Turn back time with these youthful skin solutions

Coco Chanel once said, ‘nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty’. And when it comes to maintaining gorgeous skin starting early is key. Signs of ageing occur when ceramides, a critical component of skin, decrease with age, making the skin vulnerable to irritation and environmental stress. Loss of collagen and elastin, the two major proteins that keep skin firm and elastic and damage caused by free radicals all lead to wrinkled and aged skin. “After we turn 25, the moisture barrier layer tends to weaken and our body loses its collagen protein. So, the sooner you start using anti-ageing products, the longer your skin will be firm, smooth, and supple,” cautions Mandeep Kaur, trainer, Elizabeth Arden. If you are skeptical about the actual benefits of using these products, Dr Apratim Goel, consultant, L’Oréal Paris assures you that they do work but in moderation. “Don’t get carried away by the company claims. Try and understand your skin needs and set your expectations accordingly. Sometimes if the problem is really bad, you might want to do a combination of homecare products along with cosmetic treatments like peels, lasers, microdermabrasion and fillers,” she suggests. Ensure you use the products consistently and don’t expect instant results. Most products will only start showing results after a month of continued use. “When using night creams, massage them in for a minute gently to see that they are properly absorbed,” says Goel. Also, it works better if you stick to one company as far as possible. “If you use multiple brands, you will never see the benefits of any brands,” believes Anjali Gaekwar, sales and education manager, Estée Lauder. Though, relying on products only to get great skin would not be wise. Beauty equals good habits. Meeta Awatramani, training manager, Clarins, believes that a balanced diet, using sunscreen daily, following a proper cleansing and moisturising routine, managing stress, drinking plenty of water and treating your skin gently can all delay the on-set of ageing.

Make-up Marvels

• Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In Place Concealer SPF 10 – Hides fine lines and crows’ feet. Also reduces the appearance of dark circles.
• M.A.C Well Defined Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation – Contour and define features like a pro with this luxurious, gel-based foundation that revitalises skin and contains antioxidants and broad-spectrum UV blockers to protect against photo-ageing.
• Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick – Contains Pro-Xylane, a powerful molecule that helps reshape and replenish. Hydrates your lips for eight hours and gives you a perfectly designed lip contour.
• L'Oréal Paris True Match Minerals Loose Powder – Gives a smooth texture and foundation-like coverage. It also protects against premature ageing as a result of sun exposure.

Essential Elixirs

• Chanel Ultra Correction Line Repair Anti-Wrinkle Day Fluid SPF 15 – A fine, silky emulsion that is perfect for skin that prefers sheer, fresh textures.
• Garnier Light Eye Roll On – This metal roll-on ball contains caffeine gel known for its revitalising and stimulating properties. Helps reduce dark circles, erase tiredness under the eyes and boost radiance.
• Dermalogica MAP-15 Regenerator – A unique powder that melts into a fluid emulsion upon contact with skin to stimulate collagen, brighten skin tone and lightly exfoliate.
• Clarins Multi-Active Essence – Perfect for skin that is subjected to stress and pollution and has begun to show signs of fatigue. Revives and helps undo the damage.
• Estée Lauder Perfectionist [Cp+] Wrinkle Lifting Serum Corrector For Lines/Wrinkles/Age Spots – Increases collagen and levels out wrinkles. Skin reclaims – and maintains – a more youthful, line free look.
• Vichy LIFTACTIV PRO Night, Detoxifying Wrinkle and Firming Care - Neutralises the harmful effects of toxins and promotes restoration and the production of new skin fibres.
• L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Double Lifting – Combines two complementary formulae – a dusky pink tautening gel and the white anti-wrinkle cream that mix to create a refreshing fluid texture, that is easily absorbed and gives instant results.
• Clinique Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer – Addresses damaging visible effects to skin, defends against the harmfull effects of the sun and helps bolster skin’s immunity.