UP YOUR VITAMIN C IN TAKE

A study published in the American Journal of Nutrition found women over 40 with the highest amount of vitamin C in their diet were less likely to develop wrinkles than those who consumed lower levels.”Vitamin C is crucial to the formation of collagen. Without it, amino acids can’t be linked to form the protein,” says dietitian Jo Travers, “Good sources are red pepper, dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli and sprouts, tomatoes, oranges and kiwi fruit.” Skincare products that contains vitamin C is also thought to encourage collagen repair (it’s usually listed on the label as LAscorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate or ascorbyl phosphate).

STOP SMOKING

“Smoking creates enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which damage the collagen in your skin; hence the telltale sagging which many smokers are betrayed by,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe.

STAY SUN SAFE

Sun exposure is a prime suspect for hastening collagen loss. “UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage the deep collagen support structures there,” says Dr Lowe, “My advice would be to wear an SPF15 broad spectrum cream (one that protects against UVA and UVB rays) through the year.”

REACH FOR RETINOL

Retinoid creams -only available on prescription -have been proven to help boost collagen production. “Retinoids reduce substances in the skin that break down collagen after sun exposure and also target receptors in the skin which increase the production of collagen,” says Dr Maria Gonzalez. You can get your hands on milder forms of retinoid in over-the-counter retinol creams.

CUT BACK ON THE STUFF SWEET

According to Dr Patricia Farris, eating too much sugar can be a beauty disaster. It causes premature ageing of the skin by a process called gly cation. This is where excess sugar in the blood attaches itself to lipids, nucleic acids and proteins (especially your collagen) to form “advanced glycation end products” or AGEs, which accelerate the ageing process and cause wrinkly skin.

EXFOLIATEExfoliation -removing the top, dead layer of skin -helps speed up the natural process of skin and col lagen renewal, says Amanda Elias, founder of a skin care brand. “My favourite way to b exfoliate is with chemical exfo liants such as gly colic acid and lac tic acid. They dis solve the glue-like ubstance that substance that bonds dead skin to the surface rather than sloughing it away like scrubs do,