IT IS New Year’s Eve so what better time to think about what you would like to achieve in 2016? We’ve rounded up some easy ways to make sure you spend the year ahead looking and feeling as good as you possibly can.
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| Facial exercises can help you look younger |
WORKOUT YOUR FACE
Most of us try to keep fit when we can but very few of us think of exercising the one body part that is on show all the time: our face. There are 57 different muscles in the face and if they are not kept in shape then they weaken, leading to sagging. Facial exercises are an amazing way to keep muscles strong and toned while boosting circulation. Performed regularly they will keep the face fit and give skin a radiant glow. See evafraser. com for more information.
BE POSITIVE
Feeling low is now believed to be a contributor to ageing. A recent study showed that staying positive can help you live at least a decade longer than being a pessimist. There are simple things to try at home that can boost your mood. Regular exercise is important and you could try taking an energyboosting supplement that contains vitamin B. Eating a diet rich in omega-3s, which are found in fish and nuts, has also been shown to reduce anxiety.
TREAT YOUR SKIN
A professional facial isn’t just a pampering treat, it is an essential part of keeping your skin in top condition. A good therapist will be able to give you a bespoke treatment, tackling signs of ageing while advising you on skincare. We’re constantly surprised by how many women use the wrong products for their skin type. Hydrafacial, from £150 (hydrafacial.co.uk), is an excellent treatment which has been clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores and hyperpigmentation. If your budget can stretch to it aim for one treatment a month.
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| People who commit to a brisk 30-minute walk a day have lower BMIs than gym-goers |
TAKE A HIKE
Incorporate walking into your daily life. Walk to the station, park or supermarket. A new report has revealed that people who commit to a brisk 30-minute walk every day have lower BMIs and smaller waists than gym-goers. Exercising outdoors is also an incredible mood booster, great for clearing brain fog, easing anxiety and helping you sleep better.
SWITCH OFF
Having trouble sleeping? Our constant use of technology means we are surrounded by light day and night. Most devices emit blue light which can suppress melatonin, the hormone which helps regulate sleeping and waking cycles. Switch off all electronics at least two hours before going to bed and remove devices from the bedroom, including your phone, laptop and TV. Good quality sleep is essential for all-round good health and great skin.
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| Sugar can play havoc with your skin |
SAY NO TO SUGAR Consuming sugar is not just bad news for your waistline it also causes inflammation and prematurely wrinkles skin, a process called glycation. Avoid refined and added sugars and check any packaged foods for their sugar content. Green tea has been proven to significantly slow down glycation while boosting collagen levels.
REDUCE STRESS LEVELS
Reducing the amount of stress in your life will keep you looking and feeling younger for longer. Yoga and Pilates can help you to unwind, as can meditation. Studies show that meditation can help you recover more quickly from stressful events in your life because it allows the body to rest and improves focus and memory.
TRY A SCRUB
Regular exfoliation is one of the most important ways to keep your skin healthy and youthful. It evens out the skin’s texture and also fights signs of ageing, shrinks pores, prevents breakouts and minimises dark pigmentation marks. Start by using a gentle scrub such as Bioderma Hydrabio Exfoliating Cream, £10.50 (escentual.com), twice a week.
USE A NIGHT CREAM
Get into the habit of using a wrinkle-zapping night cream. Cell regeneration doubles at night so using a product with the right ingredients means your skin will work even harder. Try Origins’ Plantscription Powerful Lifting Overnight Mask, £52 (origins.co.uk), which contains a cocktail of anti-ageing ingredients to help lift and firm.
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| Rain or shine sun screen can help improve |
STAY SAFE IN THE SUN
Use a sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy or rainy. Your skin will improve, you’ll look younger and it could even save your life. Statistics show that more than four in 10 cancers could be prevented if people were healthier, which includes protecting skin from sun damage and avoiding sunbeds.
AVOID SLEEP LINES
Sleeping in certain positions night after night leads to sleep lines – the wrinkles that become etched into the top layers of skin and don’t fade once you’re up and about. Sleeping on your side leads to wrinkles on the cheeks and chin, while sleeping face down gives you a furrowed brow. Try to train yourself to sleep on your back. Also make sure you change your pillowcases every few days as unwashed linen can contribute towards acne and breakouts.
PRIME YOUR SKIN
Invest in a good skin primer. These multitaskers do for your skin what good support underwear will do for your figure: flatter, smooth and conceal and leaving a flawless finish. Start by applying a thin layer after your moisturiser but before you apply foundation. Try Elizabeth Arden’s Flawless Start Instant Perfecting Primer, £28 (elizabetharden.co.uk), which features high-tech blurring technology. It will be on sale from next week.
For advice on cosmetic surgery consult your GP. For more tips see lesleyreynolds.com
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