Essential skincare steps to keep the skin ‘plump and youthful’ and avoid premature ageing

1. Dehydration and moisture loss

Dr Dev Patel, founder of CellDerma, said: “Our skin needs water to maintain its plumpness, elasticity and overall health.

“As we age, our skin’s ability to retain moisture naturally declines due to the gradual breakdown of the lipid layer, causing skin to become dehydrated.

“Harsh weather, low humidity, and pollution can negatively impact your skin’s moisture levels which is why it’s crucial to wear SPF daily.”

Britons should also consider an indoor humidifier and opt for stress defence creams.

2. Sun damage

The sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays “contribute significantly” to visible signs of ageing.

Exposure to the sun results in damage such as wrinkles, fine lines and sun spots.

The pro explained: “Exposure to UV rays extends beyond cosmetic concerns, and failing to apply SPF daily can elevate the risk of developing melanoma, a potentially severe form of skin cancer.

“To maintain your skin health, opt for a mineral-based sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection while protecting the skin from environmental aggressors.”

3. Decreased cell turnover

With ageing comes a decreased cell turnover, which can make the skin appear “dull and rough”.

Cell turnover slows to approximately four to six weeks, instead of two to four weeks.

To mitigate these effects, the expert suggested incorporating retinoids into your skincare routine to speed up cell turnover.

4. Loss of collagen

The pro said: “As we age, the skin decreases in collagen and elastin production, which are essential for keeping the skin looking plump and youthful.

“Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, helping provide support to your skin, hair, nails, and joints.

“Unfortunately, collagen levels decline naturally from our mid-20s onwards, which translates to thinner skin and the formation of fine lines.

“While collagen provides the base, elastin gives your skin resilience. Without enough elastin, the skin loses its bounce and begins to sag over time.

“To address prominent signs of ageing, I would recommend a collagen restore cream with messenger peptides for collagen stimulation and neuro-peptides which target muscles of facial expression.”

5. Lifestyle choices

Lifestyle choices also have a huge impact on how the skin ages. This includes cutting out smoking, a poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption as this can cause premature ageing.

The skincare expert added: “As well as this, a lack of sleep often results in dark circles, fine lines, and dull complexions.

“This is because adequate sleep is essential for all cellular functions so poor sleep means more collagen degradation and generally unhealthier skin.

“Understanding the repercussions of these lifestyle choices can help you make informed decisions to prioritise skin health.”