Ageing is inevitable and a natural process, no doubt about it, but in this modern era we have evolved significantly so that often we’re looking older than we feel. As Dr Joanna Romanowska, highly respected cosmetic physician and founder of Auckland’s Clinic 42 puts it, “Due to increased knowledge about diet, health and general wellbeing, we are outliving our body’s repair mechanisms.”
So as well as looking after ourselves from the inside out and making sure to “fill our cups” as much as possible, there are ways to renew and rejuvenate our appearance from the outside with great makeup techniques, skincare and in-clinic treatments. Read on for our best positive ageing tips and advice.
Makeup
Skin becomes drier as we age, so avoid matte formulations when choosing foundations. Look for those with buzzwords ‘hydrating, radiant and glow’ in their names, or with serum infused into them to assist with hydration.
Try: Max Factor Ageless Elixir Miracle 2 in 1 Foundation and Serum
Powder is a welcome step for keeping base in place but choose one that’s silky, not drying. A light dusting of sheer, light-reflecting powder won’t settle into fine lines but will keep skin looking polished. Go one better and choose one that keeps skin hydrated throughout the day.
Try: Innoxa Hyaluronic Finishing Powder
Never underestimate the power of brows. Just as hair lightens as we age, the same goes for eyebrows and when they’re too light, your face loses its essential framing. Pencil or powder them in, then run a spoolie brush through to soften and ensure they look natural.
Try: Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil
While we’ll leave the glitter, strobing and shimmer to the millennials, a very soft dab of liquid highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones adds a youthful radiance and dimension to your makeup.
Try: Revlon ColorStay Endless Glow Liquid Highlighter
Skincare
If skin is healthier it behaves in a more youthful manner, so this means supporting it topically with great products is highly beneficial.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A – retinol is a form of Vitamin A - is scientifically proven to keep skin healthy and the signs of aging in check. By incorporating it into your routine at night, you’ll be strengthening skin to keep it looking firm, promoting the effects of the skin’s natural moisturising ability, giving a radiant glow and stimulating the production of natural protein to keep skin looking healthy.
Try: Environ Focus Care Youth + Concentrated Retinol Serum 3, Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
Sunscreen
For anyone who wants to keep their skin healthy and at its best for longer, sunscreen is non-negotiable. UVA rays, that cause sun damage and skin cancer, are always present, rain or shine. Make it the last step in your morning skincare routine and you’ll reap the rewards for years to come. There are many excellent zinc oxide-based options available for those who are adverse to chemical formulations.
Try: Natio Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF 50+, Osmosis Protect, Natural Instinct Invisible Natural Sunscreen SPF30
In-clinic
Dr Johanna says, “I want my patients to look well and amazing for their age, not necessarily ‘younger’.” So with this in mind, there are many options that can be explored by talking to a trained and experienced skin technician.
Botox
Botox is the most requested cosmetic procedure in the world today. Botulinum Toxin (also known as Dysport and Xeomin) is suitable for all ages and has been used medically for much longer that it has been cosmetically, so is very safe. It’s a no-brainer for softening fine lines and wrinkles and to aid the long-term prevention of developing these. This doesn’t mean every single crease on the face has to be treated – many women opt to minimise only deep frown lines and ensure the rest of their face retains natural movement.
Prices vary but expect to pay from $300 upwards
Dermal Filler
When used with a light hand and injected into the right places, filler can be used to re-expand areas of the face that have deflated due to the aging process. It’s only when it’s used to plump up areas to be much larger than they are naturally, that the results can look overdone. Filler isn’t permanent can be dissolved if you change your mind.
Prices vary but expect to pay from $600 upwards
PRP
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma and is taken from your own blood, containing over 300 active growth factors. When injected back into skin it kick starts the body’s own natural healing and repair process, which leads to regeneration and rejuvenation – making it look more luminous, full and firm.
Prices vary but expect to pay from $600 upwards
This article originally appeared on beautyheaven.co.nz.
Words: Amy Houlihan
