How to Reverse the Effects of Aging

Aging is a natural part of life. Yet, it can be a little bit difficult when its effects start to impact your appearance. If you want to maintain your youthful complexion for as long as humanly possible, find out how to reverse the effects of aging.

Image Credit - Healthline.com

Don’t Consume Too Much Sugar

If you want to look and feel both young and attractive, you should try to cut sugar out of your diet as much as possible. Research has found too much sugar in a person’s diet can alter the essential proteins in their body. The abnormal proteins can ultimately lead to a lack of energy and the development of wrinkles. So, remain young and beautiful by skipping the sweet treats.

Adopt the Mediterranean Diet

In addition to avoiding sugar, you should also adopt a diet that can help you to maintain a youthful mind and body. For example, many scientific studies have linked the Mediterranean diet to a sharper mind and a stronger, healthier body. It could also reduce the risk of dementia, breast cancer, and heart disease. So, you should aim to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and olive oil into your diet.

Regularly Walk in the Great Outdoors

Everyone should experience a minimum of ten to fifteen minutes of sunshine three times per week, as it will provide their body with their required vitamin D dosage. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who have higher vitamin D levels will have longer telomeres, which are protective caps on the end of chromosomes, and can help people enjoy younger cells, so it can slow down the aging process.

Consider a Hair Transplant

British men are more affected by hair loss than most European nations. Yet, nine out of ten men refuse to take action to resolve the problem, which can be caused by aging. If you are struggling with hair thinning, you can maintain a more youthful look with a hair transplant, which can make you feel happier in your appearance. If you would like to learn more about the procedure, research into effective hair transplant results.

Take a Break

According to one 2004 study, women who experience high levels of stress can appear a decade older than their age, which is in comparison to their less stressed counterparts. If you want to avoid wrinkles, fine lines around the eyes, and dark circles, regularly try to take a break to reduce or eliminate stress from your daily life. Also, embark on activities that can help you to combat stress, such as meditation, sleep, and a massage. You’ll feel much better for it, and you could potentially look younger than your years.

Enjoy Cardio Three Times Per Week

Multiple studies have found that cardio exercises, such as running, swimming, and walking, cannot only help to clear a person’s mind and improve their mood, but it can also protect the brain from cognitive decline caused by aging. Cardio exercise can also help a person enjoy a stronger heart and lungs, whilst keeping their muscles toned. So, try to experience 45 minutes of cardio activity at least three times per week.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

How to enjoy the sun safely this Summer*

We all love catching a few rays over the summer, although the British weather can make this a real challenge sometimes! Not only does sunbathing help us to get a healthy-looking, bronzed glow, but it is sometimes recommended that we spend 10 to 20 minutes in the sun each day to help our bodies produce the Vitamin D we need to stay healthy.

Although enjoying the sun is one of the best parts of summer, it’s important to do so safely to minimise the risk of any damage to your skin. Find out what steps you can take before, during and after tanning to stay safe in the sun this summer with the infographic below from the team at Vitabiotics Perfectil Plus Protan, the tanning vitamin.

Even more tanning tips!

For even more tanning tips, keep reading to discover how to make the most of the sunshine.

False tan

If you want a glow before you head off on holiday, or you struggle to get a tan regularly, skip the dangerous sunbeds and opt for false tan instead. Gradual self-tan can help you to avoid orange-skin disasters, as can making sure your skin is in good condition by regularly exfoliating and moisturising.

How to tan if you’re pale

If you’re fair-skinned or pale, you may find it challenging to get a tan without jumping straight to getting burned. Being fair-skinned puts you at a higher risk of getting sunburnt, so it’s vital that you choose a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen. Don’t worry - even with a high strength sunscreen, you’ll still be able to develop a tan.

The best way to give yourself a chance of getting the bronzed glow of your dreams is by taking things slowly and gradually building up your tan. Start by spending 20 to 30 minutes at a time in the sun, and building up this time gradually over a number of days or weeks. Take plenty of time away from the sun to give your skin a break, and make sure to keep your skin hydrated and healthy in between sessions. 

If you find that no matter what you do, you just can’t get a tan, it’s probably worth considering stocking up on bronzer and fake tan as an alternative or learning to love the pale look

Going without sunscreen

You may be tempted to skip the sunscreen if you’re looking to build a tan quickly. Although 10 to 20 minutes per day in the sun without sunscreen, with bare arms and legs, is recommended to help vitamin D production, you should not spend further time in the sun without adequate protection. 

Wearing sunscreen does not prevent you from getting a tan, but will prevent you from sunburn or skin damage. Make sure to reapply your sunscreen regularly, especially after a dip in the sea!

If you’re planning on enjoying the sun this summer, whether at home or abroad, make sure to follow these easy tips to stay skin safe.

*this post may contain PR samples, paid for links and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold Two New Launches

If you have never come across the brand Alpha-H before, they are described as being a pioneering Australian skincare brand who combines active natural ingredients and the latest in scientific technology to bring a range of skincare and anti-ageing products that will help you achieve a brighter, smooth and visibly more radiant complexion.  Over my time getting to know the brand, I have learnt so much about my skin, what will and won't work and how simple changes to a routine can really shake things up.

I was lucky enough to be present for the launch of two new products from Alpha-H and they recently launched on to QVC.  The first is the Liquid Gold Ultimate Mask and the second is the super-sized Liquid Gold Resurfacing Cleansing Cream. I was also kindly given a Liquid Gold 24 Hour Moisture Repair Cream too.

The Liquid Gold Resurfacing Cleansing Cream is described as being a luxurious multi-tasking cream cleanser which purifies and primes, eliminating dead skin cells and pollution particles to leave the skin smooth, brightened and plump. 

Designed to gently exfoliate your skin whilst removing makeup and daily grime, it is enriched with lime pearl AHA's, glycolic and lactic acid.  Lime Pearl is described as being a new natural source AHA which has been sustainably extracted from precious native Australian caviar lime. Rich in organic citric acids, it breaks down dirt, eliminates dead skin cells, pollution particles, impurities and anything else found lurking on the skin. When using the cleanser, you only need to mix it with a small amount of water to create a creamy emulsion, whilst using this cleanser, at no point did it sting or tingle, instead it was just incredibly nourishing.

 At the launch of these products, it was explained that by using Combination Hydroxy Acids (CHAs) they break down the adhesive bonds that bind dull, tired, deoxygenated dead skin cells together thus allowing them to be shed quicker.  Once it has done so, left behind is vibrant skin cells which leave your complexion looking renewed. Improving your skin's texture, moisture levels and having removed impurities, your skin is then primed to better absorb other products that you put on to your skin - be it serums, moisturisers or oils. By allowing them to penetrate into the skin deeper and work more effectively it can change how well your make up applies too because no longer will it cling too and sit on dead and dry skin.

The second of the new launches is the Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask which is described as being the ideal product to help your complexion look more luminous. It is said that from the age of 25 onwards the skin's capacity to regenerate itself begins to wane and as we reach our 30's, 40's and so on, the skin becomes increasingly dull looking, a bit lacklustre and wrinkles begin to make their appearance, as well as our collagen production, becoming less and less.  Instead of wearing thicker foundation, over caking the makeup and hiding behind what is essentially a mask, Alpha-H wants to take a different approach - this mask.

The Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask is marketed as being an advanced home peel which blends Combination Hydroxy Acids with a nourishing base of Squalane, Shea Butter and Fision Hydrate (a moisturiser containing wheat acids and Hyaluronic Acid), together they create a product which is said to deliver immediate and intense long-term hydration to repair the skin's barrier function.  I have combination skin which leaves me with an oily tzone and dry cheeks, so I often find I need the extra hydration. This mask is perfect for a treat once a week because essentially it is an at-home peel which doesn't have any downtime so after using, my skin doesn't look or feel sore, it isn't peeling and nor does it look flaky and in worse condition than when I started.

The Mask contains 20% Alpha Hydroxy Acids and is the highest percentage home peel that Alpha-H have ever developed. There is also the inclusion of Tazman Pepper which is extracted from the Tazmanian pepper berry and it helps reduce inflammation, tingling and redness in the skin. To be used as a once a week treatment by applying a thin layer to the face avoiding the eye and lip area, it should be left on the skin for a maximum of ten minutes. There is a very slight tingling sensation when you apply this mask and it is nothing to worry about, this just indicates that the actives are working. After ten minutes remove with lots of warm water and as with other Alpha-H products you should always wear an SPF, something you should do daily anyway, but definitely after using this. I have been using this once a week for the last 6 weeks and the biggest difference for me is the change in texture of my skin, no dead or dry skin on my cheeks or around my nose and whilst there was a tingling sensation, it wasn't in the slightest bit uncomfortable, it didn't sting and there was no more redness after using than my skin would usually have.

The final product I have been using is the Liquid Gold 24 Hour Moisture Repair Cream which is described as being a luxurious, transitional day-to-night moisturiser with contains handpicked ingredients such as Chia Seed, Squalane, Argan Stem Cells, Hyaluronic Acid, Avocado Oil, Matrixyl-6 Peptide, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid and 24 Carat Gold Flakes. The combination of Avocado Oil, Chia Seed, Hyaluronic Acid and Olive-derived Squalane immediately moisturise the skin, making it feel more smooth and supple. Naturally derived Glycolic and Lactic Acids exfoliate dead cells from the surface of the skin to give an instantly brighter appearance and light-reflecting 24 Carat Gold Flakes give radiance and luminosity.

To be used as cleansing, you should apply 2 pumps covering the face, next and décolletage. It works to brighten and enhance the appearance of lifeless, dry, ageing or sun-damaged skin with this nourishing moisturiser. The cream is also said to be particularly beneficial to apply to the neck and décolletage to help improve the appearance of crepey skin day and night. I first used this cream over a year ago (here) and I love how smooth this feels when applied to the skin and even more so, I love that it isn't thick or greasy and that it doesn't leave any hint of ever being on the skin.  If and when you do use these products, you do need to ensure you use an SPF30 or more.

I am a huge fan of Alpha-H skincare and I love how my skin feels whilst I am using the products and they don't come overhyped or promising things they cannot do, what you see is what you get with Alpha-H and you can find the majority of the products on sale at Marks and Spencer, so they are also readily available too.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Missguided Announce Three New Perfumes

I adore perfumes and all things fragrance and without question, one of the most searched for perfumes on my blog is Babe Power from Missguided which I featured in my gift guides. Now, hoping to continue on from the success of Babe Power, Missguided have announced there are to be three new fragrances and I have two of them to share with you.

Keeping in the style that proved so popular with Babe Power, Boss Babe, Babe Dreams and Babe Oud all come housed in a luxe, chrome can complete with a ring pull spray button. Designed to be fun, different and out there, one thing is for sure, these cans are just divine. I love that they are different to the norm and I hadn't expected to be impressed by Babe Power and was proven wrong, so I had high hopes for these.

The first fragrance I have been using is Boss Babe and it is described as having a scent that matches your personality leaving you ready to face anything the day throws at you. Boss Babe is a fruity floral and is just perfect for that warm Summer Day.  It opens with notes of Bergamot and Pear with accents of Pistachio thrown in and upon the first spritz, it is the fruitiness of the notes which spring to life.  The middle notes of Rose Accord, Almond Milk, Orange Blossom and Magnolia and for me, it is at this point the fragrance come to life because the mixture of Rose and Orange Blossom really give it some life.  As it settles, the notes of Patchouli, Amber, Sweet Tonka, Vanilla, Musk and Creamy Sandalwood come through and thankfully the Vanilla and Musk don't overshadow the rest of the notes.

Babe Dreams which comes packaged in a pink can is described as being dreamy femininity and it belongs with the Chypre family of scents.  It opens with Bergamot, pink pepper and fruity red accords which give it a really fruity scent to open with before the heart notes of Velvety Rose and Orris with Violet are released and again it is at this point that the florals meet the fruit notes and combine to make a fragrance which is perfect for a hot day. The base notes of Patchouli, Amber and Vanilla settle the perfume down.

The third fragrance which I don't have is called Babe Oud which Missguided describe as being for feeling exotic times as there is a rich middle eastern aroma.  It opens with baies Roses, Bergamot, Lemon and orange alongside a dash of red fruit and Neroli.  The Heart notes are of Geranium with Jasmine, Oud, Black Pepper, Roses and Saffron, alongside a leather quality.  The Base notes are of Amber, Cedar, Kashmir Fusion, Musk, Patchouli, Tonka and Vetiver.  All of the scents I like in one fragrance and all notes you find included in expensive fragrances found in stores like Harrods where you pay an exorbitant amount of money. 

Each of these fragrances will retail at £28 for an 80ml can and it launches in June with The Fragrance Shop, Superdrug and Boots.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here