Why it's not years that hold the secret of youth
‘As we age, we become dryer and dryer. This decline is noticeable in your skin’ Dr Howard Murad, M.D.
The quest for eternal youth may be as old as time itself. Yet that doesn’t stop us joining the A-list glitterati in our pursuit of youthful perfection. Mature style icons like Madonna, Iman and Geena Davis are proving that neither ‘life experience’ nor motherhood can fade the natural glow of true health, vitality and beauty. Meanwhile, much younger starlets betray lifestyles that are more Class-A than A-List, and are snapped in the perpetual hell of a bad hair/skin/boyfriend day. It’s clear that youthful zest cannot be measured in decades alone.
Of course, our own internal body clocks are partly responsible for the rate of our visible ageing, caused by changes in hormone production, skin thickness, blood circulation, oil production, elasticity, underlying muscle tone and fat distribution. Health issues – whether illness, chronic conditions, medications, poor nutrition, lack of exercise or weight problems – can also make your skin appear older. But these influences aside, the pace at which we age visibly is largely within our control. So what are the vital ingredients that make up the much sought-after elixir of youth?
Repeated or prolonged exposure to sun is blamed for all manner of photo-damage. Fine lines, age spots and leathery skin are just a few of the narcissistic nasties. However a report published by the Health Research Forum indicates that sunshine may be good for us in other ways. Sunlight is the greatest source of vitamin D, which acts as a vital steroid hormone in the body tissues. Deficiency has been linked to all kinds of chronic diseases including 16 different types of cancers, diabetes, raised blood pressure, fertility problems and even dental decay. The report suggests, ‘To ensure optimum levels of vitamin D, people in the UK need to sunbathe whenever they can, wearing as few clothes as possible while taking care not to burn.’ Indeed it could be sunshine, not the notoriously healthy Mediterranean diet that blesses our Southern European cousins with their famed longevity.
The philosophy of renowned dermatologist Howard Murad, M.D., medical advisor for Urban Retreat, is that internal health and external beauty are intrinsically linked. While different experts may all have their own answers to the secret of youth, Dr Murad’s unifying message is that we should encourage more water into our cells.
Says Dr Murad, ‘You can define life itself as containing water. Yet as we age, we become dryer and dryer. While a baby’s body weight is about 70% water, adults typically range from 45% to 50% and many people come to me with levels testing closer to 38%. This decline in cellular water is noticeable in your skin, and it is also happening in every cell of your organs. I like to see people with cellular water levels nearer to 60%. Yet all kinds of environmental pollutants reduce those levels. Even when people are under stress or socially isolated, they begin to lose water.’
It’s no surprise that we all need to encourage more water into our bodies. But what is surprising is that it’s not just about drinking two litres of water a day. Dr Murad suggests three main ways to delay the signs of ageing:
Topical: our skin is connected to every organ in the body, so it’s important to prevent damage from the environment as much possible by using protective skin products.
Nutrition
Include sources of Lethicin in your diet, found in soy, sunflower seeds, spinach, eggs and peanuts as this strengthens your cell walls and helps to protect you from free radicals, inflammations and bacteria.
Emotional Self Care
Developing relationships and having a physical connection with other people is vital to your wellbeing, as are doing the things that make you feel good.
That’s why visits to the spa can make such a difference!
Anti-Ageing Essentials
Murad Youth Builder® Dietary Supplement. £34.50, 120 tablets. Scientifically proven to reduce wrinkles by up to 34% in 5 weeks.
proto-Col beauty Pure Collagen Capsules. £29.95, 400mg. 100% pure collagen rejuvenates ageing skin.
Murad Essential-C Daily Renewal Complex®. £65, 30ml. Reduces the appearance of fine lines by 17% after one application.
Murad Vitamin-C Infusion Treatment Gel. £40, 9ml. Two packet formula reverses the effects of enviromental damage.
Exposure® Instant glow Dermatological Toning Serum. £105, 10 vials at 2ml each. A highly revitalizing serum reduces ageing signs caused by time and sun.
proto-Col Coral and Collagen Rejuvenating Face Mask. £39.50, 100ml. Contains 3 types of plant collagen for triple action skin firming.
Divia Balancing Energy Terrestrial Healing Tea. £14.50, 30g. A pure white tea which helps replenish cells and sends oxygen to the skin’s surface.
Words: GIULIA KAPP PHOTOGRAPHY: DARREN S FEIST
Makeup: DANIEL SANDLER ASSISTED BY NIKKI STANNETT
Hair: TERU @ PEARLE MODELS: CHRISTINA CAREY @ ICM; PATRICK @ MODELS 1