A holistic approach to anti-ageing.

Sun exposure of the skin and hair Apply a broad-spectrum,  SPF 50+ sunscreen and re-apply approximately every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating. In addition to wearing sunscreen, seek shade, wear sun protective clothing (including hat and sunglasses) and use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging sun’s rays. Ideally combine this with a blend of topical antioxidants that provides infrared and heat protection while minimising inflammation and promoting skin repair. Pollution Sunscreens do not protect against pollution so the best defence is routine cleansing to remove particulate matter that can attach to the skin, a combination of topical (Vit C, E, B3, Ferulic acid) and systemic antioxidants (diet high in fruits such as blueberries, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, fish, whole grains, and legumes) to counteract oxidative stress, and barrier repair with moisturisers. Cosmetics such as foundation may also have a protective effect. Smoking Don’t smoke. The benefits of not smoking include healthier skin, as well as protection from hair loss and low bone mineral density. Diet The combination of a Mediterranean diet and a low glycaemic diet, along with food sources containing Vit C and linoleic acid (ie. a diet with high intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, fish, whole grains, lean protein, legumes and monounsaturated fat but a lower intake of refined carbohydrates, sugar, processed foods, butter, saturated fat, fried food, red and processed meat) can promote healthier skin and may have a protective effect on bone mineral density. Exercise Do at least 4 hours of moderate or high-intensity physical exercise each week to promote healthier skin. Some exercises (especially weight training) have a protective effect on bone mineral density as well as muscle structure and function. Sleep Try and get a good-quality sleep of 8 hours a night to improve skin barrier function, satisfaction with appearance, bone mineral density and muscle mass and function. Dental hygiene and care Good oral hygiene and regular dental examination are key to preventing periodontal disease that can result in tooth loss and subsequent bone resorption. Stress Reduce stress using mind and body approaches such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, progressive relaxation, and deep-breathing. Hormones Given the possible increased risk of breast cancer, stroke and blood clots in hormone replacement therapy users, and increased risk of endometrial cancer with unopposed oestrogen use, the risks and benefits of this therapy need to be carefully evaluated by your doctor. Make sure you consume the recommended amounts of calcium and Vitamin D from diet and supplements. Reference: Saluja SS and Fani SG. A Holistic Approach to Antiaging as an Adjunct to Antiaging Procedures: A Review of the Literature.  Dermatologic Surgery 2017;43:475-484.

A holistic approach to anti-ageing.

Sun exposure of the skin and hair

Apply a broad-spectrum,  SPF 50+ sunscreen and re-apply approximately every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating. In addition to wearing sunscreen, seek shade, wear sun protective clothing (including hat and sunglasses) and use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging sun’s rays. Ideally combine this with a blend of topical antioxidants that provides infrared and heat protection while minimising inflammation and promoting skin repair.

Pollution

Sunscreens do not protect against pollution so the best defence is routine cleansing to remove particulate matter that can attach to the skin, a combination of topical (Vit C, E, B3, Ferulic acid) and systemic antioxidants (diet high in fruits such as blueberries, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, fish, whole grains, and legumes) to counteract oxidative stress, and barrier repair with moisturisers. Cosmetics such as foundation may also have a protective effect.

Smoking

Don’t smoke. The benefits of not smoking include healthier skin, as well as protection from hair loss and low bone mineral density.

Diet

The combination of a Mediterranean diet and a low glycaemic diet, along with food sources containing Vit C and linoleic acid (ie. a diet with high intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, fish, whole grains, lean protein, legumes and monounsaturated fat but a lower intake of refined carbohydrates, sugar, processed foods, butter, saturated fat, fried food, red and processed meat) can promote healthier skin and may have a protective effect on bone mineral density.

Exercise

Do at least 4 hours of moderate or high-intensity physical exercise each week to promote healthier skin. Some exercises (especially weight training) have a protective effect on bone mineral density as well as muscle structure and function.

Sleep

Try and get a good-quality sleep of 8 hours a night to improve skin barrier function, satisfaction with appearance, bone mineral density and muscle mass and function.

Dental hygiene and care

Good oral hygiene and regular dental examination are key to preventing periodontal disease that can result in tooth loss and subsequent bone resorption.

Stress

Reduce stress using mind and body approaches such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, tai chi, qi gong, progressive relaxation, and deep-breathing.

Hormones

Given the possible increased risk of breast cancer, stroke and blood clots in hormone replacement therapy users, and increased risk of endometrial cancer with unopposed oestrogen use, the risks and benefits of this therapy need to be carefully evaluated by your doctor. Make sure you consume the recommended amounts of calcium and Vitamin D from diet and supplements.

Reference: Saluja SS and Fani SG. A Holistic Approach to Antiaging as an Adjunct to Antiaging Procedures: A Review of the Literature.  Dermatologic Surgery 2017;43:475-484.