Although aging is a blessing and something to be very grateful for, it also comes with physical drawbacks, such as facial sagging and wrinkles.
While it’s impossible to completely reverse the signs of aging, there are some simple things women can do at home to turn back the clock.
GB News spoke exclusively to two skin experts about how women can improve the appearance of their skin without undergoing surgery.
Award-winning cosmetic practitioner and skincare expert Amish Patel of Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic urges women to stay out of the sun, as not doing so can cause extensive damage to the skin.
He warned: “One of the most important causes of aging that I see in my clinic is sunburn. Excessive sun exposure and the use of tanning beds are some of the worst things you can do to your skin if you want to maintain a youthful appearance.”
Be sure to apply sunscreen every day to prevent sun damage.
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“Sun exposure can cause wrinkles and increase pigmentation, resulting in an aged appearance.”
Not only that, but sun damage can lead to serious health problems: “Everyone needs sunlight exposure to produce vitamin D, which helps with calcium absorption and keeps bones strong and healthy,” say experts at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
“But unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the skin, eyes and immune system. It can also cause cancer.”
A dermatologist has told me the exact amount of sunscreen I should apply to my face each day to reduce wrinkles.
Amish continues: “Alongside smoking, alcohol is another cause of accelerated skin aging. Not only does alcohol strip the body and skin of moisture, drying out the skin and making wrinkles more noticeable, it’s also full of sugar.”
“If you’re already consuming a lot of sugar in your diet, excess sugar in your body can cause glycation, which can further accelerate skin ageing.
“Glycation is a natural chemical reaction that occurs in the body when blood sugar levels spike, which affects collagen in the skin. It reduces collagen in the skin, causing it to lose the youthful plumpness seen in younger skin, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. This process is often referred to as ‘sugar sagging’ and is irreversible without cosmetic intervention. Avoidance is key here.”
Another way women can achieve younger, healthier looking skin is by getting good beauty sleep.
The expert said: “As you sleep, your skin undergoes repair processes, so if you’re not getting enough sleep, you need to reassess your lifestyle and pre-bedtime habits to ensure your skin gets the rest it needs to repair and rejuvenate.”
“Healthy, youthful skin often has a natural glow, so we recommend investing in professional skin care products. Though they may be more expensive than commercial products, professional skin care products have stronger formulas that provide better, long-term results.”
“Once you turn 30, incorporating hyaluronic acid and retinol into your skincare routine is essential to boost skin hydration, reduce dark spots, and improve skin tone and brightness.”
Those who prefer specialist intervention can receive chemical face peels, skin boosters and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) facials.
GB News also spoke to Dr Ebru Karpuzoglu, founder of skincare company AveSeena, who is deeply interested in skin “inflammation” and skincare.
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“While we sleep, our skin goes through a repair process.”
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“As we focus on becoming healthier, we realize that our skin reflects what’s going on inside our bodies,” she said. “If you don’t already have the term ‘inflammaging’ in your skincare lexicon, make a note of it now. Combining inflammation and aging, the term originally came from the medical community to refer to the overall impact that chronic, low-level inflammation has on our health.”
“Having garnered attention among immunologists for several years and quietly recognized among beauty enthusiasts, inflaming is now becoming a key focus in skin care routines to achieve younger, healthier looking skin.
“Managing the signs of skin aging should become as commonplace as protecting the skin barrier, maintaining a healthy microbiome balance, and wearing sunscreen every day. After all, disruptions in these areas can exacerbate aging and lead to premature aging.”
Causes of inflammatory aging include stress, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, UV rays, free radicals, diet, imbalances in the skin and gut flora, and lifestyle choices.
The expert explained: “These stressors put the skin’s immune system into overdrive, even at a microscopic level, leading to the deterioration of skin cells, tissues and the immune system. The result is increased sensitivity and inflammation, which leads to premature aging.”
According to Dr. Ebru, anti-aging enthusiasts can combat the effects of inflammatory aging with effective skin care and lifestyle changes.
She said: “Effective skincare is crucial in fighting signs of inflammation. As well as hydration, you should look for multi-tasking products that strengthen the skin barrier, balance the skin microbiome and support skin immune health.”
“A careful combination of ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and antioxidants play a key role in restoring a youthful appearance to the skin and protecting it from stress and environmental damage.”
“An often overlooked tip is to minimise how often you touch your face. Our hands come into contact with countless surfaces that harbour bacteria and contaminants. Frequent touching can transfer these to your skin, exacerbating irritation and breakouts. Overworking your skin with an over-the-top skincare routine can also lead to irritation.”
Along with a skin-strengthening skincare routine, there are some lifestyle changes women can make to support their skincare.
Experts recommend taking up yoga or meditation to manage stress, which reduces inflammation in the body that contributes to aging.
Getting enough sleep and maintaining an active lifestyle are also important. Skin experts explain: “Adequate sleep and regular exercise improve blood circulation and cell regeneration, further promoting healthy, youthful-looking skin.”
“In summary, achieving younger-looking skin without surgery requires a holistic approach — incorporating multi-tasking skin care, adopting a nutritious diet, and making conscious lifestyle changes. By addressing the underlying causes of inflammation-aging, women can achieve naturally radiant, youthful skin.”
Tips for youthful skin
Apply sunscreen daily and avoid sunlight. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Limit sugar intake and eat a nutritious diet. Get beauty sleep. Invest in professional skin care. Drink plenty of water. Avoid touching your face throughout the day. Maintain an active lifestyle. Practice yoga and meditation to reduce stress levels.
