Keep the visible signs of ageing at bay with this expert advice.
When it comes to maintaining youthful-looking skin, it turns out that the secret could be simpler than you think. According to the experts, choosing the right products and taking some preventative care against the ageing process makes it possible to keep your skin healthier for longer.
Choose the Right Ingredients
According to Cape Town-based plastic surgeon and skincare specialist Dr Nerina Wilkinson, it’s essential to understand that there is never just one ingredient that solves every skin problem. “Each individual skin requires its own bespoke ‘recipe’ to achieve results,” she says. “Similar to when baking, only once we combine the best ingredients do we achieve the most delicious cake.”
That said, there are a few key ingredients worth looking out for — these include antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and hydrolysed collagen, all of which protect the skin from free radicals; peptides, which strengthen the cells; and retinoids that help to improve overall skin texture and quality.
Protect Your Skin From the Sun
To prevent premature ageing, it’s critical that you protect your skin from the harsh effects of the sun. “Be diligent with applying SPF,” urges Dr Wilkinson. “The earlier one starts, the better — even on rainy days, you should try and re-apply an SPF every two hours and be sure to use a broad-spectrum product that protects against UV rays, high visible light and infra-red.”
If you do go into the sun, Dr Wilkinson suggests that you always wear a hat and try to sit with your back to the sun for minimal damage to your face.
Be Mindful of Your Lifestyle
According to Dr Wilkinson, there are four key components to minimise the visible signs of ageing: genes, lifestyle, daily homecare routine, and in-clinic treatments. She suggests establishing a face cleansing routine every morning and evening and investing in good supplementation that supports skin health. She also advises starting preventative skin treatments in your thirties — this might include a combination of chemical peels, medical skin needling and LED light therapy, depending on your particular needs.
Interestingly, gut health issues can manifest on the skin in many ways — from blemishes to flushing. “Anything that’s not healthy for your gut can lead to a microbial imbalance and trigger oxidative stress and inflammatory process throughout the body,” says Dr Wilkinson. For this reason, it is advisable that you limit your consumption of sugary and processed foods and stick to a balanced diet as much as possible.
MEET DR NERINA WILKINSON
One of South Africa’s few female plastic surgeons, Dr Nerina Wilkinson, is the founder of the House of Aesthetic Couture and Skin Science, located at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Dr Wilkinson obtained her medical degree at the University of Stellenbosch before specialising in Plastic Surgery. As an active researcher in her field, Dr Wilkinson has earned herself a reputation as one of Cape Town’s leading facial rejuvenation experts. She and her team have pioneered industry-changing and minimally-invasive techniques, which achieve natural-looking results for her patients.