Arm yourself against ageing: top tips

As if we needed another new enemy in our battle to stem the tide of advancing years, the experts have decided that uneven pigmentation and lack of plumpness are even more ageing than wrinkles. For once, dermatologists, facialists and cosmetic doctors agree - it's all about skin tone. "As we age, brown patches, age spots and sun damage appear. Add sagging, loss of luminosity and a changing face shape, as everything heads south, and we look visibly older," says skin specialist Sarah Chapman (sarahchapman.net). "We also see a loss of the plump subcutaneous cushion of skin, which thins out," adds Dr David Orentreich of Clinique. But there is good news - the latest batch of targeted treatments, smart skincare and specialist ingredients are all designed to address the damage.

Defend your decollete

Your chest becomes more vulnerable to environmental damage as your hormone levels change - not to mention the fact that it can often be neglected. Oestrogen levels diminish and your skin thins out and becomes crinkly.

Your secret weapon

A daily dose of sunscreens and proven antioxidants will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays and free radical damage. "I also recommend a diet rich in protein and antioxidants," says cosmetology medical practitioner Dr Elisabeth Dancey (elisabethdancey.co.uk). "And an adequate supply of phytooestrogens to maintain your oestrogen levels." Rich sources include soya products, such as soya milk, tofu, beans and lentils.

Your beauty miralces

Dr Brandt Time Arrest V-Zone Neck Cream, £50.00.

Chanel Précision Body Excellence Lifting and Firming Bust Gel, £49.

Clarins Bust Beauty Extra-Lift Gel (1), £38.50.

Save your skin tone

Brown spots and uneven skin tone, anyone? These are signs of hyper-pigmentation (the over-production of the brown tanning pigment melanin) - usually a result of sun damage, hormonal changes or the ageing process.

Your secret weapon

Try using skin-lightening products containing hydroquinone or arbutin, plus a daily sunscreen. You can also tackle the problem from within. "Green tea, white tea, grapeseed and vitamin E are all effective antioxidants that help protect skin," says Sarah Chapman. "Nuts, seeds and vegetable oils are among the best sources of vitamin E, as are green leafy vegetables and fortifi ed cereals."

Your beauty miracles

L'Oréal Paris Age Re-Perfect Pro-Calcium Radiance Restoring Day Cream, £15.99.

Medik8 White Balance Serum, £26.60.

Dr Sebagh Pure Vitamin C Powder Cream, £72.

Protect your hands

Your hands are always exposed to the elements but are rarely protected in the same way as your face. UV damage is your hands' worst enemy, as it destroys melanin cells and collagen.

Your secret weapon

"Plump up your hands with creams containing collagen-boosting retinol and retin-A and always apply sunscreen," says dermatologist Dr Fredric Brandt. For a weekly deep-nourishing treat, apply olive oil to hands, wrap in clingfilm, leave for 15 minutes then wipe off excess.

Your beauty miracles

MD Formulations Hand & Body Creme, £29.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Anti-Ageing Hand Cream, £3.69.

Bliss All You Need Is Glove, £48.

Get a shrink!

You'll start to notice changes in pore size in your thirties and beyond. They'll become enlarged due to collagen breakdown, product overload, excessive sun exposure and harsh beauty treatments.

Your secret weapon

"For a short-term fix, a pore-minimising or mattifying make-up primer will instantly reduce the appearance of pores," says Lesley Chough of Sisley. If your skin is oily and prone to break-outs, try products containing salicylic acid to unblock and refi ne your pores and use vitamin A-based skincare. Mild peels can also help.

Your beauty miracles

Sisley Instant Perfect, £37.

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher, £36.

L'Oréal Paris Derma Pore Minimising Smoother, £14.99.

Defeat dark circles

If you're already prone to dark circles, chances are they'll become more obvious as you get older. "Genetics, a poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle, lack of sleep and stress all appear to influence the appearance of dark circles," says facialist Vaishaly (vaishaly.com).

Your secret weapon

Look for an advanced eye cream that protects the delicate skin area, minimises fine lines and dark circles and reduces puffiness. Vaishaly suggests limiting your alcohol intake, as it's dehydrating, and drink hot water with a slice of lemon every morning to kick-start your kidneys, which will help diminish eye puffiness. Also, give your under-eye area a gentle daily massage using your ring finger, working inwards.

Your beauty miracles

Olay Definity Eye Illuminator, £24.99.

Medik8 Dark Circles Eye Formula, £27.

Sarah Chapman Skinesis Eye Recovery, £38.

Vanish those veins

People with sensitive or fair skin are more prone to tiny spider veins (known as blood vessel capillaries). But extreme weather, alcohol, spicy foods and harsh beauty treatments, such as facial scrubs and saunas, can also be to blame.

Your secret weapon

Apart from concealers, there are few, if any, over-the-counter treatments that will help. "The most effective treatments are electrolysis for small clusters of capillaries, IPL (intense pulsed light) or laser for larger areas," says Dr Mark Whiteley (thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk). At home, cleanse with warm water, take vitamin C supplements and use vitamin C-based skincare to help support capillary walls.

Your beauty miracles

Estée Lauder Maximum Cover Makeup, £24.50.

Clinique Continuous Coverage, £20.

Keep your chin up

It's a depressing fact that, as you age, collagen breaks down and your face changes shape, brows drop, cheeks lose their plumpness and your face becomes heavier around the jaw and neckline. But there is help!

Your secret weapon

Your first stop is to invest in targeted creams that help firm, tone and tighten - helping to ‘lift' sagging skin in the short-term. While invasive surgery shouldn't be on the agenda, Botox, which relaxes the muscles in the upper and lower part of your face, is growing in popularity. "Jowls are the result of hyperactive muscle movement," says cosmetic practitioner Dr Michael Prager. "In some people, these muscles are stronger, causing a sagging jawline over time. Botox can be used to stop them tugging at the jawline." But seek out a fully qualified practitioner before you embark on cosmetic procedures.

Your beauty miracles

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Face, Contours & Neck Cream, £13.99.

Clinique Repairwear Lift SPF15 Firming Day Cream, £44,

Bliss Thinny Thin Chin, £32.

Boost your brows

As you get older, your brows are prone to thinning. This can be down to hormonal imbalances, iron and vitamin deficiencies and over-plucking - plus hair colour fades and growth becomes sparser.

Your secret weapon

Use a brow pencil or a powder shadow to fill in any gaps or to accentuate the whole eyebrow. Brow expert Sophie Thorpe uses a semi-permanent method similar to tattooing to enhance brows. It takes two hours, lasts for up to two years and costs from £300.

Your beauty miracles

Shavata Eyebrow Shaping Kit, £12.

Becca Brow Powder, £17.