LookFIT
2 Shield your skin
1 CLEAN
UP YOUR HABITS
We all want to look as young as possible for as long as possible, right? And while some of us are blessed with genes that seem to be immune to the effects of time, experts reckon we can all make a few lifestyle changes to give our cells the best chance they have at fighting the ageing process. In fact, the latest research suggests that around 90 per cent of the signs of ageing are caused by lifestyle and environmental factors, not genes. “Ageing is a natural process, but it can be accelerated by inflammation, which causes damage to the tissues and cells,” says general practitioner Dr Riccardo Di Cuffa. “Bad habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and eating a poor diet can speed up a process called telomere shortening. Telomeres are the caps at the end of each strand of DNA that protect our chromosomes, like the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces,” he explains. “Without telomeres, DNA strands become damaged and our cells can’t do their job properly. Take steps to cut out those unhealthy habits, however, and it’s possible to significantly reduce the speed of telomere-shortening.”
4
One big environmental ager? That’d be pollution. “Studies show that components of air pollution can damage DNA in cells and contribute to premature skin ageing such as wrinkling and pigmentation spots,” explains dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. Your beauty weapon to counter this invisible foe and delay skin ageing? Use an antioxidant serum, then follow up with a moisturiser containing SPF, she says. ❤ WF loves: Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, $45; Goodness Every Morning Moisturiser SPF 15, $16.95.
3 ENJOY A
FACE RUB
Choosing a good, antioxidant-rich, anti-ageing night cream is only half the battle. “Many of us hold tension in our jaw, between the brows and along the hairline, which can make us look much older,” says spa therapist Natalie Hart. She suggests when applying evening moisturiser, spend five minutes massaging your face, to help release excess tension and clear your mind.
CURL UP WITH A GOOD BOOK
Permission to get stuck into your trashy beach read, granted: reading helps you live longer. That’s according to researchers at Yale University, who tracked the reading habits of more than 3,500 older people across a 12-year period. Regardless of gender, health, wealth or education, book lovers were 20 per cent less likely to kick the bucket during the course of the study. One theory is that reading boosts empathy and social skills, which have both been linked to longevity.
womensfitness.com.au
womensfitnessaustralia
@womensfitnessmag
@womensfitnessau
107