Environment - From smoking to pollution, unclean air is playing havoc with our with our complextion. Certain substances are determental to skin. Smoking speeds up signs of ageing and heavy metals such as copper, causes dullnes.

Solutions - Scientists have found that 'inositol phosphates' found naturally in the skin, help remove toxins. Medical Aesthethic's Exposure Detox Mask combines a potent blend of these phosphates, as well as ginseng, lemon and peach extract for an antioxidant punch.

Radio Waves - Given recent scares how everything from computers to mobiles phones could be determinal to our health, it's only natural that their effect on skin is studied, too. Unlike the sun , there is no escape from radio waves, which is leading the way in researching this invisible skin agressor. They can pass thgrough walls, so the skin is affected continously and there is no way to protect it. 'Clarins' research has found that these waves affect the genes in our DNA after just six hours, making them produce more free radicals and slowing down cell renewal. This means skin ages faster, losing firmness and radiance and becoming more prone to irritation.

Solution - Clarins Expertise 3P Screen Mist. While there is no way to prevent the damage caused by radio waves, skin can be encouraged to protect itself from further damage. The magnetic defence complex in this mist utilises two natural extracts known to be hardy in extreme enviroments. One spritz protects skin for six hours against electromagnetic waves, pollution and dehydration.

Sugar - In turns out the sweet stuff is not only bad for our teeth, but for our skin as well. Research has shown a direct link between diet and ageing. Excess sugar binds to proteins in skin, in a process known as 'glycation'. This results in 'advanced end-products' - or AGEs - which lead to an uneven skin tone and visible signs of ageing. Plus, AGEs deactivate the skin's natural protection system.

Solution - Using Anti-Age advanced protection moisturisers, help prevent AGE formation in the skin.

Water - Washing your face with water isn't always ideal according to dermatologists. While developing skincare for their MD Skincare range, experts-dermatologists looked into the 'heavy-metal' content of tap water and its effects on their clients' skin. They found that metals- including copper, iron, lead and zinc - act as free radicals, which encourage the skin to age prematurely by breaking down the elastin and collagen fibres that keep it firm. Calcium in water also makes skin more easily irritated and prone to both break-outs and fine lines.

Solution - levels of heavy metals vary depending on your water supply, but ensure your skin is protected with intense moisture creams, that contain naturally compounds that help skin to counteract the effects of free radicals.

Stress - The insanity of modern life is linked to increased cases of acne and rosacea, as it causes hormone surges. There is a connection between the brain and skin. Both environmental and emotional stress affect the skin. Any alteration in stress levels leads the skin to modify, causing dehydration and loss of physical wellbeing.

Solution - If the skin is inflamed, use acne treatments, combine gentle acids to fight break-outs, or anti-stress creams that counteract redness. You can use some bio-intense healing serums created to treat all the effects of chronic stress on skin.