Stop ageing in its tracks

Trick everyone into thinking that you're years younger than the figures on your birth certificate with our guide to delaying the ageing process

Water therapy

The subject of drinking eight glasses of water a day is a rather controversial one, although the evidence should help you decide. Skin is 90 per cent water, and without plenty more to keep levels boosted, can be unhealthy and dry.

Water also helps flush out toxins via the excretory system, which can otherwise build up and escape through pores, resulting in acne. When water is warm, it has the power to hydrate, revitalise, detoxify and oxygenate the skin. It also gets rid of blackheads and makes large pores smaller.

Keep a bottle on your desk at work and sip regularly. You'll be getting enough without even realising it.

Smoke screen

Nicotine can add years to your appearance, so if you want to appear younger, stub that cigarette out now. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4000 toxins, many of which are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and are transported by the blood into the skin.

Not only that, when we inhale, more than a trillion free radicals are produced in our lungs, which triggers an inflammatory response throughout the body. Smoking causes the blood vessels at the top layers of the skin to constrict, thickening and reducing oxygen levels in the blood, and collagen levels in the skin.

Finally, poor circulation ensures that a smokers skin is thinner, and there are usually visible signs of premature ageing.

About face

Through gentle massage we can help delay the ageing process. 'There's nothing more ageing than tense facial muscles,' says Noella Gabriel, director of treatments for Elemis. 'Facial muscles respond well to touch, so regular massage is really worthwhile.'

The stimulating effect of massage forces blood to rush to the skin's surface, promoting circulation, detoxification and relaxation. Afterwards, your complexion will appear clear and glowing and any puffiness will have magically deflated.

Avoid pulling the skin by massaging upwards, not downwards. Use a light touch and never dry hands. Use cleanser, a facial oil or moisturiser.