There are many different ways you can put an anti-ageing routine together. This is just one - tried and tested by yours truly. Word of warning: If you don’t feel confident about designing a regimen yourself (which is fair enough - there are so many different active ingredients these days, it’s not only confusing, but you can actually overload the skin), see a therapist you trust and ask for help putting together a skincare line-up that’s right for you.

Cleanser: As skin ages, there are fewer natural lipids. So it’s best to avoid foaming cleansers, which can strip skin dry, in favour of creamy, wipe-off formulations. For best results, always cleanse twice - this will completely clean skin and prepare it for following treatments.

AHAs: Over the years, skin’s natural cell turnover decreases. Which means it’s important to step up exfoliation as you age. A daily dose of an AHA-rich serum is the ideal way - this form of chemical exfoliation doesn’t just slough skin of dead cells (and signs of sun damage), it’s also been shown to have a positive effect on the skin’s natural hydration levels. Great buy: Alpha-H Alpha A, $89.95, call 1800 659 777 for stockist information.

Antioxidants: After a couple of minutes, when your AHA serum has absorbed, slather on a moisturiser rich in antioxidants, which will give your skin extra protection against the day’s oncoming environmental assaults. Great buy: Clinique Continuous Rescue Antioxidant Moisturiser, $90, from Clinique.

Eye cream: Essential after 25 years of age. Make sure to extend out towards temples - anywhere where crow’s feet are likely to strike.

Sunscreen: Never leave home without it. You need about a teaspoon full of sunscreen for the face alone. And not any old SPF. Go for an SPF30 and a mix marked as ‘broad spectrum’, which means it protects against ageing UVA rays as well as burning UVB ones.

At Night: Cleanse as usual. Then, instead of an AHA serum, apply a retinol-based one. This form of vitamin A reverses some signs of sun damage and has a positive impact on collagen production. Try: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5, $98.50, or 1.0, $115.50, call 1800 242 011 for info. Next, apply your eye cream. Finally, slather on a night cream, or a peptides-packed moisturiser - the skin is more receptive at rest-time so it’s worth investing in a separate PM product. Great buy: Dermalogica Super Rich Repair, $125, call 1800 659 118.

Special Treats: Exfoliate and then apply a vitamin-based or firming mask once a week. Try: Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, $68, 1800 659 118. Budget permitting, consider a salon treatment every month - for example, microdermabrasion, peels or oxygen facials. Ask your therapist to recommend the best facial fix for your particular skin.

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