You might not want to read this, but from around the age of 30 you might start feeling some of the first subtle signs of ageing. Skin changes will be the most visible sign and, as time passes, it becomes less elastic and less regenerative. Meanwhile, although hitting that beach club for the last few months seemed great at the time, living in the UAE’s year-round sunshine means that the effects of photo-ageing become more evident than usual.
Thankfully all is not lost, and through exercise, healthy eating and a carefully curated vitamin cabinet, you can stay looking great for longer. Here are the vitamins that every women needs on her shelf:
Vitamin A
This antioxidant helps neutralise the damaging effects of oxidation caused by free radicals – a primary cause of age-related degeneration and disease. Topical solutions with vitamin A have been shown to reduce signs of sun damage and skin aging by working as an exfoliator and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help with circles under the eyes. Vitamin A, in proper amounts, is important for your overall bone health, helping to offset the effects of osteoporosis as you get older.
Niacin, or vitamin B3
This has several anti-ageing properties. One very visible way it helps is by increasing your skin’s ability to retain moisture, something that the skin starts to lose over time. Moist skin not only looks healthier, it actually helps you stay healthier by providing a strong, unbroken barrier against viruses, bacteria and other antigens.
Vitamin C
This decreases oxidative stress and help cells regenerate and produce healthier, more vibrant skin. Not only is it an antioxidant itself, it also helps to regenerate other antioxidants in the body, including vitamin E. When applied topically, vitamin C also helps protect your skin against the damaging effects of UV rays.
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Vitamin D
This is converted in the skin when it comes into contact with the sun’s ultraviolet rays and is sometimes used to rejuvenate the skin. A dosage of less than 1,000 milligrams is recommended daily.
Vitamin E
This will protect against environmental skin damage and dullness. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can repair dry and cracked skin when used as a cream or lotion. It helps skin retain moisture and is often added to sunscreens because it protects the skin against UVB damage.
Vitamin K
This helps with one common cause: the leaking of capillaries around the eyes, which results in the pooling and clotting of blood. Researchers believe that vitamin K aids in the constriction of capillaries, breaking up the tiny blood clots that form the circles. We’re not saying it’s a cure-all for under-eye circles, but getting your fair share should be part of your over-30 treatment plan.
Gwyneth Paltrow, 43, is a firm believer is taking vitamins
Glucosamine
A multi-purpose option here; it can accelerate wound healing, improve skin hydration, and decrease wrinkles. Glucosamine is a building block for skin-plumping hyaluronic acid.
Coenzyme Q10
Nobody say the words: ‘skincare miracle’ but this nutrient can help contribute to the overall health and appearance of your skin. In a Japanese trial, adults who took oral coenzyme Q10 reported a reduction in wrinkle depth, volume, and area after just two weeks.
Omega 3 Fish Oils
Well known for its anti-ageing properties, Omega 3 fish oils is good for making skin more supple, youthful and radiant; it’s also known to be a great way to keep your heart healthier as you grow older, as well as naturally treat arthritis and other forms of inflammation within the body.
Calcium
Using a supplement will help to keep the skin young and supple, the bones healthy and so much more good besides within the body.
Resveratrol
This naturally occurring chemical compound reverses ageing, including the elimination or reduction of wrinkles like crows feet and forehead wrinkles.
Ginkgo Biloba
One of the most powerful and effective anti-ageing herbs available, it can increase circulation in the body and tissue oxygenation, which leads to reversal or reduction in wrinkles — and sometimes even elimination of wrinkles altogether.
All products available at Holland & Barrett and leading pharmacies
