the formation of lines and wrinkles.

"When you reach the age of 35, you begin to lose protein production by the rate of one per cent a year," explains Vargas. "Also, your skin can't hold all the moisture that it once did, leading to a loss of density. Your complexion needs to have an optimal moisture balance for processes to carry on as they should, and for a fuller appearance."

The solution: Karra Beck, director of education for Perricone MD, suggests the use of topical treatment products that will help jump-start your skin's collagen and elastin production to help re-plump your complexion.

Vitamin C-based products will "significantly increase levels of both collagen and elastin", she explains. Hydrating ingredients, such as lactic and hyaluronic acids, will also create a fuller, firmer finish.

The buys:

Try Avon Anew Clinical Derma-Full x3 Facial Filling Serum, $79.99, which is packed with hyaluronic acid to re-plump, or La Prairie Anti-Aging Night Cream, $280, which aims to boost protein production. For targeted firming, opt for L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Face Contours & Neck, $35.95, and Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum, $32.49.

Expert tip

"One of the most common mistakes women make is switching from product to product," says Tony Vargas, vice-president of global research and development for Elizabeth Arden. "When you find a product that works, stick with it. If you find it's not working as it used to, check to see if it's been recently improved, or add a treatment product that's a little bit more powerful than what you're (currently) using."

Reveal Radiance

Unveil a brighter, more youthful appearance.

The issue: "As you get older, your skin's ability to renew itself slows," explains Colin D'Silva. "From your late 20s, the natural process of exfoliation isn't as efficient as it used to be and those dead skin cells lead to a loss of luminosity."

Vargas adds: "Your skin cells aren't reproducing as rapidly, and you are getting a slower rate of turnover."

The solution: When your cell metabolism starts to slow, use exfoliators twice a week to help stimulate and refine your skin tone. This will also aid in maximising the properties of your moisturiser. Then, use treatment products that contain ingredients such as alpha lipoic acid and anti-oxidants, like vitamin C, which will help to energise your skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production.

"Dull complexions can also be helped by the foods we eat," says Beck, who recommends a radiance-boosting diet rich in protein from fish, shellfish, poultry and tofu; low-glycemic carbohydrates, including wholegrains, colourful fresh fruits and vegetables; healthy fats, such as those found in cold-water fish like Alaskan salmon and herring, raw nuts, seeds and olive oil; and plenty of water and anti-oxidant-rich green tea.

The buys:

Reveal a refreshed skin tone by using an exfoliating cleanser, like Perricone MD Cosmeceuticals Nutritive Cleanser, $70, followed by a gentle twice-weekly scrub with Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Gentle Line Smoothing Exfoliator, $65. For an immediate effect that comes with long-term benefits, we like SK-II Signature Skin Signature, $195, and Dior Capture Totale Flash Instant Rescue Eye Treatment, $160.