As we age, our skin takes on inevitable changes such as sagging and wrinkling due to a depletion in collagen levels and reduced elasticity.
While many women opt for a facelift procedure to address these concerns, maintaining the right skin care habits can also go a long way - with a lot less risk and expense.
Plastic surgeon Dr Anil R Shah (MD) spoke exclusively to GB News about how women can achieve a "facelift without surgery", improving their appearance without going under the knife.
The expert stated: "Nothing substitutes for a facelift, but a comprehensive strategy of skin care, supplements, lasers and fillers can help prevent and in some cases reverse the need for surgery."
'Skin care plays a crucial role in maintaining collagen and skin texture'
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Speaking about the power of active ingredients, he said: "Skin care plays a crucial role in maintaining collagen and skin texture.
"Growth factors counterintuitively help make your skin thicker by stimulating the dermis and creating collagen. Thicker skin is less likely to sag and mimics the skin of youth."
Skin experts at The Ordinary confirmed the benefits of growth factors. They stated: "Recently emerging in mainstream products, growth factors are proteins naturally occurring in each and every one of our body's cells. If there's a cell, there's a growth factor.
"They play a vital role in things like skin renewal and cellular regeneration. These processes help repair skin damage and treat visible signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
"Mimetic growth factors, like those found in skin care, are lab-created molecules mimicking the function of natural growth factors in the body.
"We can harness this function in growth factor serums, offering a way to replenish what our skin is losing over time."
Anti-ageing enthusiasts can also find products such as sunscreen and moisturiser that contain growth factors.
Dr Shah also advised investing in retinol, which is a form of vitamin A. "Retinol accelerates cell turnover, smooth fine lines and improves skin texture over time," the expert explained.
For those looking to complement their skin care regime with supplements, the plastic surgeon recommended several options.
Explaining that these "play a key role in skin longevity", Dr Shah placed specific emphasis on ones with "senolytic properties that target ageing cells".
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Supplements can 'play a key role in skin longevity'
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The expert said: "Fisetin and quercetin help clear senescent cells, improving skin quality and overall health.
"A well-planned supplement protocol including creatine, fish oil and a host of others, will not only improve your skin but expect it to help with brain function as an added bonus."
Senescent cells, as explained by the National Institute on Aging, "eventually stop multiplying but don't die off when they should".
Experts explained: "They instead remain and continue to release chemicals that can trigger inflammation."
For tailored advice on skin care, consult a dermatologist. If you do choose to go down the procedure route - whether invasive or non-invasive - ensure you do your research and that a professional administers your treatment.
In other skin care news, a 44-year-old woman named the ingredient she adds to her morning coffee to maintain her glow.
