An expert guide to maintaining youthful skin

If you want healthier and more youthful skin, it's worth looking at your lifestyle instead of simply reaching for expensive skincare products.

Dr. Tunc Tiryaki, a world-leading plastic surgeon and founder of the London Regenerative Institute, says, "Facelifts have the power to bring about remarkable transformations, however, having a strong foundation with healthy skin is key to the overall results. Employing good lifestyle habits to optimise skin health can both delay the desire for procedures - both surgical and non-surgical, and can also enhance and prolong the results of any treatments."

Dr. Tiryaki has shared his tips on how to keep your skin looking young and healthy:

Protect from sun exposure

The sun's UV rays are the main cause of wrinkles, sun spots, pigmentation, reduced skin elasticity and many other signs of skin ageing.

"Apply sunscreen every day (SPF50), even when it's cloudy, rainy and throughout the winter months to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of skin cancer," the expert recommends. "Sun exposure accelerates skin ageing, causing the collagen to deplete at a higher rate which decreases the skin's elasticity and accelerates the formation of fine lines and wrinkles."

Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise

Incorporating these three steps into your daily skincare routine will help keep your skin healthy.

"Establish a consistent skincare routine encompassing gentle cleansing, exfoliation and moisturising," Dr. Tiryaki advises. "Cleansing eliminates impurities, exfoliation promotes skin renewal and moisturising ensures ongoing hydration, promoting supple and healthy skin. Skincare containing exosomes is hugely beneficial in helping renew and regenerate the skin, improving the complexion and reducing fine lines and wrinkles."

Don't neglect the neck

When taking care of your skin, it is important not to neglect your neck.

"The skin on our neck, akin to the delicate eye area, is thinner than the skin on our face and body," Dr. Tiryaki explains. "Despite diligent facial skincare routines, the neck often gets overlooked, leading to visible disparities in skin quality. Consistent skincare, which includes cleansing, exfoliation, moisturising and daily SPF application, is vital in reducing skin ageing of the neck."

Avoid smoking and vaping

Smoking and vaping can contribute to skin ageing.

"Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health," the plastic surgeon warns. "Smoking accelerates skin ageing by constricting blood vessels, diminishing oxygen supply and depleting essential nutrients. It leads to premature fine lines and wrinkles and a dull complexion."

Limit alcohol consumption

Reducing your alcohol intake can help reduce the risk of inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea.

"Excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate the skin, dilute the blood vessels and reduce collagen production, leading to premature skin ageing, wrinkles, redness and exacerbating the risk of inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea," Dr. Tiryaki states.