AGE LESS

The 7 ‘anti-ageing’ hacks making you look OLDER & why your beloved lotions could be to blame

STAYING fresh-faced as we age is something most of us would love.

And since we can’t turn back the clock, we invest in pricey products, slavishly following beauty regimes to try to keep wrinkles at bay.

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We share the habits that could be ageing rather than enhancing your faceCredit: Alamy

But those skincare habits could actually be DAMAGING your skin, according to aesthetician , who works with celebs including Maya Jama, Abbey Clancy and Hannah Waddingham.

He says: “Healthy skin is the secret to looking your best for longer, but there is no single magic product that will do this.

“Understanding what your own skin needs is key and you need to adapt your regime to your age and circumstances, rather than blindly following set rules, or being wowed by anti-ageing marketing.”

Here, Shane shares the six habits that could be ageing rather than enhancing your face . . . 

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Aesthetician Shane Cooper works with TV star Maya JamaCredit: Getty
He also works with Abbey ClancyCredit: Getty

1. SCRUBBING TOO OFTEN

REGULAR is a good habit for sloughing off dead cells, but choosing a scrub that is too abrasive — or exfoliating too often — can have the opposite effect.

Some skin is very sensitive to grittier products and will suffer damage that can make your face look and feel sore.

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Choosing a scrub that is too abrasive can have the opposite effectCredit: Getty

Scrubbing also strips out the moisture you need to keep it plumped and hydrated.

If you think your skin is reacting negatively to exfoliation, re-duce the frequency.

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Or try out gentler products which will have a similar effect on old cells, such as face washes containing lactic acid.

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It helps reduce wrinkles and signs of sun damage too.

2. HAVING A RIGID ROUTINE

WHEN it comes to keeping your house or clothes clean, a regular routine is needed.

But following a fixed regime for your skincare isn’t as beneficial as you might think.

Your skin is a living, breathing organ that works on a 28-day cycle in middle age, slowing to 45 to 60 days as you get older.

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It also has fluctuations in moisture levels and sensitivity, linked to your hormones, health, stress and even the seasons.

This means you need a reactive, not rigid, approach that treats the condition at that time, instead of religiously doing the same thing every single day.

So tune into how your skin feels and change your products accordingly.

For ex-ample, use richer moisturiser when cold weather dries your skin and a lighter one in the heat.

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Otherwise, you could be making problems worse.

3. BUYING ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS

THERE are lots of lotions and potions that like to trumpet their anti-ageing properties.

But don’t be blindly taken in by the marketing hype or your friend’s recommendation.

Research what is best for your specific skin type before you invest, and think about what you want to achieve.

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Do you want to reduce fine lines? Perhaps you have pigmentation that bothers you?

Target specific problems rather than “age”.

Likewise, understand that lots of normal products can be anti-ageing, such as ones containing vitamin C or hyaluronic acid.

They just don’t have “anti-ageing” on the label.

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4. GOING OVERBOARD WITH TREATMENTS

YOU might not expect a skincare expert to say this, but there are times when you might be using too many products.

With the huge range of options on the market, it can be tricky to know exactly what your skin needs, so you simply throw everything into the mix.

This can clog the skin and also inhibit the effectiveness of what you are using.

For example, layering retinol over vitamin C is never going to work, as they have different PH requirements and cancel out each other’s active ingredients.

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Try paring things back to the ones you really need, or follow a skin-cycling system where you use different elements on alternate days.

If in doubt, talk to an expert on the skincare counter for advice on what might work for your needs.

5. TRYING TO FREEZE TIME

LOTS of women opt for aesthetic treatments such as Botox and fillers to hang on to their youthful looks.

They are aiming to keep the skin as smooth and line-free as possible.

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Some women opt for Botox or fillers to keep the skin as smooth as possibleCredit: Getty

But movement and massage can actually be good for your face.

Your lymphatic system gets increasingly sluggish as you get older and can lead to your complexion looking puffy and dull.

Don’t be afraid to knead and pull your skin.

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Regular massage, whether with your hands or using tools like a jade roller, will get that lymph moving and detox that area. So maybe lay off the Botox.

6. COMING ON TOO STRONG

YOU can have too much of a good thing.

Retinol is becoming a popular part of skincare routines these days, as it can increase cell and collagen production, unclog pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

But getting the right strength for your face is vital to avoid making your skin worse.

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I’ve seen clients come into my clinic who have chosen a formula that is too harsh and it has led to damage instead of improvement.

When it comes to active ingredients like acids and vitamins, try to take advice on what is the best solution for your situation.

Professionals and beauty counter staff are there to help.

7. AND FINALLY . . .  NOT TAKING CARE OF YOUR BODY

PRODUCTS and treatments won’t make you look ten years younger if your lifestyle is damaging your skin.

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When clients have breakouts, I tell them to think about what is going on internally first.

Smoking and drinking too much will show on your faceCredit: Getty

Smoking and drinking too much and eating lots of sugar will all show on your face, as will stress and a lack of sleep.

Gut health is intrinsically linked to the condition of your skin too, while sun exposure will prematurely age you.

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Make sure you are using a broad-spectrum SPF daily, even in the winter.

Drink plenty of water and try to follow a balanced lifestyle.

All these general life-style tips will help to keep you looking healthy and young.

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