Skincare: Tips and products to delay the signs of ageing

Don't we all wish we could freeze time in our mid-20s when our skin is taut, with not a wrinkle in sight? But while we can't stop time (or the downward pull of gravity) we can put a leash on sagging skin by being clever with our skincare routine. "The rate at which your skin ages, what signs appear and when, depends largely on how you take care for yourself inside and out," says Dr Howard Murad in his book Wrinkle-Free Forever: The 5-Minute 5-Week Dermatologist's Program.

Even though people all over the world are spending billions on products promising youthful skin, most often it turns out to be too little, too late. We need to understand that ageing is a continuous process and it's going on even as you flip over the pages of this magazine. Wrinkles, crows' feet and fine lines develop over time, they don't just appear out of nowhere one day. So it is wiser to act now instead of making efforts to repair damage when it is already done.

One of the most potent tools against ageing skin is sun block.

Lakme Sun Expert Ultra Matte Superlight Sunscreen SPF 20, Rs 59, is one such sun block and keeps your skin shine-free as wel,l owing to its insta-oil absorb complex.

Watch out for ingredients like adenoxine, fibrocyclamide (Vichy Lift Activ range), retinol (Leaf & Rusher Active Serum, Rs 7,400), boswelox (L'Oreal Wrinkle De-Crease Advanced Wrinkle Corrector & Dermo Smoother, Rs 900) and soya isoflavones (The Body Shop Wise Woman Intensive Firming Mask, Rs 1,895) in your skincare products as they promote skin renewal, says Dr Parikh. If the chemical mumbo-jumbo has you confused, Amlani suggests natural ingredients like sage, wheat germ extract, rice bran, corn cob meal and yeast extract.

Most dermatologists recommend using an anti-ageing skincare range in your late 20s. You can relax the age limit further if you have oily skin as the lining of natural oils prevents wrinkle formation. We like Dermalogica's Age Smart range that shows results even on mature skin. Vichy's Myokine range unfolds and smoothens wrinkles; Pond's Age Miracle range targets fine lines and age spots; while Olay Total Effects, Rs 650, fights the seven signs of ageing including visible pores, uneven skin tone and dullness. And if you're over 30, a concentrated serum like Lanc me's G nifique Youth Activator, Rs 4,000, would be effective. With two new patented proteins, it activates the skin's 'youth' genes.

Of course, there are some parts of our anatomies that need special care. The eyes are especially at risk, since the skin around them is six times thinner than the rest of the face and needs specially formulated eye creams like L'Or al Revitalift Double Lifting Eye, Rs 750.

Those of you with dry skin can safely use pure almond oil as well. Also, always wear sunglasses to protect the eye area when outdoors. The lips too develop fine lines and need vitamin-rich products that can maintain the pout such as Dermalogica Age Smart Renewal Lip Complex, Rs 1,970. Natural emollients like olive oil, butter or ghee also nourish them with essential fatty acids

For enviably smooth skin, your diet and lifestyle also need to be in-sync with these products. Dr Lewis recommends a diet rich in vitamins, proteins, selenium, omega fatty acids and fibre. Also, refrain from too much caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar, processed and oily foods and smoking, which constricts blood vessels, making the skin sallow. The glow of youth is in fact a reflection of your overall health and fitness.