On average, a round of Botox costs £200 in the UK. By the time we’ve reached our mid to late twenties, at least half of us women have had the procedure done or have considered it.
In your twenties you will see very fine lines beginning to appear, which will then deepen into your thirties – so prevention not correction is key. When performed flawlessly, the odd minor tweakment to keep wrinkles at bay (otherwise known as ‘baby botox’) can knock a good 5-10 years off some people. But perhaps you just can’t fathom the thought of injecting needles into your face, so if you’re that person who isn’t quite ready for aesthetics procedures but are in desperate need of banishing, or in this case preventing, crows feet and brow lines then there are other things you can do for your skin to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Always Use Sunscreen – the Holy Grail Anti-Ageing Product
Applying sunscreen even on a not so sunny overcast day will be your saving grace when it comes to minimising the onset of wrinkles – it is the most important step in your anti-ageing skincare routine. Prevention is the best strategy when it comes to slowing down the ageing process but using a daily SPF does so much more for your skin. Regular daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF (preferably factor 50) after applying your moisturiser will improve skin texture, clarity, and hyperpigmentation by more than 50%. So get applying ladies!
Stay Hydrated!
Drinking at least 8 glasses a day will help rid the body and skin of toxins and will increase blood flow which can help even out your skin tone and complexion, giving you a more radiant glow. Staying well hydrated can help maintain your skin’s elasticity and combat the appearance of those dreaded wrinkles.
Using Retinol will aid towards plumping the skin.
If you’re going to buy a serum, invest in retinol. The combination of applying daily sunscreen and a nightly retinol can actually prevent the need for injectables. If you aren’t aware of retinol, this potent vitamin C derivative helps the skin produce collagen, the protein that makes up skin’s supportive structure, keeping it firm and plump.
Get lasered.
While you may think of lasers removing hair or unwanted dodgy tattoos, types of resurfacing lasers can also reduce brown spots, blood vessels and increase collagen production. Lasers no longer leave the skin red and irritated, they are a lot more sophisticated and can mildly resurface the skin without causing injury. Lasering is a more expensive option as opposed to topical creams and injectables and can cost anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of pounds – always arrange a consultation with a certified clinic if you choose to get lasered.
Microneedling Can Fade Scars and Smooth Wrinkles
A lot smaller and less scary than botox needles, micro-needle rollers are fast becoming one of the leading skin-care trends with at home usage encouraged by beauty enthusiasts; however always consult your dermatologist prior to use. Even though results won’t be as noticeable compared to a dermatologist’s work, the roller is studded with micro-fine needles on the outside, and when rolled across the skin, needles penetrate the outer layers and trigger the skin’s healing process, in turn boosting collagen production.
A Healthy Diet & Lifestyle Is A Must!
This is pretty self explanatory – your daily diet has a massive impact on how your skin looks and feels. Make sure to exercise regularly and eat nourishing foods that fuel your body. The other obvious point is stay clear of smoking and alcohol and try not to indulge in sugary foods. Treating your body isn’t about snacking on sweets and eating takeaways on the regular, but rather giving yourself the vitamins and nutrients needing to live a healthy life and your skin can be a tell-tale sign of lack of nourishment. You are what you eat and all…