The secret to youthful skin

New data has revealed that there has been a rise in interest for anti-ageing tips across the UK, as the facial skincare market reached an estimated £1.78 billion in 2024.

Search engine analysis by experts at The Devonshire Clinic has revealed a surge in people searching for ‘skin ageing’, ‘stop skin ageing’, ‘keep skin young’ and 799 related keywords.

Professor Griffiths, a leading dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, which conducted the research, has provided natural tips to support healthy, radiant skin:

Use sunscreen: “Use at least SPF 30 and reapply regularly. Most of the visible signs of skin ageing are a consequence of chronic sun exposure.” UV radiation is the leading cause of premature skin ageing, contributing to fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Daily sunscreen application helps maintain skin elasticity and prevents DNA damage that can lead to skin cancers.

Don’t smoke: “Smoking causes loss of collagen and elastic tissue in the skin leading to wrinkles.”
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals that accelerate skin ageing by reducing blood flow, depleting oxygen, and triggering oxidative stress. This leads to sagging, uneven skin tone, and premature wrinkles, especially around the mouth and eyes.

Eat a healthy diet: “A balanced diet rich in seeds, nuts and antioxidant purple fruits such as blueberries, black currants and blackberries can reduce sugar, processes food intake and lowers calorie consumption.”
Nutrient-dense foods high in antioxidants combat free radicals that break down collagen. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in walnuts and flaxseeds, help maintain skin hydration and reduce inflammation, keeping skin plump and youthful.

Get a good night’s sleep: “At least 8 hours as a lack of sleep correlates with looking older. Sleep stimulates autophagy and reduces signs of ageing.”

During deep sleep, the body produces collagen, repairs damaged cells, and reduces cortisol levels, preventing skin thinning and fine lines. Consistent, high-quality sleep contributes to a glowing complexion and a firmer skin barrier.

Reduce stress: “Use meditation and mindfulness techniques to help relieve stress.”
Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can break down collagen, cause inflammation, and lead to premature ageing. Practices like yoga, deep breathing, and mindfulness improve skin resilience by promoting relaxation and reducing oxidative stress.

Exercise: “Moderate exercise, combining cardio with resistance training helps stimulate autophagy.”
Regular physical activity boosts circulation, ensuring the skin receives essential nutrients and oxygen. Exercise-induced autophagy helps clear damaged cells, promoting cell renewal and skin elasticity while reducing inflammation that accelerates ageing.

Beyond individual skincare habits, national search trends also reflect the growing interest in anti-ageing,

Nationally, England saw a 7% hike across the board, making it the second highest increase in the UK.

Scotland led the pack with an 8% leap, followed by Wales and Northern Ireland with 5% and 3%.

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