Should we be ‘ANTI’ Ageing?

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We age from the very moment we are conceived. We are born into a hostile world of harsh pollutants, stress and nutritional obstacles. Ageing is what we do!

In our twenties our skin produces abundant amounts of proteins called collagen and elastin. These are responsible for our skin being resilient and firm. As we age, the proteins in our skin are attacked by free radicals caused by continuous exposure to stress, lifestyle, diet and environment through the years. This has a direct impact on the collagen and elastin’s ability to perform as they should, thus causing wrinkles and sagging.

There are different causes of ageing

Biological ageing – The DNA we are born with is responsible to a certain degree for how well we age. This is something we inherit. However, what we experience also has a profound effect on our individual ageing processes.

Environmental ageing – Our lifestyle plays a major role in environmental ageing including what we eat and our experiences through life. Poor nutrition, UV exposure, alcohol, drugs, smoking as well as mental, emotional and physical stress all play their role.  We have a certain degree of control with nutrition, lifestyle and topical treatments and products.

Also, the menopause can cause various changes to the texture and elasticity of the skin. Wrinkles and creases are the result of hormonal changes and sebum reduction. Up to 30% of collagen is lost over five years of the menopausal period. The menopause can cause dryness, loss of elasticity, acne or rosacea. This is caused by the shift of hormones such as androgen and estrogen.

We are what we are by what we eat….experience….& inherit!

Having now reached a point in my life where I feel I have more wisdom, experience and have ‘lived’ within this body for a number of years, I have a different perspective on ‘ageing’. I often ask why should we be ‘ANTI’ ageing?

The relationship we have with ageing is a state of mind, it is our own personal attitude. Yes, we have major differences in our skin due to experiences, diet and chemical changes but mentally this should be looked upon as growth into an individual who is LIVING. I am sick of people, especially women, who think that when they are post forty it’s all down hill. Rubbish!

As far as the skin goes we all know the main culprits of premature ageing – smoking, sun damage, diet, lifestyle… but also your state of mind!

I am often asked what I think of Botox and Fillers. Because I am a Holistic Therapist people expect me to frown (pardon the pun) upon such treatments but I don’t at all. My philosophy is if an individual feels it will improve their self confidence and self esteem, then why not?  After all, what it is really about is how we feel.

Personally speaking, I am finding great results with active ingredients on the skin and I actually like the fact I have a few lines. I am comfortable with the fact I have experienced many laughs, as well as many heartaches. I don’t want my face to be a blank canvas with no character. My ‘Skinspirations’ are the likes of Dame Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep who are confident women – proud, full of sass, grace and still ooze sex appeal.

Marie’s Good Skin Tips

• Look after your skin – and that goes for ALL ages! Take time to have regular facials not only to maintain good skin health but for some ‘you’ time. Use products rich in antioxidants, Hyaluronic acid and peptides.
• Exercise and incorporate pilates to strengthen the core muscles.
• Try to reduce sugar intake in your diet
• But most of all don’t take life too seriously and give your self a break. Stress and over-thinking can also weigh you down
• Think as YOU feel, not as you feel your age determines or society says you should feel

Remember it is not the years in our life that matter but the life in our years!!!

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