AGELESS BODY - KEEPING YOUR BODY BEAUTIFUL

Holding Back the Years: Dimples and Wrinkles

Neck
The skin on your neck is paler, thinner and drier than the rest of your body, so is likely to look creepy more quickly, too. The first rule of neck care is to treat it like an extension of your face, so whether you're exfoliating, moisturizing or cleansing, extend the products south. The way you apply is important, too - upward strokes with the back of your hand are perfect, as palm pressure can be too forceful.

Foundation shouldn't stop at your jaw either, but you only need a little as skin tone will be more even on your neck, so use the residue left on your hand, sponge or foundation brush. And never skip sunscreen on your neck, as the pale skin here is more likely to burn. Lastly, practise perfect posture to guard against the dreaded turkey neck. Holding your neck high and your shoulders back will not only strengthen your neck's supporting muscles to prevent creasing, but also help smooth away wrinkles already there.

Bust and décolletage
If you're the proud owner of a medium to large bust, you'll be carrying between three and five pounds of weight, which (not surprisingly) can stretch your skin, making it look looser. Wearing a good supportive bra will help maintain akin tone, so get yourself measured for free at your local department store. And buy a good sports bra for exercising, as this is when your bust needs help the most. Using a firming cream can stimulate collagen to keep the area looking younger and go some way to reverse past damage.

Use your opposite hand to stroke firmly upwards towards your shoulder, so you don't drag skin down. Your décolletage is also where sun damage shows up fast as it's so often exposed to the environment (without the protection you give your face), so extend your sunscreen downwards during summer. Need inspiration to do the housework? Washing windows is great bust-firming exercise - the larger and more energetic the movements, the better!


















Use sweeping strokes on dry skin in the direction of your heart to stimulate not just your skin but the lymph nodes underneath.






Bottom
A porridge-like bottom can be much improved by brushing your skin to boost circulation. Before your bath or shower, use sweeping strokes on dry skin in the direction of your heart to stimulate not just your skin but the lymph nodes underneath. Message can also help break down and disperse your fatty cells below your skin's surface, and you can make your own anti-cellulite oil with 10ml (one dessert spoon) of carrier oil, plus two drops of cypress essential oil (to stumble) and two drops of juniper essential oil (a diuretic). Smooth on daily and then gentle pinch and roll your dimples between fingers and thumb.

Not surprisingly, any form of cardiovascular exercise will boost circulation while burning fat. For best results, choose activities that target your legs and bottom, such as cycling, fast walking and running. Lastly, eat a diet rich in antioxidants and vitamin C (that means at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetable a day), which will strengthen the collagen fibres in your skin responsible for elasticity (meaning that lumps and bumps will be less noticeable below the surface). Cut down on foods high in fat, salt and sugar, and drink two litres of metabolism-boosting water a day, as dehydration is a major cause of sluggish circulation.

Legs
Standing for long periods makes any legs vulnerable makes any legs vulnerable to varicose veins, which form when the veins in your legs cannot return blood to your heart efficiently, causing it to stagnate and your veins to swell. Your best defence is regular exercise, especially walking and increasing the circulation in your legs while sitting by stretching them out in front of you and pointing and flexing your feet five times. And, while surgical support tights are a known deterrent, Lycra fashions tights also help control the problem.

Straight Talking
If you want to take years off your looks instantly, there are few better ways than simply standing taller. Walking like an old person, with hunched shoulders, not only causes back pain but can make you look lazy, frumpy and lacking in confidence (how you hold yourself is one of the first things people notice about you).

Your head weights around 5kg (11 lb), so by hanging it forward you are putting a massive strain on your back and spine. Over time this will weaken neck muscles, making your shoulders even more rounded. Bad posture has also been linked to arthritis, digestive disorders, repetitive strain injury and sciatica, but the benefits of good posture are instant. You can add two inches to your height (we start to shrink from the age of 40, so need all the help we can get!) and look up to 3kg (61/2 lb) lighter, just by standing tall. Rounded shoulders also reduce your bust by a whole cup size, but standing with your shoulders drawn back will make them look twice as perky.

Carrying yourself like a sack of potatoes is simply a habit, and one you can break with practice. And it is worth it. Walk like a taller, thinner, younger person, and that is exactly what you will look like.

Perfect posture
Good posture begins at ground levels, as the position of your feet directly affects the alignment of your hips and spine. Inward rolling of the feet is a problem for many of us, giving the whole body a slouched, curled-over appearance. Get your feet well aligned and your whole body posture will improve. Try this exercise:

1. Stand with knees soft and feet facing forwards, hip width apart. Ensure your weight is in the centre of your feet by rolling forward and back until you find the middle position.
2. Tighten your buttock muscles and draw in your stomach as if trying to touch your spine with your tummy button.
3. Stretch your spine up, drawing your shoulder blades together without lifting your shoulders.
4. Lastly, imagine you are a puppet being pulled up by a string attached to the crown of your head. Relax your jaw and drop your shoulders.
5. As you move around, the aim is to have your ears, thighs and insteps in line, and while sitting your shoulders should be balanced over your hips so you don't slump.

Five-second fix: We all walk taller when we are happy, so remind yourself of something cheerful as you leave the house and you will stride out with your head held high.

Exercises for better posture

• Your spine is support system is the transversus abdominis muscle, which wraps around your middle and is weak in bad back sufferers. The best moves to strengthen this muscle are done slowly and gently. Yoga, Pilates, t'ai chi and Feldenkrais will all improve your posture while alleviating the back problems over 40% of us suffer each year.
• Regularly contracting your pelvic floor muscles will improve your posture considerably. Squeeze as if you are trying to stop yourself going to the toilet, while consciously tightening your abdominals.
• Try this Pilates move known as 'Zip Up and Hollow' (it is also said to be great for your sex life). Sit upright on a chair, take a deep breath in , and as you breathe out draw up the muscles of your pelvic floor, again as if you are trying to stop yourself peeing. Think of drawing them together from side to side rather than from bottom to top - and then lift up a little. It may help to imagine you are doing up an internal zip from your pelvic floor , while you hollow your lower abdominals back towards your spine. Breathe in and release.