How to look younger: Skin expert shares how women can turn back the clock without going under the knife

Award-winning aesthetics practitioner and skin care expert at Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic Amish Patel urged women to stay out of the sun or risk causing their skin major harm.

He warned: "One of the most significant ageing factors I see in my clinic is sun damage. Extensive sun exposure and sunbed use are some of the worst things you can do to your skin if you want younger-looking skin.

"Sun damage causes wrinkles and encourages hyperpigmentation, which is ageing in appearance."

Not only this, sun damage can lead to serious health problems. The experts at John Hopkins Medicine said: "Everybody needs some sun exposure to produce vitamin D (which helps calcium absorption for stronger and healthier bones).

"But unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes, and immune system. It can also cause cancer."

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

Amish continued: "Alongside smoking, alcohol is another skin ageing accelerator. Not only does alcohol dehydrate your body and skin making your skin dry and wrinkles more pronounced, it is also packed with sugars.

"If you already have a lot of sugar in your diet, then excess sugar in your body can cause glycation and further age your skin.

"Glycation is a natural chemical reaction in the body when sugar levels spike and it affects the collagen in our skin - diminishing collagen in our skin and reducing that youthful plumpness we see in younger skin, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. This process is often referred to as 'sugar sag' and is irreversible without aesthetic intervention. Avoidance is the key here."

Another way women can achieve younger-looking, healthier skin is by getting their beauty sleep.

The expert said: "During our sleep, our skin undergoes a repair process. Therefore, if you're not getting enough sleep, it's time to reconsider your lifestyle or bedtime routine to ensure your skin gets the rest it needs for repair and rejuvenation.

"Healthy, youthful skin often radiates a natural glow, which is why I recommend investing in professional-grade skin care. While it may be pricier than its high-street counterparts, professional skin care is more potent in formulation and delivers superior long-term results.

"Incorporating hyaluronic acid and retinol in your skin care routine after the age of 30 is essential for enhancing skin hydration, reducing age spots and improving skin tone and brightness."

Those looking for professional intervention can go for chemical face peels, skin boosters and PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) facials.

GB News also spoke to the founder of the skin care company AveSeena, Dr Ebru Karpuzoglu. Her deep focus is on skin "inflammaging" and skin care.

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She said: "As we focus on being healthier, we realise that our skin reflects what is going on inside our bodies. If 'inflammaging' hasn’t found a place in your skin care glossary yet, take a note down now. A combination of the words inflammation and ageing, this term initially refers to chronic, low-grade inflammation’s overall effect on health in the medical world.

"While it has been gaining attention among immunologists and quietly recognised by beauty aficionados for a few years, inflammaging is now becoming a key focus in skin care routines for achieving youthful, healthier-looking skin.

"Managing the signs of inflammaging on the skin will soon be as commonplace as protecting the skin barrier, maintaining a healthy microbiome balance, or applying daily sunscreen. After all, disruptions in these areas can exacerbate inflammaging and lead to premature ageing."

As for what causes inflammaging, factors include stress, hormonal changes, genetic predispositions, environmental exposure, UV rays, free radicals, diet, imbalances in the skin and gut microbiome and lifestyle choices.

The expert explained: "These stressors make the skin's immune system work overtime - even at the micro level - leading to skin cell, tissue and immune system deterioration. The result is premature ageing with increased sensitivity and irritations."

According to Dr Ebru, anti-ageing enthusiasts can combat inflammaging with effective skin care and lifestyle changes.

She said: "Effective skin care is crucial in combating signs of inflammaging. You should seek out multi-functional products that not only hydrate but also strengthen the skin’s barriers, balance the skin microbiome and support skin immune wellness.

"Carefully combined ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and antioxidants play pivotal roles in rejuvenating younger-looking skin and protecting against stress and environmental damage.

"One often overlooked tip is minimising how often you touch your face. Our hands come into contact with countless surfaces, harbouring bacteria and pollutants. Frequent touching can transfer these onto the skin, exacerbating inflammaging and breakouts. Overloading the skin with extensive skincare routines can also lead to irritation."

In conjunction with a skin-boosting skin care routine, there are several lifestyle changes women can make to support skin care.

The expert advised taking up yoga and meditation to manage stress. This will in turn reduce the internal inflammation that contributes to inflammaging.

Getting enough sleep is also essential, as is maintaining an active lifestyle. The skin guru explained: "Adequate sleep and regular exercise further promote healthy, youthful skin by improving circulation and cellular regeneration.

"In summary, achieving younger-looking skin without surgery involves a holistic approach: incorporating multi-functional skin care, adopting a nutritious diet and making mindful lifestyle changes. By addressing the root causes of inflammaging, women can enjoy radiant, youthful skin naturally."

Top tips for younger-looking skin

• Wear sunscreen daily and try to stay out of the sun
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
• Limit your sugar intake and enjoy a nutritious diet
• Get your beauty sleep
• Invest in professional-grade skin care
• Drink plenty of water
• Stop touching your face throughout the day
• Maintain an active lifestyle
• Reduce stress levels by practising yoga and meditation