How to look younger: 'I never leave the house without applying a protective product', says skin care expert

Dr Ross Perry from skin clinics chain Cosmedics explained why sunscreen is an essential skin care step for youthful skin.

The skin guru, who is an expert in sun exposure and skin cancer, revealed that he "never leaves the house without SPF".

Dr Perry said: "If you are outdoors for any part of the day, an SPF is an absolute must. The job of sunscreen is to filter out harmful UVA/UVB rays, which are the main cause of skin cancer and premature ageing, including lines, wrinkles, pigmentation problems and a poor complexion.

"UV radiation from daylight causes damage to our skin - especially when there's strong sunlight - and as we can¹t really tell how strong the sun’s rays are, it is always prudent to wear an SPF of 30 or above to have any significant protection.

"The reason for this is the sun's UV rays damage the DNA in our skin, which can lead to possible skin cancer formation but also premature skin ageing such as brown spots, lines and wrinkles as well as decreased skin elasticity."

When it comes to picking an SPF, a "non-greasy formulation" is ideal because it "will feel nice and sit well under makeup for everyday wear".

GB News also spoke to skin care expert Tania Rashid from cosmetic clinic Aesthetics Lab, who also advised that daily SPF application is the way to go for a youthful glow.

She said: "One of the most crucial steps is sun protection. Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher shields the skin from harmful UV rays, which is one of the primary causes of premature ageing.

"Use one with a tint to double up as a foundation or a CC cream, which is especially useful during summer months."

When picking the right sunscreen for you, always look for ones that mention "broad-spectrum", as these protect against UVA and UVB rays. Meanwhile, non-broad spectrum sunscreen only protects against UVB rays.

Aside from sunscreen, there are other skin care and lifestyle habits women can adopt for a youthful complexion.

Tania advised: "Avoiding tanning beds is equally important, as they accelerate skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer.

The expert also encouraged anti-ageing enthusiasts to stay hydrated, as this is "key to maintaining a youthful glow".

She said: "Drinking plenty of water helps keep the skin hydrated from within, while using a serum with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, reduces fine lines and promotes plump, smooth skin."

Tania also recommended investing in retinoids - specifically retinol (a form of vitamin A) which is a "go-to solution for youthful skin".

She explained that retinol "helps to stimulate collagen production and speed up skin cell turnover, which softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles".

Next up is a good exfoliator, which "plays an important role in skin renewal". Tania said: "Chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) gently remove dead skin cells, improving texture and enhancing radiance.

"Physical exfoliants, if used carefully, can also help smooth the skin’s surface."

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The expert also recommended investing in some skin-boosting antioxidants, which are "powerful tools" for maintaining youthful skin.

Vitamin C has a myriad of benefits including "brightening the skin, reducing hyperpigmentation and protecting against environmental damage".

She continued: "Other antioxidants like green tea extract and niacinamide work to reduce inflammation, improve skin tone and enhance overall skin health."

But of course, even the best skin care regime in the world cannot make up for a damaging lifestyle. The skin care guru recommended a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds and walnuts) to "provide the skin with the nutrients it needs to maintain its elasticity and hydration".

She also recommended ditching cigarettes and alcohol as these "contribute to collagen breakdown and dehydration", plus getting enough sleep to "allow the skin to repair itself overnight".

The expert explained: "Lack of sleep can lead to dull skin, dark circles, and premature ageing, so prioritising rest is important for maintaining a youthful complexion."

How to achieve younger-looking skin

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or above)
• Avoid tanning beds
• Keep the skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and moisturising
• Find a good retinoid, exfoliator and products with skin-boosting antioxidants
• Enjoy a diet rich in fruits, veggies and omega-3 fatty acids
• Prioritise getting a good night's sleep