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Preservation and prevention override perfection in the quest to age gracefully
So far, the buzz around longevity has been around how we can keep our bodies in peak performance mode in order for us to stay healthier for longer and age ‘well’ inside and out. It was therefore only a matter of time before the conversation flipped to our complexion. Enter what’s being dubbed ‘skingevity’ which includes ways to improve your ‘skinspan’ – in short, how we can keep our skin acting, looking and behaving youthfully for as long as possible.
“It isn’t about anti-ageing in the old sense but about keeping the skin resilient, preserving collagen, preventing chronic inflammation and supporting healthy cell turnover so the skin continues to behave like younger skin over time,” explains cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Nora Jaafar.
Much of this comes down to a strong and healthy skin barrier (the outer layers of skin), as if that’s hydrated, well fed with the correct ingredients and protected from external aggressors, it will stave off inflammation, boost levels of collagen in the skin and keep it strong and resilient. This in turn appears as smoother, more radiant skin, which reads to the eye as younger. Goodbye injectables, quick fixes and unrealistic expectations; hello healthy skin that’s consistently cared for.
Now you know about skingevity, the next question is how to achieve it and while some of the current longevity go-to’s can also work their magic on your face as well as your body – red light therapy, cryotherapy and supplements here’s looking at you - there are some skin-specific measures you can put into place according to the experts…
BOOST YOUR BARRIER
Probably of utmost importance here is consistency and balance, according to the experts, rather than overloading your skin with products. “Improving skin longevity is about supporting its structure and function at every level,” says clinical facialist, Kate Kerr. “Look for ingredients that…
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Protect – antioxidants like vitamin C, niacinamide and ferulic acid that neutralise free radicals (caused by pollution and UV exposure and that can damage DNA, cause inflammation and accelerate ageing).
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Repair – retinoids, peptides and growth factors encourage collagen renewal at a cellular level.
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Reinforce and regulate – AHAs, gentle exfoliants and enzymes keep cell turnover healthy and balanced.”
Hydration is a non-negotiable too – hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin and polynucleotides will help the skin stay smooth, strong and keep its elasticity intact. And of course, SPF – considering one of the biggest culprits of skin ageing is UV damage, it should always be the first line of defence.
GET SOME SLEEP
“Skin longevity is holistic and your lifestyle directly influences cellular health. Sleep is so important as it allows your skin to repair and detoxify, and is when collagen production peaks,” continues Kate. Also aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends, as studies have found that circadian disruption can actually weaken the skin barrier. By prioritising good quality sleep, your cells can focus on reparation, DNA restoration and overall recovery.
FEED YOUR SKIN
“Our diet can be underrated in terms of how it can affect our skin, so we need to ensure we’re eating a balanced diet,” says Dr Alpa Kanji, consultant dermatologist at The Bronte Clinic. “Getting adequate amounts of protein and plenty of antioxidants, omega-3’s and avoiding sugar where possible can help reduce inflammation. Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis, and think about feeding the gut, as gut health is closely linked to skin health. Fermented foods such as kefir and fibre, which feed the gut microbiome, will definitely be beneficial.”
TRY SOME TOOLS AND TREATMENTS
A key part of keeping your skin springy and youthful is ensuring your collagen levels don’t deplete – or at least do what you can to stop the speed of the decline. This is where tools and treatments can take the spotlight. “In clinics, treatments like microneedling, red light therapy and radiofrequency can stimulate collagen and repair damage from within when done safely and strategically,” says Dr Nora. “At home, facial massage or Gua Sha can support lymphatic drainage and give a natural lift, while cold therapy tools like chilled rollers or cryo wands can calm puffiness and areas of inflammation, as well as boost microcirculation and skin resilience.”
ADD IN EXERCISE
Alongside the stress relief a good burpee can bring (or whatever exercise you enjoy), getting the blood rushing around your body is superb for your circulation and will oxygenate every cell as it does so. Improving the delivery of nutrients to the skin means a glowier demeanour is inevitable. A study of middle-aged women also found that both aerobic and resistance training improved gene expression, elasticity and dermal thickness and that regular physical activity helped to reduce stratum corneum thinning. Need we say more?
GET READY FOR LONGEVITY-FOCUSED FORMULATIONS
Prevention not the cause. Proactive not reactive. That’s the brief for these anti anti-ageing formulas that are “targeting inflammation, energy production and cellular repair and are designed to keep skin behaving in its prime,” says Dr Nora.
Kate Kerr agrees: “Expect to see epigenetic formulas, NAD+ boosters and mitochondria-supporting ingredients that aim to enhance the skin’s energy and slow down cellular ageing. Longevity skincare is the meeting point between aesthetics and biohacking as opposed to products that simply hydrate or exfoliate.”
With more discoveries and innovations on the way to lengthen our skinspan and improve our skingevity, this is just the beginning of the focus shift from ageing to preserving. Watch this space…
