Many of us may feel that our necks are starting to give the game away… on how old we actually are. So, we have spoken to our experts for their top tips on how we can help keep our necks looking firm and youthful…
1. Vitamin C to boost collagen production
“Collagen is the structural component of the skin that keeps it looking supple and youthful. As we age, collagen production declines. This ultimately reduces the structural integrity of the skin leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.
“Vitamin C is a critical nutrient involved in the formation of collagen. By increasing vitamin C consumption we can stimulate collagen synthesis, which ultimately slows the signs of ageing.
“To ensure you’re getting your daily dose of vitamin C, try to incorporate these vitamin C rich foods into your diet: broccoli, strawberries, kale, brussel sprouts, red peppers, kiwis and oranges,” says Lily Soutter, Nutritionist and weight loss expert at lilysoutternutrition.com.
2. Nature’s alternative to Botox
Aloe vera is one of the most widely used natural skincare products as it helps to repair and restore damaged and ageing skin. “Aloe Vera can help to tighten pores, the antioxidants in aloe vera prevent damage caused by free radicals and help to firm the skin. Try… Soothing Skin Gel by What Skin Needs (www.whatskinneeds.co.uk, £14.99). Its light texture soothes and moisturises skin without giving it a greasy feel, so they are perfect to be used under make up,” says Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns.
3. Avoid sugar and avoid wrinkles
“It is now being said, that sugar can be as ageing as sun damage or even smoking.
“The reason for this is that excess sugar and refined carbohydrate consumption results in a damaging process called glycation. This is where sugar molecules permanently bond to protein molecules forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs cause huge damage to the skin, reducing its elasticity – a key factor in ageing and sagging skin.
“Glycation and the production of AGEs is the same process which happens when BBQ’ing or browning food, which can put into perspective what this process may be doing to our skin.
“A blood sugar balancing diet is essential to youthful skin. Consumption of good quality protein, healthy fats, whole grains and packing in the veg helps to ensure that you are well on the way to wrinkle-free skin,” says Lily.
4. Eat your way to having a firmer neck with Beta Carotene
“Vegetables such as carrots, squash, pumpkin and sweet potatoes contain particularly high levels of beta carotene and other carotenoids, which give them their lovely orange colour. Beta carotene converts to vitamin A in our body, which is one of the most important nutrients for skin integrity (meaning skin that is firm, resists damage and can heal quickly).
“Beta carotene itself may also help to prevent free radical damage to our cells that can result in ageing, as it works as an antioxidant. The orange vegetables are delicious as a basis for stews and soups in the winter, or roasted with other vegetables such as peppers, red onions and beetroot,” says Dr. Marilyn Glenville, author of Natural Alternatives To Sugar
5. Hydrate your skin from the inside out
Water is important for healthy skin, and can help keep our necks looking youthful. “When our body struggles to eliminate toxins through our digestive system they can then come out through our skin. This comes back to drinking enough water, so that the body can eliminate toxins effectively. You can also see a visible impact on your skin when you increase your water intake. Skin looks plumper when it’s well hydrated,” says Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com the online shopping destination for health & wellbeing.
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