Maybe it’s genetics, you might say, or maybe it’s something about the way they live their life, others might suggest.

The real reason why French women look ‘3,4 years’ younger than most woman, though, has to do with nurture rather than nature, explains The Telegraph.

Upon speaking to beauty editor Emma Leslie, The Telegraph learnt that it actually has to do with the lessons French mothers teach their daughters from a young age:

The main reason is that they start their skincare regime younger and regularly use good quality products to prevent the effects of ageing

And Leslie’s comments are backed up: French women spend over £1.9 billion every year on anti-ageing products, twice as much as Brits. And it’s not only money that they invest, it’s time too:

They are taught by their mothers from their early teens to always spend time caring for their skin and to use good quality French pharmacy skincare products.

Makes sense, right? Totally. Now’s the time to book that dermatological appointment with Renewal Institute’s skin division to make the most out of what you got, because, although you might not be French, you can too can age gracefully.

To give you a few pointers, The Telegraph laid down some basic skin care ground rules:

Keep your skincare succinct

Cleanse, tone and moisturise is the three-step routine that Clinique invented decades ago, but it’s still as relevant today. While a good quality serum will improve your skin, don’t over-complicate your routine with multiple products. Opt for a simple but effective cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or dry afterwards. If you have oily skin make sure your toner gently exfoliates and if you have naturally dry skin, go for a hydrating essence. Your moisturiser locks-in moisture, so even if you opt for a light lotion it will help create that seal and ideally one with SPF.

Invest in your serum

While French women might pick up their cleanser and moisturiser in the pharmacy, they spend money on their serum. With more sophisticated formulas, serums can penetrate deeper into your skin and help to fend off lines and wrinkles.

Don’t forget your decolletage

While we might only take our creams and serums down to our neck, or sometimes just our jawline, French women look after their chest too. The late writer Nora Ephron once famously wrote: “Our faces are lies and our necks are the truth”.

Incorporate massage

Facial massage is a technique championed by dermatologists and facialists alike. By employing circular movements, you boost your circulation and achieve a healthy flushed glow, as well as firming and plumping your skin over time. Incorporate the technique into your evening routine when you’re cleansing or applying a face oil.

Don’t rely on foundation

In general, British women are more willing to invest in a foundation to smooth over imperfections rather than spend the time on their skincare regime. French women approach their skin from the opposite angle and when it comes to make-up their tend to prioritise mascara and lipstick. While it’s tempting to pile on the foundation, even the most refined formula can still sit in your lines and wrinkles, which only emphasises them.

It all makes sense now, doesn’t it? While “drugstore” products may produce some basic results, there’s nothing like treating yourself to the actual products that skincare professionals use.

From Obagi to Environ, the Renewal Institute stocks a wide range of products that have been dermatologically proven to assist you with specific needs.

That’s piqued your interest, now hasn’t it? Go shopping HERE.

[source:telegraph]