“Changing the way we think about ageing starts with changing the way we talk about ageing.”
-Michelle Lee
A year ago we stopped using the term ‘anti-ageing,’ the term thought up by advertising execs in the 80’s to sell more products to older women. We felt inspired by Allure Magazine’s decision to drop the term that subtly sends the message that ageing is a negative condition that needs to be fought against.
Unlike ‘It’s all downhill from 30,’ the new narrative recognises that with age comes more confidence and the magically liberating wisdom of caring a whole lot less about general public opinion. We’re badass and we own it! The approach to the journey is going to be different for everyone (no judgement here if you’re into fillers and botox) but the destination is the same – loving the skin we’re in (thanks Olay).
Well-ageing puts wellbeing rather than combat at the centre of things. This more positive, supportive approach to ageing is about listening to the changing needs of your body and choosing self care habits and rituals that keep all systems balanced. Because when we are too focused on skin beauty rather than skin health we’re often getting it the wrong way around.
The radiance we’re all looking for is a byproduct of an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, adequate sleep and a solid skincare regime that helps the skin barrier to function optimally. There is no quick fix. Opt for a holistic approach to skin health, rather than piling on products to target surface-level imperfections, and say hello to the glow.
Slow and steady wins the race.
6 WAYS TO PRACTICE WELL-AGEING
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet by avoiding excess alcohol, sugar, fried and processed foods. Glycation (spiking blood sugar levels) accelerates ageing, but eating whole foods helps to keep blood sugar levels steady. Whole foods like beans, nuts and seeds also provide the amino acids required to make enough Type 1 Collagen.
TIP: Check out the Blue Zone diet (the foods of the world’s longest-lived people, who have much lower rates of chronic disease. These people also like spending time with their friends and family because hanging out is good for your health!)
- Wear sunscreen and make sure it’s as non-toxic as your dearest friend. (Caution: toxic people and environments tend to accelerate the ageing process)
- Ever left a high intensity exercise class feeling sad and lethargic? It’s almost impossible. Exercise gets all the feel-good hormones firing and it’s beneficial for EVERYTHING including your skin. It improves blood circulation which can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin, promotes collagen production, and promotes cell growth.
- Use a good, natural cleanser and nourishing products (free from artificial chemicals, sulfates & preservatives) that help to keep your skin barrier happy. The result will be smoother, more supple skin because this essential barrier keeps water in, while also keeping environmental stressors like pollution out.
TIP: Apply moisturiser within 3 minutes of getting out of the bath or shower to lock in moisture.
- The hydration game is an inside job. While high-quality products greatly help to put moisture and hydration into the skin, we need to internally hydrate with good quality water, herbal teas and water-rich fruits and vegetables.
- Practice good sleeping habits. Try to go to sleep and wake at the same time, switch off screens 2 hours before bed, don’t eat late, and try to calm your mind with a bedtime ritual that works for you.
TIP: Insight timer is a handy app with lots of free meditations and playlists to send you peacefully into lala-land
We believe that ageing is a privilege to be enjoyed, so we help you support well-ageing by providing skincare that nourishes you in whichever stage of life you’re in
We’d love to hear from you! What is your key ‘well-ageing’ tip?
