Why an age-defying body treatment is the new youth secret for women over 40

Mintel estimates that the UK body care market had a £20 million spike between 2017 and 2018 alone and that 63% of Brits now think it's equally important to care for the skin on their bodies as much as their face. Body care and healthy all-over skin is increasingly becoming as important to us as it is to bikini clad dwellers in LA - and rightly so. 

Whilst the skin on our bodies exfoliates itself naturally in a cycle, this cycle can be disrupted depending on the weather, hormones and the ageing process. As we age, loss of moisture and collagen is common which can lead to loss of elasticity and the onset of premature wrinkles - yes, your body gets wrinkles too. 

Just as you take the relevant steps to prevent premature ageing in your face your body needs self-care too if you are to maintain body confidence and healthy protective skin barrier function. 

These are our recommended body treatments for women over 40

Get a 'body facial' 

SKINWORKS’ body facial really is a replication of a facial that works to restore the skin’s radiance on your body. Starting first with body brushing to stimulate circulation and remove dead skin cells (this is what causes the dull, lacklustre look), a hyaluronic acid peel is then applied to the legs, arms, decollete and back to plump and hydrate the skin and to reveal a youthful glow. This is also combined with microdermabrasion to take the exfoliation process to the next level. Skin is left rejuvenated and resurfaced with a noticeably brighter complexion. 

Do a lymphatic drainage massage like Elle Macpherson

Lymphatic drainage massages are not entirely new but have been increasingly used by celebrities - from Kim Kardashian, Elle Macpherson, Bella Hadid and Mirranda Kerr all visiting their go-to celebrity therapists and frequenting their Instagram pages pre and post treatment. So, what does it entail? Physiotherapist Flavia Morellato explains that the treatment involves repetitive hand maneuvers over the body to stimulate the emptying of the lymph nodes and encourage the release of excess water and toxins (AKA bloating). 

Morellato has been hailed as the go-to expert for this treatment in the UK and specialises in a host of issues from bloating and water retention to cellulite. However the majority of her clients visit her for an all-over body detox, especially at the start of a new season. After one treatment, skin is visibly tighter, smoother, and the body feels lighter due to the removal of excess fluid.

Avoid body wrinkles with a body wrap

Sometimes a simple body cream or body butter won’t suffice. Enter the Elemis Body nectar nourishing wrap. Formulated with monoi oil - a coconut oil steeped in tiare flowers -  it's traditionally used among Tahitian women for its ability to lock moisture into the skin, whilst vitamin E from the tiare flowers works as an antioxidant to protect the skin against free radical damage and premature ageing from pollution. To restore skins optimum moisture, the entire body is cocooned in a warm wrap containing this fragrant and nourishing oil. Both relaxing and nourishing, it’s a treat as much as a necessity.  Great for those suffering with dry end-of-summer skin. 

And...when at home: Five youth-boosting body products 

If you’d prefer to do your body treatments in your home, there are a range of targeted body scrubs, oils, and creams that get great results and truly make a difference to the appearance of the skin. Shop the best here:

Skinesis Overnight Body Treatment, £58, Sarah Chapman 

This dry-serum oil is packed with vitamin A, C and E to even out skin tone, protect from free radical damage and premature ageing, and promote the production of healthy skin cells. A powerful concentration of Matrixyl peptide (a form of amino acid compound) and Collageneer also encourage the production of collagen, increasing the skin's elasticity and reducing wrinkles and sagging. 

Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA, £31, Paula's Choice

Great for bacne and clogged pores that are commonly found on the arms and legs, this hydrating lotion contains salicylic acid to dissolve skin debris and exfoliate the pores. Skin is left with less blemishes and appears more radiant. 

Geranium Leaf Hydrating Body Treatment, £25, Aesop

If cooler months cause dry patches on your skin this intensely hydrating treatment containing sweet almond oil and macadamia ternifolia seed oil is great for restoring moisture. Geranium leaf is also a key ingredient in this oil that works to remove dead skin cells and promote the generation of new cells for more a more youthful, smooth body. 

Anti-ageing Body Cream, £130 for 200ml, Susanne Kauffman 

Kauffman's cream highlights the body's equal need for restoration and nutrients as much as the face. Wild yam root extract and moth bean seeds promote the skin's production of collagen while plant complex IBR protects the skin from pollution damage and slows the ageing process of skin cells. 

Coco Rose Body Polish, £32, Herbivore

Naturally, a good body scrub is a must for glowing, smooth skin year round and this nourishing coconut oil scrub doesn't disappoint. Small sugar grains gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells whilst pink clay detoxes the skin. A product you can reach for week after week.