Image: Shutterstock
By Vivian Kelly
Looking younger than your age is no easy feat. Environmental factors such as pollution, smoke and sun exposure are all contributing factors to how our skin ages which most of the time is out of our hands.
While getting older is inevitable, it doesn’t mean you can’t look younger than your age. With the right care and products, keeping your skin supple, fresh and more youthful is more achievable than you think.
So, your burning question: how to look younger than your age? To help we chatted to skincare expert and director and founder of London Professional Aesthetics, Elizabeth Rimmer to give us her very best tips on how to look younger than you age. Here’s what you need to know, stat.
What you need to know about anti-aging:
Related
The biggest factor influencing the way we age is determined by our genes. Darker skin types can be less prone to lines and wrinkles but more disposed to areas of patchy pigmentation which in itself can also cause aging. In fact, some studies predict that women of color age on average age 10 years more slowly than Caucasians.
But don’t be disheartened, as much as genetics is a factor, most skincare experts determine that 80% of aging is due to the lifestyle choices we make. One of the most important things to do is to apply SPF every time you step outside, regardless of the weather or season. Remember, as we age, our skin’s ability to renew itself slows down so it’s important we choose the right products to protect it.
Ingredients to look out for:
Content from our partners
The magic antiaging ingredient to look out for is retinol, which helps to increase the rate at which our skin cells turnover. Look for 0.1% and start applying twice a week, gradually increasing the application to every night. Be aware that this may initially cause irritation to the skin and also increase the risk of sun damage so always ensure to apply SPF factor 30 or higher. We like Révive Soleil Superiéur SPF 50 Sunscreen.
Image: Panache Cosmetics
Another superhero ingredient alongside retinol is antioxidants such as Vitamin C. Although eating a diet high in antioxidants is highly important, your skin may be the least likely to benefit. Therefore, topical application of antioxidants such as Vitamin C can be super effective in protecting your skin.
In order for it to be beneficial it needs to be at least 10% concentration. We recommend Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%. You must also take into consideration the fact that antioxidants are highly unstable. Elizabeth recommends to look for medical skincare brands which are more likely to have the correct dose and are packaged in a way that is not rendered ineffective as soon as you open the container.
Image: Obagi
Lifestyle changes to consider:
- Quit smoking – smoking is key in premature aging of the skin.
- Limit alcohol intake to within sensible guidelines.
- Cut down on processed foods, especially carbohydrates, as these stimulate glucose into the bloodstream, increasing insulin release, which will result in higher levels of harmful free radicals.
- Get an adequate amount of sleep – this is when the skin repairs itself.
- Steam rooms and saunas should only be used occasionally. This is due to the fact they stimulate our skins production of oil and promote the development of tiny veins on the face.
- Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for skin health – add to your diet or supplement.
- Keep your weight stable – this prevents undue sagging and stretching of the skin.
- Try to sleep on your back. You can usually tell which side someone sleeps on as they will have slightly deeper static lines on that side.
Elite Traveler’s top picks of the best anti-aging products for 2017
BIOEFFECT EGF Serum, $156/£125
Image: BIOEFFECT
This super hero serum uses the proven anti-aging power of EGF to help revitalize and improve skin texture. We recommend using this every evening after your cleansing routine.
Yu Ling, Jade Facial Roller (Double), $54/£43
Image: Cult Beauty
One of our favorite beauty tools of late. This practical beauty tool is made with the healing properties of jade to gently massage your skin back to its fresh-faced youth.
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, $54.70/£43.55
Image: Elizabeth Arden
A beauty cult favorite, this gorgeous silky serum helps repair skin’s barrier function while increasing moisture and reducing visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
Elemis, BIOTEC Skin Energising System, $225/£179.50
Image: Elemis
Elemis’ new energizing skincare system uses a Bio Energy Complex of encapsulated Zinc and Copper combined with acids and a Phyto-Bioactive, helping to support and maintain the skin’s vitality and function. The result is more youthful, beautiful skin.
Paula’s Choice, RESIST Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment, $40/£32
Image: Paula’s Choice
Help smooth and firm your skin with Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment. The formula also helps sun-damaged skin repair itself in the neck and chest areas. Simply smooth all over skin when needed – for best results, we recommend applying in the evening.
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare, Ferulic and Retinol Eye Cream, $74/£59
Dr. Dennis Gross
A powerful and effective duo for aging eyes. Dr. Gross’ eye cream is formulated with a unique combination of Ferulic Acid and Retinol to maximize its anti-aging efficacy and to instantly brighten and firm the eye area. Antioxidant properties also prevent further damage by protecting the eyes against the aging effects of free radicals.
Jurlique Nutri-Define Superior Retexturising Facial Serum, $108/£86
Image: Jurlique
Plant actives of Biosome5, Ginseng Root Extract and Licorice Root Extract targets sagging, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and dehydration. An ideal option for sensitive skin types.
Nurse Jamie, EGF Age Delay System, $163/£130
Image: Harrods
The Beauty Stamp and EGF Stem Cell Complex are effective at-home beauty tools. The Beauty Stamp works to promote collagen production while the Stem Cell Complex moisturizer helps maintain it.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, $110/£88
Image: Estee Lauder
This luxury serum is best to use at night. Apply a few drops into the palm of your hand and gently massage in. Skin will instantly feel more hydrated and smooth with deep lines and wrinkles visibly reduced over time. In factm, studies found that 75% of women felt their skin looked more youthful.
AHA, Liquid Gold, $42/£33.50
Image: Cult Beauty
Every skincare routine needs to include an exfoliating toner. One of our favorites, AHA Liquid Gold contains 5% nature-derived glycolic acid (from sugar cane) which helps stimulate cell turnover revealing fresh, youthful looking skin.
Jurlique ‘Nutri-Define Restorative Hydrating’ Emulsion, $98/£72
Image: Jurlique
Another great product from the Nutri-Define range. This lightweight daily moisturiser, infused with Biosome5 technology helps to hydrate and nourish skin with powerful anti-aging bio-actives.
Murad, AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, $42/£34
Image: Murad
Dr Murad, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Murad Skincare says the best way to fight aging is to Exfolaite. He says, ‘Dull, lackluster skin can make you look older than you really are. Dullness is usually a result of a build up of dead skin cells on your face. Exfoliation lifts the dulling film of dead skin from your skin to give you a fresh and more youthful looking complexion.’ To lackluster skin, try Murad’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.
Susanne Kaufmann, Day Cream Skin Renewal SPF 15, $347/£267
Image: Susanne Kaufmann
Susanne Kaufmann’s Day Cream Skin Renewal Protection combines anti-aging day care, pigment correction and reliable UV-protection in one, single bottle. Products from the Advanced Anti Aging Line help to slow down cell metabolism, tackle collagen production and hydration while also targeting hyper-pigmentation and wrinkles. This is all you need in an anti-aging day cream.
Elite Traveler’s top picks of the best anti-aging products for 2017
Sisley, Ecological Compound, $188/£150
Image: Sisley
Sisley’s Ecological Compound is formulated with a synergistic compound of plants (Centella Asiatica, Ginseng, Rosemary, Hops, and Horsetail) to help stimulate and revitalize the skin from stress and pollution.
Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment, $107/£85
Image: Cult Beauty
This gorgeously active product features Lactic Acid to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Liquorice to combat pigmentation, Lemongrass to improve circulation and protect skin from environmental aggressors and Sunday’s patented NV-5 Ageless Complex to combat the signs of early aging. Wear under moisturizer during the day or apply at night for an effective overnight treatment.
Trish Mcevoy, Beauty Booster Advanced Repair Eye Duo, $100/£124
Image: Trish McEvoy
A powerful serum and cream combo that targets all the signs of aging with a cocktail of nourishing antioxidants and retinol.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Body Total Anti-Aging Moisturizer, $135/£105
Image: Elizabeth Arden
This high performance moisturiser contains Idebenone and Tripeptide Complex helping to firm, smooth and totally transform aging skin.
Sarah Chapman, Skinesis Bodylift $36.50/£29 and Overnight Body Treatment $68/£54
Image: Sarah Chapman
This incredible body massager helps stimulate lymphatic drainage helping to smooth and tone your body. Use this in conjunction with Sarah Chapman’s Overnight Body Treatment which contains a beautiful mixture of lightweight oils helping to moisturize and reverse the signs of aging.
Rodial, Snake Chin & Neck Lift, $99/£79
Image: Rodial
This sculpting gel is specifically formulated to firm the chin and neck area. Essential amino acids combined with syn-ake dipeptide (inspired by temple viper venom) help to firm and lift contours of the neck area for instantly smoother, more plump and younger looking skin.
Dr Sebagh, Signature Serum, $600/£475
Image: Dr Sebagh
Dr Sebagh’s Signature Serum contains the latest biotechnology to increase DNA life-span and boost cell energy for instantaneous cell turnover.
BIOEFFECT 30 day treatment, $262/£210
Image: BIOEFFECT
Three cellular activators, which are typically found in younger skin help to deliver visible results by encouraging cell renewal and revitalizing the skin. All in 30 short days.
Perricone MD, Cold Plasma Anti-Aging Treatment, $162/£129
Image: Perricone MD
As a result of a five-year development, this all-in-one moisturizer works into skin to address the 10 visible signs of aging: wrinkles, enlarged pores, dryness, redness, discoloration, uneven skin tone, impurities, loss of firmness, loss of smoothness and loss of radiance.
Chantecaille, Bio Lifting Serum, $245/£195
Space NK
A fantastic serum for younger looking skin. Raspberry stem cells and bionymph tripeptide help to stimulate collagen production by activating DNA repair while white tea extract and panax ginseng help to detox the skin leaving it supple and radiant.
Zelens, Youth Concentrate Serum, $195/£155
Image: Cult Beauty
Zelen’s Youth Concentrate is formulated with ‘Telomere Protection Complex’, a powerful cocktail of peptides, to protect telomeres (cells that breakdown and shrink with age) and support cell survival.
Rodin Luxury Face Oil, $132/£105
Image: Net-A-Porter
Facial oil should be on the top of your list if you’re looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This beautiful oil from Oliso Lusso contains a mix of 11 essential oils including jasmine, sweet almond and nourishing argan.
Dr. Barbara Strum, Super Anti-Aging Serum, $360/£265
Image: Net-A-Porter
This treatment is packed with hyaluronic molecules helping to intensely moisturize the skin while antioxidants help repair damage and support cell regeneration.
La Prairie, White Caviar Illuminating Eye Cream, $320/£254
Image: Selfridges
A beauty cabinet must-have, this eye cream helps to detoxify and boost circulation around the eye while protecting the skin from damage and puffiness.
What are your favorite anti-aging products this year? Tweet us @Elitetraveler
