Skin Enemies:

Every day, your complexion works to defend itself from a host of aggressors - discover the most common and find out what you can do to save your skin

UV Light
We should all know by now that excessive sun exposure can be skin ageing and dehydrating - if you've ever been to a Mediterranean island and noticed the sun-damaged, prune-like faces of the local fishermen, you'll understand what we mean. However, the good news is you don't have to end up looking like said fishermen, so long as you take action to protect your skin in the sun, and that doesn't just mean on the beach, as UV rays reach you even on cloudy days in the city; apparently, 90 per cent of sun damage occurs on a daily basis. Experts recommend an SPF of 15+, worn every day of the year, to protect your skin from ageing UVA rays. Fair skin types should be looking at sun protection of 25+, and all skin types should take into account the sun's intensity before choosing a suitable sun protection product.

Pollution and the Environment
The environment in which we live has become a threat to our skin, and pollution is a significant enemy, coating our skin in grime and clogging our pores. And wherever there are motor vehicles there is pollution, so don't think that by living the rural life you are immune. Take action by using a good moisturiser containing UV protection and antioxidants, and by wearing make-up which acts as a barrier and prevents any nasties reaching your skin. At the end of the day, cleanse thoroughly to remove every last trace of make-up and dirt. Continually moving from centrally heated to air conditioned atmospheres can also be a source of complexion confusion, which is why skin often acts differently from season to season. Struggling to maintain its moisture levels and pH balance, skin will eventually become dry and dehydrated, so treat it in a similar way to how you dress to suit the temperature outside - use a richer moisturising cream or barrier product when it's cold, and a lighter lotion when the weather is warmer.

Stress and Lack of Sleep
Everyone suffers from the occasional bout of stress, but when emotions spiral out of control, your skin is among the first organs to suffer. Dryness, sensitivity, spots and excess oil are the external signs of internal stress, while constant frowning can lead to deep-set facial creases and lines which only surgery will be able to rectify, so it pays to learn how to wind down and chill out at the end of a hard day. Switch on the answer phone and try a little meditation, yoga, an aromatherapy bath or treat yourself to a massage or the latest blockbuster; all are effective de-stressers that are easy on the pocket and relatively simple to incorporate into the most hectic of weeks. Plenty of sleep is essential for good skin, as burning the candle at both ends will inevitably result in a tired and drawn complexion. If your sleepless nights are not due to all-night clubbing sessions, try cutting out caffeine after 6pm, and have a hot bath containing a few drops of lavender essential oil, followed by a milky drink. Take a book to bed and read until you feel tired (nothing work-related though), and you should be in la-la land in no time at all...

Smoking
Chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the appearance of the skin permanently. Tobacco smoke restricts blood vessels, reducing the amount of blood flowing to the skin, and therefore depleting it of oxygen and nutrients. Smoking also produces free radicals which trigger an inflammatory response throughout the body, ultimately ageing you faster - in general, people who smoke tend to look up to a third older than those of the same age who do not smoke. The habit also thins, dehydrates and reduces collagen levels in the skin, which is needed for a plump, youthful look. Antioxidants are required, so step up intake of vitamins A, C and E, take nutritional supplements and apply products containing ingredients such as green and white tea and vitamins for an added boost. However, no amount of pills or products will guard against future damage, because every cigarette you smoke depletes the levels of vitamins and antioxidants in your body, so it's time to kick the habit for the sake of your looks and your health. Allen Carr's Easy way to Stop Smoking Clinics have a 90 per cent success rate, and take a unique approach by focusing on why we do smoke, instead of why we shouldn't smoke.

Alcohol
Ever suffered with a red, blotchy or spotty complexion the morning after a full-on night out? It's no wonder post-party skin often flares up, when you consider that a heavy drinking session puts the body's detoxification system into overdrive, and a direct strain on the liver, kidneys and skin, all of which have to suddenly deal with and filter out a huge amount of additional toxins. While you may or may not be regretting that last vodka shot of the evening, your body will be crying out for water, so work on rehydrating your skin both internally and externally by applying a hydrating or detoxifying face mask when you get in or the following morning, and downing a couple of pints of water, both of which should soon get you back on track.