August, the last month of summer, has become our favourite time for taking a holiday. Like our European cousins, we leave the city behind and go off in search of sun and sand. When we return, sporting a tan, we hunker down for the cooler temperatures of autumn, then winter, with its harsh chills and frosts.
In the space of three months our skin will have been parched, burned, wind-beaten and frozen, then baked by central heating systems. Though it is all most people ever see of us – hopefully – some of us don’t give it a second thought. We certainly don’t cherish it. Why ever not? We’re young on the inside: don’t we want to look young on the outside, too?
Looking young doesn’t mean being wrinkle-free. Even somebody who has looked after their skin, and hasn’t resorted to Botox or the knife, will have lines. But if their skin isn’t parched and dry, they’ll have a healthy glow. It might be down to good genes, but more often than not it will be thanks to a combination of good diet, preventative sun care and a moisturising regime.
Skin is the body’s largest organ. In common with other tissue, it ages. But unlike other tissue, the ageing of our skin is directly affected by our environment: stress, pollutants, the sun’s rays, smoking and drinking. Free radicals harm proteins, lipids and collagen, thus causing the skin to lose moisture, elasticity and firmness.
“As we progress though our fifties, hormonal changes, combined with decades of sun exposure and environmental stresses, can cause more progressed and visible signs of ageing in our skin,” according to a source at skincare range, Algenist.
“The rate at which we are able to produce new, vibrant cells slows, which results in a decrease of skin firmness, elasticity and radiance.”
Modern moisturisers do more than hydrate your skin. They address a range of skin conditions such as dull complexions, oily skin, sun spots, blemishes and fine lines.
“Seek out skincare formulas that repair, strengthen and protect the skin from past and future damage,” they say. “Protecting the skin against sun damage becomes particularly important as we age, so choose a moisturiser that nourishes and protects the skin against sun exposure.”
The six rules of sensational skin
Hydrate Don’t drink only water. Have fruit juice, milk, and fresh fruit and vegetables, as these all add to your water content. Water helps to keep skin moist, whereas loss of hydration will make your skin tight, dry and flaky. And dry skin is subject to wrinkling.
Exfoliate Not only does this boost circulation, it removes dull and flaky skin by getting rid of the dead cells that clog up the top layer of the epidermis. Whether you use a body scrub, loofah or mitt is up to you. Make this a shower sensation at least once a week.
Body brushing This is another effective way to get rid of dead cells and flaky skin. It will also boost your lymphatic system and get rid of toxins. Do it every morning, before your shower, on dry skin. Start at your feet and use sweeping movements towards your heart. Be slow and firm and do it for ten minutes. It’s almost a meditation and is quite addictive. As an added benefit your skin will feel so soft, so swiftly.
Feed your skin Vitamins E and C are vital to nourish your skin. E boosts the immune system and helps reduce the risk of skin cancer. C is essential for skin repair, ensures radiance and reduces wrinkles. Eat a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and take a daily supplement to boost your vitamin E.
Wear an SPF, including in winter It is important to get out in the sunlight to absorb vitamin D, but even in winter the sun’s UV rays are harmful. In winter you can get away with SP15, which will protect your skin but allow vitamin D absorption. In summer, you have to increase the factor you use.
Moisturise There has been much debate about whether moisture should come from within or without. Either way, just do it. Drink fluids, feed your skin with nutritious foods, and slap on the moisturiser. It’s a win-win situation. Not just your face, but your body as well: feet, hands, arms, legs, torso, bum, stomach. Everywhere, everybody! Believe me, you will re-connect with your body. By moisturising daily, you will be massaging your skin, not only making it more supple, but firmer too. What’s not to love? And your lover will love it too.
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For body
Aveda products smell as good on men as women, so don’t be shy, people! The Caribbean Therapy range uses cocoa butter to richly moisturise (£27, 200ml), and the Replenishing Body Moisturiser restores suppleness to dry skin with a moisture-binding blend of vitamins, natural humectants and oils. The Rosemary Mint Body Lotion (£22, 200ml) is invigorating and lightweight.
Like Aveda, Tisserand prides itself on being paraben-free, though its body range is perhaps too fragrant for our male readership. We love the Nourishing Body Butter which is intensely moisturising and leaves skin feeling super-soft and energised, and the Replenishing Body Lotion with soothing, ethically harvested rose oil, pink grapefruit oil, rose geranium oil, shea butter and rich extract of organic white lily.
E45 Moisturising Lotion (£4.89, 200ml) is lightweight and easily absorbed. E45 replenishes, elevates and maintains moisture all day. Men will love this because it doesn’t smell girly.
For face
Bliss The Youth As We Know It spf 30 is an anti-ageing, spa-quality lotion with wrinkle-reduction peptides, advanced moisture binders, ten age-battling benefits and multi-vitamins. It may help increase cellular oxygenation, even out skin tone and brighten and clarifies.
Darphin Stimulskin Plus Divine Lifting Cream (£156, 50ml), formulated for mature skin, contains an optimal blend of anti-ageing technology that boosts natural collagen production and elasticity.
Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer (£68, 60ml) is part of an advanced luxury skincare range that harnesses the regenerative power of alguronic acid. It is designed to deeply moisturise, nourish and minimise the size of fine lines and wrinkles.
Clinique Maximum Hydrator for Men (£32, 50ml) is an intense moisturiser that rehydrates and firms the appearance of dry skin, minimising the appearance of fine lines.