AGE - OLD PROBLEM AREAS

The neck, eyes and hands are all dead giveaways of advancing years. Here's how to help beat the test of time -

NECK

The skin on the neck is more sensitive than face skin. Avoid spraying perfume on the neck, especially during the day as sunlight can activate it causing irritation. Always apply a moisturiser to the neck using gentle, upward strokes to avoid pulling.

EYES

We all have laughter lines but put off the deep wrinkles by applying a light eye cream or even better, eye gel, using gentle patting action all around the orbital bones. Do not screw up eyes to shield out the suns rays - invest in a good pair of sunglasses and wear them!

HANDS

Skin on the hands can be quite delicate and dries out easily. Try to wear gloves for washing up and gardening and always use a handcream each time the hands get wet. If you cannot bare the gloves, use a barrier cream before washing up. A handcream which contains an added sun-screen will help too.

DID YOU KNOW

That skin is relatively thin at birth, increasing in thickness during childhood. In our early twenties the thickness of our skin gradually begins to decline and by the time a woman reaches her fifties the skin in thinning quite abruptly. The sun is the skins worst enemy and sun-worshippers almost always appear visibly older than their non-sun lover contemporaries.

TOP TIP

Tea, coffee and alcohol all have a dehydrating effect on the skin. If you do indulge, always drink a large glass of water before bedtime to re-hydrate the skin.

BAFFLED BY SCIENCE?

Do not be. If you are totally confused by skin care jargon read on!

• ALPHA-HYDROXY ACIDS (AHA's)

Cosmetic ingredients that soften and remove dead cells from the skins surface. They can temporarily improve the appear of discoloured or flaking skin.

• CERAMIDES

These are fatty components of skin cells that are recreated artificially by skincare companies and are put into creams to plump up the skin.

• LIPOSOMES

These are microscopic bubbles of skincare ingredients that break up and deliver the ingredients to deeper layers of the skin.

• NON-COMEDOGENIC

Products containing anti-clogging ingredients that help to remove excess oil from the skin. Good for those prone to blackheads.

• DERMATOLOGICALLY TESTED

Any product that has been dermatologically tested has been tested on humans to see if it irritates skin.

• HYPOALLERGENIC

Means its ingredients are highly unlikely to cause an allergic reaction, but it is no way guaranteed.

Homemade egg face masks are excellent for dry skin. Beat two eggs then apply them to the face with cotton wool. Relax, allow them to harden, then rinse off with warm water. If your skin is really dry, use only the egg yolks.