5 Science-backed ways to slow down the ageing of your skin

According to Dr Olivier Courtin-Clarins, the power to determine your skin’s future is in your hands. Below, we break down his findings on epigenetics, including the factors causing the ageing of your skin and the habits you can incorporate into your daily life to minimise their effects. 

Everyone grew up with the common adage, ‘beauty comes from within’. But did you know that there is scientific proof behind this saying? We need to look no further than the studies and discoveries of Dr Olivier Courtin-Clarins, son of Clarins founder Jacques Courtin and Director of the Group’s Research Laboratory. Drawing from 70 years of Clarins’s anti-ageing expertise, he hones in on the field of epigenetics, which studies reversible and hereditary changes in gene expression due to environmental and behavioural influences.

Did you know? When it comes to ageing, *15 per cent is owed to our genes and the remaining 85 per cent is modulated by our daily habits. An unbalanced lifestyle can trigger the epigenetic modification of cells, accentuating the signs of ageing. Clarins has coined the term ‘Epi-Ageing’ to describe this process. The beauty brand, driven by its science-backed philosophy and commitment to innovation, continues to push back the boundaries of anti-ageing technology. Its cutting-edge skincare innovations, including the Epi-Ageing Defense, will be incorporated into the new generation of its beloved Double Serum. Stay tuned for the launch of this exciting new innovation. 

In the meantime, Dr Olivier Courtin-Clarins shares his findings on how we can significantly reduce Epi-Ageing in our everyday lives. In the last five years, his research team set up an unprecedented and exclusive clinical study on over 60 identical twins, and discovered five basic pillars of daily practices which help to optimise our genetic heritage and modulate our genes to slow ageing. 

Read on to find out what you can do to preserve your youthful glow. 

Tip 1: Eat better to look better

An antioxidant diet is low in red meat and high in seasonal fruits and vegetables, fish, spices, oilseeds and olive oil. When it comes to portions, an easy guide is to ‘eat the rainbow’, which means that a majority of your plate should be colourful fresh produce, followed by protein and fibre-rich carbohydrates. This healthy diet reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Incidentally, it also helps to reduce stress hormones, another big factor of Epi-Ageing. 

Dr Olivier Courtin-Clarins gives an additional tip. He recommends drinking three cups of green tea a day—but not any more, as excessive amounts of green tea will inhibit the absorption of iron in the body. “The catechins (polyphenols) in green tea positively modify the activity of genes and play a major role in protecting us from chronic diseases. These epigenetic modifications help to positively control the ageing process,” he says. 

Tip 2: Take up regular physical exercise

In the modern age, it can be easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle. The breakneck pace of life, whether it’s work or studies, can keep you chained in front of your screens at your desk and leave you without the time or energy to exercise. However, research shows that it is important to make time to move your body 30 to 45 minutes daily, at least five days a week. 

It doesn’t have to be an intense sport or workout requiring a subscription to a fancy gym, it can be something as simple as walking around your neighbourhood at a brisk pace of around 120 steps per minute for half an hour everyday. “Whatever activity you choose, do it regularly and make sure you enjoy it. Genes, hormones, the immune system, oxidative stress and inflammation will move in the right direction,” says Dr Olivier Courtin-Clarins. 

Tip 3: Manage stress

You may have heard of cortisol, the stress hormone which has become a big topic of conversation on social media. There is now an increased awareness of the adverse effects of high-level cortisols on the body, including premature ageing, weight gain, hypertension, and muscle weakness. 

Luckily, there are many ways to combat stress. Two of the simplest, most accessible methods are deep breathing exercises and meditation—which can be done together or separately. “Simply breathe in through the nose for five seconds so your stomach moves out, then breathe out for five seconds through the mouth. Follow the 3/6/5 method: three times per day, six in and out breaths per minute, for five minutes,” says Dr Olivier Courtin-Clarins. 

Tip 4: Building positive social interactions

“A study carried out by researchers at the Faculty of Medicine in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, showed that spending more than two hours a day on social networks doubles a young adult’s risk of suffering from a feeling of isolation,” explains Dr Olivier Courtin-Clarins. 

It is vital to take time for oneself and spend time alone. However, there is a stark difference between self-care and self-isolation. Nothing can substitute a genuine, real-life relationship with another person—and online interactions don’t count. Humans need skin contact and verbal, auditory, emotional and sensorial interactions to thrive. 

It’s time to break out of your shell by reaching out to friends, family and loved ones. “You can also pamper yourself with a massage. Ideally, visit a beauty salon once a month and also carry out daily self-massage at home, using the whole surface of the hand, with the palms and fingertips,” adds Dr Olivier Courtin-Clarins. 

Tip 5: Adopt a positive attitude and love of life

Optimism is the secret to youth. When you learn how to enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life and accept that challenges are a necessary and inevitable part of the human experience, the mind and body connection becomes stronger—and there is an overall net benefit, as it improves the mood, reduces stress, and improves your immune system. 

This last pillar is at the heart of all the healthy practices outlined above. A positive attitude and deep belief in your self-worth will make taking good care of yourself an easy task, whether it’s laughing with friends or eating and resting well. 

As director of Clarins’s Research Laboratory, Dr Olivier Courtin-Clarins continues to drive forward the beauty brand’s science-backed philosophy, keeping it on the cutting edge of skincare technology, especially when it comes to Epi-Ageing Defense. Stay tuned for a new innovation from Clarins inspired by epigenetic science.

*Source: Book entitled “La symphonie du vivant. Comment l’épigénétique va changer votre vie.” (The symphony of living things. How epigenetics will change your life) by Joël de Rosnay.

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