How To Look Younger For Longer

THE TARGET: FINE LINES AND WRINKLES

"The ageing process is accelerated on your face," says Mary Johnson, principal scientist at P&G Beauty. "Not only is it exposed to daily environmental assaults, but, unlike the rest of your body, it also has so much mobility. Your eyes, forehead and mouth are the most dynamic areas and that's where you'll see the most wrinkling."

The time-fighters: According to Johnson, a smoother, plumper complexion starts with the diligent use of sunscreen every day. She explains that by using UV protection, your skin can focus on regeneration, rather than on defending itself against external aggressors. Follow up with products that contain proven anti-ageing ingredients, such as niacinamide (vitamin B3),
retinol and co-enzyme Q10, which will further boost collagen production. Also consider that the skin under your eyes is very thin and fragile. So invest in treatment creams specific to this delicate area that will work to reverse lines without causing irritation or redness.

The treatment: Olay Regenerist Superstructure Cream SPF 30, $49.99; Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Night Emulsion, $95; Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Rejuvenating Facial Serum, $19.99; Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex, $95; Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Eye Cream, $29.99.

THE TARGET: UNEVEN SKIN TONE
"Pigmentation is primarily triggered by sun exposure," explains Dr Raymond Boissy, of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in the US. When exposed to UV radiation, your skin produces melanin, your body's in-built sunscreen. In time, and with repeated sun exposure, melanin production can become erratic, resulting in permanent brown spots or uneven tone.

The time-fighters: To create a flawless complexion, Dr Boissy suggests a three-pronged approach. Firstly, the daily application of sunscreen is a must to prevent further damage. "Regular exfoliation is also important, as it limits the build-up of dark spots and removes them prematurely, without damaging the skin," he says. Look for a cleanser with exfoliating beads, glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acids to slough away dead skin cells, or use a gentle scrub every two to three days. Finally, use skincare that contains ingredients such as pitera, chamomile extract and vitamin C, which will work to prevent future pigmentation.

The treatment: La Mer The Radiant Serum, $500; Estée Lauder Revelation Age-Resisting Brightening Crème, $68; Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser, $13.99; Chanel Précision Deep Purifying Exfoliating Mousse, $56; SK-II Whitening Source Derm-Revival Program, $190 for six masks.

THE TARGET: TEETH
You might be surprised at how your smile can affect your perceived age. "As we age our teeth darken, wear down and move out of alignment to become more crooked," notes Sydney cosmetic dentist Dr Angelo Lazaris.

The time-fighters: According to Dr Lazaris, creating a brighter, more even smile can be achieved by "straightening teeth with Invisalign [invisible clear braces] in conjunction with whitening and, in extreme cases, rebuilding worn-down teeth with porcelain veneers". Teeth-whitening treatments are available in professional and at-home options. At the dentist, you can try a one-hour treatment like BriteSmile or Zoom Whitening, or ask your dentist for a take-home kit for results in a few weeks. At-home kits are less aggressive than dentist options and can also help to remove some stains.

The treatment: Go Smile Go Discover Teeth Whitening Discovery Kit, $89; DaVinci Elite Professional Cosmetic Teeth Whitening System, $99.