The 3 Secrets Of Anti Ageing
It’s generally accepted that getting enough sleep, low stress levels and staying out of the sun can help maintain the dewy glow of youth – but what can you proactively do to keep looking young? I’m a big believer that health on the inside manifests as glowing beauty on the outside. I’m no doctor, but I can vouch for what works for me. Here are the three easy anti ageing steps which I swear by: Diet, Exercise and Skin Care and Treatments.
Diet
It’s important to be aware of the role that a good diet plays in looking great. No matter what your age, there are some powerful nutritional foods that are worth incorporating into your daily diet. Of the endless lists of ‘superfoods’ which appear in magazines and websites, a few key items show up more than most:
Berries
Acai, Goji and Blueberries are all filled with antioxidants which help protect the skin’s collagen from free radicals. For a tasty and nutritious boost, add a handful to a banana smoothie to give it a lovely purple hue.
Green foods
Spirulina, Chlorella and Wheatgrass aren’t always at the top of everyone’s favourite food lists, but a colleague of mine (who is 29 but looks 23) convinced me that they have anti ageing properties. Mix a scoop of the powder into some juice to disguise the (initially) shocking taste. Ignore the disgusted looks and comments you get from those around you while drinking the concoction.
Fish Oil
The omega-3 fatty acids found in Cod liver and other fish oils have long been shown to prevent dry skin and fight the causes of cellular aging. Getting it from a bottle is more economical than pills, and offers a larger serving size.
Green or White Tea
This really is a no brainer and is one of the easiest ways to rehydrate your skin, while consuming some powerful antioxidants at the same time.
Exercise
A recent study has confirmed what gym bunnies have known for years – exercise prevents premature ageing. Regularly getting active for just 30 minutes a couple of times a week is all it takes to reap anti ageing results. The increased circulation of blood around your body gives your skin a natural healthy glow.
Flexibility
Gentle stretching exercises, such as yoga or Pilates are a wonderful way to unwind. They also increase blood circulation and the release of serotonin, a chemical which boosts overall health and well-being.
Cardiovascular
Exercises which increase your heart rate for a sustained period help to fight depression and keep your overall body weight down. I’ve often been complimented on my appearance after finishing a workout. This is partly down to the release of endorphins which make you smile, and partly because I’m so happy it’s over and I can breathe again!
Strength Building
Weight training exercises lead to an increased metabolism, as well as reducing the loss of strength and muscles as we get older. Resistance exercises have also been shown to maintain insulin levels and keep your blood pressure under control. This can help prevent cravings for the unhealthy foods you know you should be avoiding.
Skin care and treatments
When combined with a good diet and exercise, regular care and attention to your skin can give an immediate and long lasting boost to your appearance.
Skin Care
Regular use of a good skin care regime such as Liz Earle can make a real difference. Buff away dead skin with their Cleanse and Polish cleanser, follow with a swipe of their alcohol free toner and finish with a moisturiser to help make dull skin a thing of the past.
Saunas and Steam Rooms
The ancient Romans knew what they were doing. Nothing feels as fabulous as an immune boosting sauna after a workout to relax the muscles, reduce cellulite and smooth the skin. Whenever I visit the Balmoral Spa in Edinburgh, I head straight for the steam room to stretch out any tight muscles.
Treatments
As a Groupon customer, you already have access to the best Spa and Salon deals around. Nothing beats a massage to stimulate or relax the body. For a little extra help on your quest to look amazing, why not try the new Indiba treatment, which uses high-frequency currents to aid lymphatic drainage, boost muscle tone, break down fatty tissue and tighten and lift slack skin.
With thanks to Mick, VancityAllie and pasukaru76 for the photos!
Great article. I own a skin clinic and follow all of the advice featured. The only thing I would add is to always use sun protection , even on cloudy days. Daylight makes a huge contribution to aging.
Good advice! I often forget to wear sunscreen on cloudy days but I’m sure it makes a lot of difference in the long run
Just a warning re’ Chlorella. It can make you very queasy two days ago I was violently sick because of it. Please check possible side effects before taking it. The up side was that , as stated above, the anti aging properties were miraculous. Worth a try but reduce dosage if you feel a bit rough. Or stop , as I unfortunately , had to
I sometimes get a little queasy with fresh wheatgrass if I drink it straight, but if it’s mixed in with other juices or a banana smoothie it seems to counteract. I suppose it’s like certain other things – add a mixer so it’s not too strong, and don’t drink it neat!
last year I had a couple of handfuls of goji berries a day, unfortunately it resulted in getting a purple bum, which left stains on my bedding. It mistified the doctor, then I realised it was the berries. The purple pigment went when I stopped taking them. I also do not think I overdosed on them, but was obviously a side effect.