Ageing is a natural process – but who says we can’t age gracefully? With a little effort and the right habits – you can look and feel youthful as the years pass.
I’ve had the pleasure of learning some fantastic tips from Dr Natalie Geary, Founder of Light Touch Clinic Surrey. Dr Natalie has over 17 years of experience in cosmetic medicine and knows what it takes to keep skin looking fresh and youthful. Here are the top anti-ageing tips she shared with me when I visited her skin clinic Surrey.
Get your beauty sleep
Sleep is like a nightly recharge for your skin. I aim for 7-9 hours of good quality sleep every night to allow my body to repair itself. Sleep is when your skin heals from daily stress and damage. Without it, you might notice dullness and fine lines creeping in. Tracking your sleep with an app or wearable can be helpful to understand if you’re getting enough rest. Trust me, a well-rested you is a more radiant you!
Eat nourishing, home-cooked meals
What you eat has a direct impact on how your skin ages. I’ve learned that eating fresh, home-cooked meals filled with fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in antioxidants can work wonders. These nutrients help fight free radicals that damage skin cells and cause ageing. Try to make your plate colourful—with greens, reds, and oranges—for a nutrient-packed meal. Also, cutting back on processed foods and excess sugar can help keep your skin firm and glowing.
Stay Active – especially with strength training
I have always known exercise is good for the body, but Dr Natalie from the Skin Clinic Surrey stresses how important it is as we age. Strength training helps maintain muscle mass, which naturally declines over time. I now include some form of weight training in my routine, and it’s amazing how much stronger and more energized I feel. Plus, regular exercise boosts circulation, which gives your skin that healthy glow from within.
Protect your skin with sunscreen
This tip might sound basic, but it is very useful. Sunscreen is your best defence against premature ageing caused by harmful UV rays. I always use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days, and I make it a point to reapply it if I’m spending a lot of time outdoors. Sun damage can cause wrinkles, age spots, and sagging, so don’t skip this step.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
I can’t stress enough how important hydration is. Drinking enough water keeps your skin plump and smooth, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. I go for at least eight glasses a day, and when plain water feels boring, I mix it up with herbal teas or infuse water with cucumber or lemon. It is a simple change, but the difference it makes in how my skin feels is incredible.
Stick to a consistent skincare routine
I used to overcomplicate my skincare, but Dr Natalie from Skin Clinic Surrey taught me that consistency is important. A simple routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and gentle exfoliation works wonders. Exfoliating once or twice a week removes dead skin cells, while serums and moisturizers keep my skin hydrated and protected. Using high-quality products suited to your skin type is key—don’t be afraid to ask a professional for recommendations.
These tips are easy to integrate into your daily routine. Remember, ageing gracefully starts with small, consistent steps. If you need expert guidance on your skin journey, Dr Natalie and her team at Light Touch Skin Clinic Surrey are always ready to help.