Recently, I could not help but notice that the lines grooved into my neck look deeper and longer. This got me thinking that any female approaching 30 may be looking at ageing, not in the face, but on the neck despite having taken great pains to look after the skin on her face.

But I do know it is possible to look much younger than your actual age, with some diligence and a proper beauty routine. The reason I say this is I know of a family friend who took the trouble to consistently use her beauty creams and keep up with her regular visits to her beautician for grooming sessions. She is in her 60s today, but doesn't look a day past 50. If nothing else, I want to have someone say the same about me when I am her age 30 years from now.

With prevention better than cure as our mantra, we aim to tell you about the anti-ageing routines that address skin concerns before the largest organ on your body starts heading southwards, skin on neck included. There are serums with breakthrough plant technology to precious gems that help to bring bounce back into your skin and even organic alternatives if that is your preference.

Youthtopia Age-correcting serum

This intensive serum contains Rhodiola rosea root, a herb that survives in harsh conditions and has even been used by the former Soviet Union to help improve their cosmonauts' stamina in space. When ingested, it provides energy. When applied topically, Origins says it provides a rich reserve of energy to the skin to improve its endurance and subsequently helps to improve its appearance and reduce signs of aging.

The other main ingredient in this youth potion is the Amlalaki berry, which grows at the base of the pristine Himalayan mountain range in northern India and boasts a very high Vitamin C content, highly concentrated intensive serum that helps to firm and lift skin and correct the appearance of lines.

Together, the two ingredients help to give skin cells an edge in resisting age-related symptoms by self-repairing and extending the life span of skin cells.

$98 for 30ml at all Origins counters

Especially for Diva readers:
Present this article and receive a Youthopia™ Firming eye cream with Rhodiola 5ml, worth $22.00, with any purchase of a Youthopia product.

This promotion is available at all Origins counters at Isetan Scotts, Robinsons Raffles City, Robinsons The Centrepoint, Tangs VivoCity and Metro Paragon from February 10, 2009 to February 27, 2009.

Organic anti-ageing skincare

The average woman slathers on more than 200 kinds of chemicals on a daily basis.

Some of these synthetic ingredients such as parabens have been linked to cancers and tumours, although there has been no comprehensive study that proves that such ingredients are the direct cause of cancers.

However, if you are concerned about the use of synthetic chemicals in your beauty products, you might want to consider going organic.

Laveré Naturokosmetik is a range of organic anti-ageing skincare which comprises of four different lines. Three lines - Hydro, Repair and Solution Systems - address different concerns for various skin types.

Laveré Hydro Energy Lifting Serum, 25 ml, $170	Laveré Repair Relax Impression, $162	Laveré Solution Power Performance, $193

There is also a bodycare line to help firm up the skin and combat cellulite.

For women in their 20s who want to add an anti-ageing product to their current regime, the Hydro Energy Lift Lifting Serum ($170) from Laveré Hydro may be worth considering. This light yet potent liquid contains naturally-derived hyaloronic acid as well as other plant extracts and a fruit acid complex that soothes skin and provides intensive moisturisation.

It can be incorporated into your regular skin regime - just smooth on 1-2 drops on your face and wait a couple of minutes for it to be absorbed before using your regular day cream or night cream.

If you are in your 30s and 40s and believe that your skin needs intensive treatment, try Laveré Intensive Relax Impression ($162). This 7-Day Vial Treatment contains Ceramide 3, which increases moisture levels in the skin, Sacchromyces Lysate, which enhances collagen production, as well as other plant extracts that tighten, moisturises and soothes the skin while protecting it from free radicals.

But if your skin needs something even more potent, Laveré Solution Power Performance ($193) contains Isoflavones and phytocollagens to stimulate cell regeneration and enhance collagen synthesis.

While their price tags are on the high side, organic believers might feel it is a worthwhile price to pay for peace of mind as the range has been certified by the BDIH foundation as a natural cosmetic range, as well as by the UK Vegan Society to be completely free of animal products, by-products or derivatives.

Laveré is exclusively available at PhytoOrganics, B1-74 Raffles City Shopping Centre.

Aromatherapy for anti-ageing

For those who want an added dimension to their skincare anti-ageing routine, aromatherapy may be just the answer.

Mr Jon Tay, a certified aromatherapist and the South-east Asian representative for the International Federation of Aromatherapists, says:'Essential oils are distilled from plants - they're not made in the laboratory. That's the difference between fragrances and essential oils, which have different health qualities to them.'

He affirms that rose hip oil is good for anti-ageing, and mixed with a drop of frankincense and lavender each, its effect is enhanced.

Adapted from The Business Times, Nov 05, 2008.

Trilogy rosehip oil from http://natureunplugged.co.nz/ or http://www.lovelula.com.