We find out about the best strategies to stop the clock
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Living in a city like Hong Kong where many ladies are known for their youthful appearance and ability to age gracefully, we often get tricked into believing that a healthy diet and exercise will slow down the clock.
Unfortunately preventing fine lines and wrinkles often require a lot more work. But don’t fret, with a diligent skincare regimen and some powerhouse products, you can master the tricks for stopping the clock too. To find out how to turn back the hands of time we consulted Marie-Helen Lair, Clarins’ International Scientific Communication Director. Notepads at the ready, here are the six tips you need to know.
Be consistent
Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s or 50s, it’s all about being consistent with the right skincare regime. Patience is key and once you find a make-up remover, cleanser, toner and moisturiser that work well for your skin then use them every night. It’s all about doing little things but often because we all know that prevention is better than any cure.
Start now
Photo courtesy of Clarins
We start ageing in our 20s due to factors such as sun exposure, poor environmental conditions and daily stress, so it’s important to take precautions. “Prevention is critical since you can delay the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with the active ingredients enriched in anti-ageing products,” Lair says.
Invest in power products
Photo courtesy of Clarins
“No matter which age group we are in, we need to inject a massive dose of water and active ingredients into our skin,” explains Lair. We love Clarins’ newly launched Anti-Ageing Treatment Essence trio, three toners which are tailor-made for different age groups and skin types. Rich in plant extracts, with highly smooth textures, these toners are designed to 'unlock' the skin barrier in order to optimise absorption of active ingredients, and 'lock' the skin with moisturisers.
Take it off
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We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – never go to bed without removing your makeup. As tempting as it is to pass out on your bed straight after an eventful night, sleeping with your makeup on clogs your pores and allows environmental pollutants to seep in, causing your skin to look dull as well as leading to the breakdown of collagen over time.
Gently does it
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It’s easy to forget that facial skin is very delicate and can be easily damaged by rough movements. But what we aren’t aware of is that these gestures can reduce the elasticity of our face. “Use gentle dabbing motions instead of powerful gestures to remove all the dirt and grease from pores while stimulating blood circulation and improving drainage,” Lair suggests.
Protect yourself
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How many times have you left the house SPF-free because you were running late for work or had to run an errand? “Repetitive sun exposure can have detrimental effects,” says Lair. “I used to be neglectful about sun protection when I was in my 20s, but once I learnt how rapidly lines and spots formed after as little as 15 minutes in the sun, I began applying sunscreen religiously every morning.”
As a rule of thumb, apply a tablespoon of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on your face, and if you tend to forget this essential step, consider investing in the makeup bases, BB cream, foundation and moisturisers with UV-protection built in.