'I'm a dermatologist - if you want to look younger you need to ditch the common habit that makes everything worse'

Dermatologist Margaret Schwartz from Noted Dermatology offered some important lifestyle tips for women who want to take years off their looks. Getting enough sleep, minimising stress and taking regular exercise are all key.

She said: "Getting enough sleep is vital for good skin. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night so your skin can repair itself."

She also stressed the importance of reducing stress, which "makes everything worse".

Cortisol is the main human stress hormone and "higher cortisol levels can break down the skin over time".

The expert advised: "Managing stress through activities like yoga, meditation or even walking can prevent stress-related skin issues like breakouts and premature ageing." The experts at Bupa warned that stress may also lead to inflammatory conditions like rosacea.

The dermatologist also advised getting moving as an anti-ageing treatment.

Regular exercise is also great for your skin. Margaret explained that it increases blood flow, which delivers oxygen and vital nutrients to the skin.

Revamping your diet is also crucial if you want to see anti-ageing results, with the expert claiming it "makes a huge difference".

She recommended eating foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach and nuts to protect your skin from damage.

Healthy fats, like those in fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, avocado and dark chocolate help keep your skin barrier hydrated.

Women should also ensure they are consuming enough water to maintain their skin’s elasticity and health. The expert said: "Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day for both your skin and your overall health."

Of course, in conjunction with maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating well, women must hone their skin care routine to a tee.

The expert said that "the foundation of any skin care routine is a gentle cleanser". A cleanser helps remove the pollutants that we encounter throughout the day. Cleansing at night is essential to remove any make-up from the day.

She continued: "Use a moisturiser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep your skin barrier nice and strong for protection.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• 'I'm in my 60s - I tried two volume hairstyles to help me look 10 years younger'
• 'I'm over 50 and there's a frumpy outfit I never wear - it makes you look like a granny'
• 'Important' fortnightly habit 'minimises breakouts, hair damage and wrinkles'

"Applying sunscreen daily is a must, even when it’s cloudy. Harmful UV rays can penetrate through the clouds and cause ageing and dark spots."

A dermatologist shared the exact amount of sunscreen you should be wearing on your face every day to reduce wrinkles.

The expert also recommended using antioxidants like vitamin C to help your skin fight off damage from pollution and stress.

Retinol - a form of vitamin A - can "speed up cell turnover and reduce fine lines".