ERASE A DECADE FROM YOUR DERMIS WITH THESE AGE-DEFYING SOLUTIONS
The stamp of time can be hell on your face. But genetics determines only about 10 per cent of how your skin age. That means it’s not too lat e to undo the damage you’ve done. Your skin is very forgiving. The sooner you start, the younger you’ll look
DRY SKIN
Culprit Depletion of hyaluronic acid, a compound crucial to moisture retention.
SOLUTION A German study found that hyaluronic acid cream, applied twice daily for 60 days, smoothed and hydrated skin. This acid not only delivers water to the skin, but also enhances retention.
SAGGING SKIN
Culprit Daily UV exposure damages collagen; age weakens elastic fibres.
SOLUTION A good moisturiser will plump skin temporarily. Try "active" treatment, such as an over-the-counter vitamin A (known as retinol) cream, and alpha or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs or BHAs).
These work at night and help skin renew itself
AGE SPOTS
Culprit Production of the pigment melanin due to sun exposure.
SOLUTION Don't forget to wear sunscreen every day. Apply a sunscreen with a high SPF count 30 minutes before going out in the sun so that your skin can absorb the lotion. Sunscreen's benefits
are greatest when it is reapplied throughout the day.
RECEDING GUMS
Culprit Aggressive brushing, which pushes your gums away.
SOLUTION Lots of people rush, don’t brush enough, or their form is off. Brush in a soft, circular motion to protect enamel and reach between teeth—you should use only about a tenth of the pressure needed to crack an egg, says Robert Gerlach, D.D.S., M.P.H.,a global oral-care research fellow at Procter & Gamble.
WRINKLES
Culprit Damage to DNA and collagen, a consequence of excessive sun exposure.
SOLUTION Daily use of sunscreen with retinol, a form of vitamin A that promotes skin-cell turnover. Or gently pinch your skin between thumb and forefinger, and massage around your eyes and forehead. This wakes up your skin and revitalises the tissue.
EYEBROW LOSS
Culprit There are more than 30 causes, including genetic and autoimmune disorders, according to University of Pittsburgh scientists.
SOLUTION Minox idil. Use a cotton swab to run a thin layer along your brows twice daily.
