Top tips to anti-ageing

We can't turn back the hands of time but there are many things that you can do to keep yourself looking young for as long as possible. It's a staggering fact, but at least 80% of all skin ageing is actually down to UV damage - too much time sat in the sun literally means wrinkles later on in life. Sun protection is essential; make sure you always wear a moisturiser with SPF15, suntan lotion and sunglasses throughout the summer months. The weather in the UK is very deceptive, it may not feel like a hot summer's day but you can still be doing serious damage to your skin if you leave yourself exposed without protection.

It's a sad fact, but we've gotten to a stage where the environment we live in has actually become a threat to our skin. Pollution is a huge enemy, coating our skin in grime and clogging our pores. Make sure you continue to use a moisturiser with an SPF15 all year round and if possible use one which contains antioxidants.

Makeup can also act as a barrier from the elements, preventing any nasty's from reaching your skin. If you use the wrong shade of foundation or face powder, you could end adding on years. If you're unsure book in for a makeup session at your local beauty counter and they will help you find the right shade that matches your skin. Application is also very important; make sure you do not rub the delicate area around your eyes. When applying concealer, gently pat the area to blend, rubbing will only stretch the skin and cause wrinkles.

You also need to be careful with heavy eye makeup, this can highlight creases in your eyelids and heavy eyeliner can drag you down and really age you. But on the flipside, the right makeup can draw attention away from problem areas and take years off your real age. Just remember to thoroughly wash and cleanse your skin at the end of each day to remove every last trace of dirt to keep your skin looking young and radiant.

A good haircut can also work wonders in keeping you looking youthful. You really need to evaluate your look every year. A haircut that made you look fabulous at 25 may not have the same effect at 45. If you're really not sure what look suits you, take advice from your hairdresser. Taking a risk and putting your trust in someone else can also be quite exciting!

On to more serious issues, we don't really have to tell you, but smoking is a serious no, no. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes rob the skin of minerals and vitamins, leaving it dehydrated and wrinkle-prone. If you smoke the best thing you can do is quit!

Drinking heavily is equally as bad as smoking. Red, blotchy and crinkled skin is often a sign of excessive alcohol consumption. Although, it is important that you drink responsibly in the first place, make sure you keep to the weekly limit for men and women, and not consume your allowance in one night!

Even without alcohol, we are still susceptible to dehydration. A lack of H20 intensifies fine lines and wrinkles, so make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water at regular intervals throughout the day. Remember: water is the key to smooth, radiant and younger looking skin. And make sure your lips are moisturised too by investigating in a hydrating lip balm.

There are many reasons why exercise is good for us and here's another one - it also helps in the fight against ageing by boosting cardio-vascular, immune and musculoskeletal systems. In fact, experts say that half of age-related physical decline - including fine lines and wrinkles – is associated with inactivity. Just half an hour of moderate exercise per day has been shown to delay the ageing process and improve the quality of your skin. Walking, cleaning and even washing the car are all good ways of making up this daily quota.

As well as maintaining a healthy diet, Vitamin C has been proven to deter the destruction of collagen - the connective tissue that keeps your skin taut and firm. Vitamin C-rich foods include broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, cabbage and potatoes. The recommended daily allowance is 60 milligrams, or one orange worth. Add vitamin C to your diet and you'll soon notice the difference.

One of the biggest age giveaways are your teeth. When you smile or talk flashing a healthy set of pearly whites can belie your age. For any form of dental treatments, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening and braces – Invisalign, Inman,Aligner and Incognito. Try Ock Street Dental 01235 533777.

Botox and dermal fillers are the most frequently requested non-surgical facial cosmetic treatments; the combination of Botox for the upper face for facial wrinkles and dermal filler for the lower face, lip augmentation, cheeks and fine lines can achieve good patient satisfaction if administered by a skilled cosmetic clinician.

The most cost effective way to treat wrinkles on the upper part of the face is Botox although dermal filler can also be used for certain areas.

If you require more information please contact Ock Street Dental on 01235 533777