Use sunscreen. You've heard it a million times, but exposure to the sun is the biggest cause of premature ageing – think wrinkles, leathery skin, sagging and uneven pigmentation. Mike Brown, Boots Suncare Scientific Advisor explains, 'whilst the cell has its repair mechanisms, there's a limit to what it can do. Exposing yourself to intense sun, such as on the typical two-week beach holiday, can result in overloading the repair system.' Use a specialized sun product with a high protection factor (at least an SPF15) when you're in the sunshine for optimum skincare, and a moisturiser with an in-built sunscreen throughout the spring and summer in the UK for daily 'accidental' sun exposure
Wear wraparound sunglasses. Big sunglasses will protect not only your eyes but also stop you from squinting, which can in time break down collagen around your eyes, causing lines and wrinkles. Anti aging skin care products can also help
Exfoliate more. As we get older our natural cell turnover slows down dramatically, which leads to rougher, drier skin, and pores and lines looking more obvious. The light also doesn't reflect as well from the accumulated dead skin cells, which means the complexion looks less radiant. Studies have shown that regular exfoliation helps skin elasticity and firmness too. Look out for organic skincare products
Try to keep your weight stable. Yo-yo dieting affects your skin and it gets to a stage where it just doesn't bounce back into shape
Don't smoke. When you are smoking, each puff contains millions of free radicals that attack healthy cells, causing damage that can lead to skin ageing
Cut down on sugar. According to experts at Prescriptives, it can lead to the weakening of the skin's natural protective mechanisms and compromise the performance of collagen and elastin, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity. As well as eating less sugar, you could try anti aging skin care solutions such as Prescriptives Anti-AGE Advanced Protection Lotion, £37.50
Have your teeth whitened. You can knock years off your looks and boost your confidence by having a professional bleaching treatment. Teeth become discoloured as we age, so the whiter your teeth, the younger you appear. Look out for BriteSmile, which leaves your teeth up to nine shades lighter after an hour in the dentist's chair. Worth saving up for - £495, 0800 0768 768, www.britesmile.co.uk
Update your hairstyle. 'You wouldn't wear the same outfit for 10 years, so why keep the same hairstyle?' asks Steven Goldsworthy, partner and creative director of Goldworthy's Hairdressing in Swindon (01793 523817) When should you cut your hair? 'Long hair tends to drag the face down,' maintains Goldsworthy, 'When you start to feel that your jaw is beginning to look heavy, then that's the time you should opt for a shorter style. Steer clear of bobs which end at the jaw though, as this will make the face look heavier – they are better finishing either above or just below the jaw line. For a soft look that frames the face, opt for a layered hairstyle'
Change your hair colour. Top hair tip: 'Colour is a great way to make yourself appear more youthful. If you take your hair one shade lighter, this will brighten and lift your skin tone and lessen dark circles under your eyes,' says Carolyn Newman, Creative Director at Charles Worthington
You wouldn't wear the same outfit for 10 years, so why keep the same hairstyle?
Deal with facial hair. It's a distressing and quite common sign of ageing to have increased facial hair on the upper lip and even on the cheeks from the mid-30's on. It also tends to get coarser as the years go by. The cheapest solution is depilatory cream, but for a long term answer consider laser treatment. Hairs need to be treated in their growth cycle, so several sessions will be necessary. Visit www.lasercare-clinics.co.uk for more information
