A 45-Year-Old Woman Reveals Her Secret to Looking Youthful Without Botox: 'I Rely on Skincare'
Our columnist has some fabulous and affordable face, eye brow and hair products to soften the signs of ageing
AN age-defying woman in her forties has revealed how she keeps her skin looking youthful without Botox.
Farah Bashir said she’s developed a dedicated skincare routine that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and protects from further damage.
Bashir, 45, founded the beauty brand Sachi Skin after 20 years spent working as an aesthetician in London.
Speaking to The Sun, she revealed the tricks of the trade that she swears by for maintaining an ageless appearance.
A consistent skincare routine tops her list of the most important things for effectively reducing fine lines.
“As someone in my forties, I rely on skincare to delay the need for Botox,” she said.
“We recommend using retinoids to boost collagen production and smooth the skin’s texture.
“Hydrators like glycerin and hyaluronic acid provide plumping hydration, softening the appearance of lines.
“Regular exfoliation also helps smoothen the appearance of lines and wrinkles and sun protection to prevent UV damage is crucial.
“Facial massage techniques can also help relax tension in the muscles, boost circulation, and nourish the skin with vital nutrients.”
Bashir said several studies support the use of retinoids to boost collagen for a more youthful appearance.
Her brand offers a “first-of-its-kind Ayurvedic Retinoid System” that combines the vitamin A derivative with Ayurvedic botanicals such as Rosemary, Holy Basil, Black Cumin and Ursolic Acid.
She describes it as a “high-performance yet gentle retinoid system.”
“Using a retinoid system should be a Marathon approach versus a Sprint,” she said.
“The end goal in 30- 60- 180 days remains the same but with our new formulation, we are looking to get you to your end goal without all the surface level irritations of retinoids high percentage retinoid systems.
“Like the philosophy of Ayurveda itself a more skin-respecting and harmonised approach to great results.”
She said the Ursolic Acid and Retinol Overnight Reform makes skin appear smoother in 28 days.
The £76 which targets wrinkles and fine lines has been rated 4.8 out of 5 by customers.
Bashir said vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinaldehyde should also be used in skincare routines to fade pigmentation.
The ingredients are key when trying to target dark under-eye circles.
However, under-eye bags require a combination of dedicated skincare and lifestyle habits.
“For instance, try avoiding tear-jerker movies before bed to prevent puffy eyes in the morning,” she said.
“Cooling eye creams with ingredients like caffeine, peptides, and brighteners can help de-puff and firm the skin.
“Gentle lymphatic drainage massage using a cold spoon or eye massager stimulates circulation and reduces fluid retention.”
Bashir said the hands should be treated like your face as sun spots, loss of collagen, and moisture are ageing.
She said hand creams that contain glycerine and ceramides are essential for restoring moisture.
“Incorporate a gentle, non-irritating retinoid as a serum treatment for the skin on your hands to target fine lines, wrinkles, and boost collagen production, helping to keep the skin firm and plump,” she said.
It’s important to note that while collagen-based skincare products may offer benefits, their effectiveness can hugely vary.
Some experts suggest that topical application of collagen may have limited effectiveness compared to other skincare ingredients that stimulate collagen production within the skin.
“A dark spot serum, like Sachi Skin’s Triphala Pigmentation Corrector, can help target and prevent the appearance of dark spots, which tend to creep up as you age.
“It’s crucial to start using these serums on your face, hands, neck, and chest as early as possible.”
Bashir said sunscreen should be worn daily to preserve skin health and the anti-aging ingredient can be found in some makeup products alongside hyaluronic acid.
She recommends teaming skincare with dietary choices for the best results.
“Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants support skin health by fighting free radicals that accelerate ageing,” she said.
“Research is also emerging on the benefits of oral collagen peptide supplements for skin elasticity and hydration.
“In general, a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is ideal for boosting overall skin health.”
The Science Behind the Skincare
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is often used in skincare products to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, acne, and other skin concerns. It works by increasing collagen production and cell turnover, which helps to make the skin look younger and healthier. It is important to use retinol products as directed, as they can be irritating to the skin, especially if used too frequently or in too high of a concentration.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body that helps to keep the skin hydrated and plump. It can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As we age, our body produces less hyaluronic acid, so it is important to use products that contain this ingredient to help keep the skin looking its best.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It can also help to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Many studies have shown that topical vitamin C can also help to increase collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
What is Niacinamide?
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a versatile ingredient that can be beneficial for a range of skin concerns. It is known for its ability to reduce redness, inflammation, and blemishes. Niacinamide can also help to improve skin tone and texture and can be helpful for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
What is Retinaldehyde?
Retinaldehyde is a potent form of vitamin A that is said to be more effective than retinol at boosting collagen production and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It is also thought to be less irritating to the skin than retinol. However, as with all retinoids, it is essential to use it as directed, and it is best to start with a low concentration and build up gradually.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
In addition to a consistent skincare routine, Bashir also recommends making healthy lifestyle choices to support skin health.
Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide the essential nutrients that the skin needs to stay healthy and radiant. Eating foods that are high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts, can also help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Hydration
Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining skin hydration and keeping it looking plump and youthful. Dehydration can make the skin look dull and wrinkled. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and wellbeing, and it can also have a positive impact on the skin. When we sleep, our bodies produce growth hormone, which helps to repair and regenerate skin cells. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Stress Management
Stress can have a negative impact on the skin, leading to breakouts, wrinkles, and dullness. Finding ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or yoga, can help to keep the skin looking its best.
By following a consistent skincare routine and making healthy lifestyle choices, it is possible to maintain a youthful appearance without resorting to Botox or other invasive procedures.
Embrace Aging Gracefully
It’s important to remember that aging is a natural process, and there’s no need to fight it. However, by taking care of our skin and making healthy lifestyle choices, we can help to slow down the aging process and embrace our natural beauty. Instead of focusing on erasing every wrinkle, it’s more important to focus on feeling good in our own skin, no matter our age.
