I’m 40 but look younger than I did in my 20s – I splurge on skincare but my biggest secret doesn’t have to cost a thing
THE fountain of youth isn’t a pricey over-the-counter product revealed a woman defying visible aging at age 40.
Lucy Dartford said her biggest hack for looking and feeling better now than she did at 20 doesn’t cost anything.
Dartford, 40, from London, England, is the director of the PR agency We Are Lucy.
Throughout her 20s her skincare “left a lot to be desired” as she skipped SPF and relied on a basic face wash and cream.
Several changes throughout the years boosted her skin health and restored a youthful glow.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she revealed the beauty secrets she learned that transformed her appearance.
FLAWLESS FREEBIE
Dartford said she’s a “big believer” in biohacking which involves using methods from biology, genetics, neuroscience, and nutrition to enhance physical and mental performance.
She reduces inflammation and boosts her health with monthly cryotherapy sessions.
The cold temperatures also help to reduce puffiness, stimulate collagen production, and tighten pores.
“About 2.5 years ago, I joined Fit & Food which brought together the experience of fitness, nutrition, and various other elements,” she said.
“I now train daily and have a PT which has transformed my mindset alongside my body but also my skin.
“For me, my biggest anti-aging secret is fitness. It transformed how I look, sleep, eat, energy levels, stress, cardiovascular health, the list goes.
“Various studies show how fitness can extend life expectancy and for me, this is a key to looking and feeling younger.
“I actually now look younger and feel younger than I did in my 20s.”
BEAUTY RESET
Heliocare SPF and medical-grade skincare from Zo Skin Health have become staples in her daily routine.
Dartford revealed she combines her home beauty habits with professional anti-aging treatments.
“I swear by Polynucleotides,” she said.
I want to ‘make it up’ to my skin for how I used to treat it when I was younger.
Lucy Dartford
“They work by increasing the body’s generation of fibroblasts, the collagen-forming cells, and therefore increasing the production of collagen.
“I have these injected three to four weeks apart and follow this on a six-monthly basis for maintenance.
“I also believe in regular facials and am a big believer in lymphatic drainage.”
The massaging technique helps to reduce swelling and puffiness in the face, while also leaving the complexion glowing.
“Invest in your appearance,” she said.
“I want to ‘make it up’ to my skin for how I used to treat it when I was younger so I now invest in medical-grade skincare, innovative treatments, and regimes that will hold me in good stead as I get older.”
HEALTHY HABITS
A diet rich in healthy fats and vitamins helps to support Dartford’s skin alongside drinking at least 2.5 liters of water a day.
Alcohol is limited to special occasions as it leaves her skin looking “dehydrated” and affects her sleep which she aims for seven to eight hours a night.
“My diet includes fatty fish such as salmon or mackerel which are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and are necessary to help keep skin thick, supple, and moisturized,” she said.
“I also maintain good levels of fruit and vegetables.
“I am a fan of supplements and have discovered a brand called BodyBio that transforms your wellness and body but on a cellular level.
“For me, the sodium butyrate was a game changer for a healthy microbiome, focusing on gut health is also key for good skin.”
She takes her supplements every morning to boost her health.
“I will take liposomal vitamin C, vitamin B12, sodium butyrate, and creatine another game changer,” she said.
“I also take collagen but via tincture blends that also enhance and promote my overall wellbeing.”