The good news, according to Dermalogica’s education manager Sally Penford (pictured), is that most of the outward signs of ageing can be improved quite easily with a “vigilant skin care regime” and being aware of the most harmful lifestyle factors – sun exposure, smoking, lack of sleep, lack of exercise and crash dieting being the worst offenders.

“To improve pigmentation patches, a skin brightening product is key,” says Penford. Look for ingredients such as licorice, vitamin C, rice and kiwi and recommend use night and morning to inhibit melanocyte cells and slow down melanin (brown pigment) production.

To attain smoother skin, Penford recommends a good quality exfoliant. “Exfoliants are designed to slough off those top layer, dead skin cells, leaving skin smooth and even. I would recommend a rice bran powder exfoliant for the more sensitive among us and a lactic acid based masque or a daily use cleanser with added hydroxy for a little more power to the elbow.”

Thankfully, one of the skin’s biggest enemies – dehydration – is easily combatted. “Watch the alcohol and caffeine intake, turn down the air con and central heating and top up with a moisturiser rich in hyaluronic acid,” says Penford. “This great ingredient holds about 1,000 times its own weight in water, providing amazing hydration for thirsty skin.”