PURSUING A REJUVENATING substance that can prolong youthfulness has been a longstanding endeavour that dates back to the inception of human comprehension of the ageing process. In ancient folklore, it is believed that Alexander the Great embarked on a journey through the Land of Darkness to find a mystical substance known as the “Water of Life”. Similarly, Cleopatra is said to have engaged in bathing rituals involving donkey’s milk. In contemporary times, Gwyneth Paltrow is strongly inclined to embrace novel concepts and ideas. In 2023, the global market for anti-ageing products and services reached a valuation of $50.51 billion.
But it’s hardly news that exercise is excellent for healthy skin; promoting healthy circulation helps keep your skin healthy and vibrant. By increasing blood flow, exercise helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital. Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the skin. It helps remove waste products, including free radicals, from working cells. Contrary to some claims, exercise doesn’t detoxify the skin. The job of neutralising toxins belongs mainly to the liver, although increased blood flow helps flush cellular debris out of the system, cleansing your skin from the inside. But here are my top tips for maintaining skin health.
1. Eat Well
People spend thousands of pounds annually on products to keep their skin in the best possible condition. Yet eating more bright-coloured fruit and vegetables has an impressive array of anti-ageing compounds, especially carotenoids, a chemical cousin of retinol, considered an anti-ageing compound for wrinkles.
In lab tests, carotenoids have been shown to protect collagen-producing skin fibroblasts from damage caused by UV radiation and oxidative stress – both significant drivers of skin ageing. It can also trigger skin cells into producing higher lauric acid, the ingredient in many anti-ageing creams and fillers, which can help your skin retain moisture.
2. Limit Sunbathing
The skin ageing process is mainly attributed to sun exposure, which has a significantly more significant impact than the cumulative effects of all other components. Indeed, ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun serve as the principal catalyst for many manifestations of skin ageing, including but not limited to wrinkles, pigmentation alterations, sun spots, diminished skin elasticity, the deterioration of skin texture, and numerous other indicators of cutaneous ageing.
Protect your skin from premature ageing by avoiding too much sun – UV rays damage the skin, destroying collagen, the protein that keeps it firm. One study involving 60-year-old twins found that the twin who got ten hours a week more sun than the other was judged to be 11 years older.
3. Have a cold shower
At the end of my hot shower, I turn the thermostat temperature down to cold for one minute.
Research has demonstrated that cold water can enhance the nourishment of skin cells through its ability to stimulate and improve blood circulation. Consequently, this facilitates the transportation of vital nutrients and oxygen to the various layers of the skin. Therefore, this can result in an enhanced and vibrant skin appearance and potentially mitigate the effects of skin ageing. It also increases dopamine, serotonin and b-endorphin levels and boosts your immune system.
4. Drink water
Your body is 60% water, and your brain are 90% water, so keeping it topped up is vital. Reduced body water content is the most prevalent mechanism contributing to elevated serum salt levels. Consequently, the findings of this study indicate that maintaining adequate hydration levels may impact decelerating the ageing process and mitigating the onset or progression of chronic illnesses. Drink a glass of water with every meal – it’s a good start.
5. Supplements
Although anti-ageing skin care products like serums and moisturisers won’t stop ageing.
But for the last eight months, I have been using a homoeopathic transdermal gel with the effect of Human Growth Hormone (HGH). I know it works because everyone I meet comments on how good my skin looks, even though I’ve been going through a very stressful time. Other noticeable changes have been like those experienced by other users: better sleep, more youthful skin, improved skin elasticity, firmness and increased libido.
Finally, we know that our skin is a barrier organ that protects the rest of the body from potential damage. Regular exercise is essential to maintaining good whole-body health and promotes cell renewal. Stress-relieving routines can reduce acne, which is proven to be linked with emotional health. Eliminating tension also helps minimise wrinkles by smoothing fine lines as the facial muscles release stress.
