3 ways to rewind the ageing clock

By Temo Mpodi

Picture credit: Pexels

Nowadays, people are looking for ways to turn back time – at least when it comes to beauty. This is why Botox is skyrocketing as one of the most popular beauty treatments to reverse the ageing process. A good skincare routine and healthy eating can help, but ageing also runs deeper – it’s influenced by the structure of our face, our environment, and the things we expose ourselves to. We’ve put together three tips below. Choose what works for you – maybe all three?

Wear sunscreen

Sunscreen is your best friend. If you don’t know that yet, well, consider this your introduction. And this isn’t just for women – men, take note too! Many brands champion sunscreen for good reason. It revolutionises skin protection and helps repair damage.

Dr Dagmar Whitaker, dermatologist and President of the Melanoma Society of SA, emphasises the critical role of innovative sunscreens and skincare solutions in preventing skin cancer. “Everybody living under the African sun should wear a DAILY sunscreen of SPF 50! This protects from accidental sun damage and reduces accumulative damage.”

Maxilla: your face’s unsung hero

Dr Sheryl Smithies, a top aesthetic dental surgeon and facial aesthetic practitioner based in Cape Town, explores how the maxilla can be leveraged to counteract signs of ageing through a concept she calls retro-ageing.

The maxilla is more than just a bone – it’s the foundation of your mid-face, supporting key features like the cheeks, lips, and even the nose. As we age, the maxilla naturally shrinks and shifts.

“Think of the maxilla as the scaffolding of your face. Just as a well-structured building maintains its integrity, a well-supported maxilla keeps your facial features lifted and harmonious. By optimising maxillary support, we can tap into the power of retro-ageing,” she explains.

Get enough sleep and stay active

You’ve heard it before – get your eight hours of sleep! And for good reason. But sleep quality doesn’t stop at duration; it extends to the fabrics we use for our bedding and pillows. Silk and satin pillowcases offer numerous benefits for both skin and hair, including reduced friction, minimised wrinkles, and improved hydration. They also provide a luxurious, hypoallergenic, and temperature-regulating sleep experience – perfect for beauty sleep in every sense of the word.

Staying active doesn’t have to be intense – even a few steps and stretches every day count. To maximise the benefits, stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, and cut back on alcohol. Your skin (and future self) will thank you!