Smooth Away Fine Lines & Wrinkles

1. Smooth fine lines and wrinkles

World-famous spa fix:
As you age, tissue-firming collagen and elastin fibres in your skin break down as overall muscle tone and skin quality and texture decline. New York’s Exhale Mind Body Spa’s Anti-ageing treatment sets the trend with their Acu-lift facial. Small needles are inserted into the skin to irritate the outer layer; the skin then responds by producing more collagen and elastin fibres.

Follow a good skincare regime containing either vitamin A for cell regeneration, vitamin C for antioxidant repair or Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) for increased exfoliation. Note: apply products in an upward direction.

Help firm your skin with L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Double Lifting Pump (R149,95), a duo with a skin-tightening ingredient and a Pro-Retinol A wrinkle-fighting cream.

The SA Association for Health and Skin Care Professionals’ (SAAHSP) tips for younger-looking (and feeling) skin:

Avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures, as they can promote the deterioration of the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres.
Avoid late nights. The skin renews itself between 1am and 6am.
Don’t sleep on your side or on a high pillow. It can cause permanent wrinkling of your neck and cheeks.
Don’t smoke. It depletes your body’s store of vitamin C — the antioxidant that fights the free radicals that cause cellular destruction.
Don’t drink alcohol excessively. It can cause capillary damage and skin sensitivity, which leads to puffiness and a florid look.
Drink plenty of water. Good hydration prevents superficial lines.
Avoid the sun. Always use a good sunblock.
Exercise regularly. It increases the oxygen and nutrient flow to the skin.
Have monthly facials at a skin clinic