6.Thou shalt not smoke!

So obvious, but when you are out being sociable, smoking is hard to resist. However remember that it can easily be one of the worst sins against aging gracefully. Aside from the serious health-related issues of smoking, lighting up can put 10-20 years onto the face by causing skin to look grey, pale and wrinkled. Think of those archetypal barmaids from the 70's and 80's who had to plaster on more and more make-up to cover the lines and pallor resulting from smoking.

7.Thou shalt sweat!

We all know that regular exercise aids in weight loss and prevents disease, but working out also improves our mental health. Doctors say the increased levels of serotonin we get from being active helps dealing with stress and anxiety easier while also giving us a feeling of well-being. Sweating also helps to cleanse the pores – just remember to shower afterwards!

8.Thou shalt not be sweet

While we might watch the sweets for fear of gaining weight, what about the effects of sugar on our skin? Doctors say high intakes of processed foods, breads, pastries and baked goods can lead to sagging skin. Limiting these sugars and added salts will not only be good for your waistline and heart, but also keep your skin looking beautiful and youthful.

9.Thou shalt chill

Taking time for yourself each day can be difficult to squeeze in, but the benefits are well worth it. Doing Yoga or Pilates a couple days a week can improve the body as well as the mind. Even taking five to ten minutes during your lunch break to reflect and meditate (in other words try to think of nothing, think of things that make you happy or stare at a screen-saver!) can help combat the greatly under-estimated ageing effects of stress.

10.Thou shalt imbibe goodness

Vitamins have a huge impact on the appearance of skin and hair. Here are the biggest players:

• Vitamin K is said to be successful for the treatment for dark circles under the eyes and bruising on the face. Food sources: Spinach, wheat germ, cauliflower.
• Vitamin B Complex such as Niacin are widely accepted as moisturisers leading to softer, smoother skin, less dryness and flakiness, and a reduction of fine lines. Food sources: Most abundant in animal sources.
• Vitamin C and E are good for acne treatment, sun protection and reduce skin damage. Food sources: Citrus fruits, egg yolks.
• Vitamin A is also used widely for acne and skin cancer treatment. It is also a good source to preserve a healthy scalp. Food sources: carrots, sweet potatoes.

Of course these vitamins are best absorbed if taken naturally, rather than from popping multivitamins etc.

The 10 Commandments of Beauty:

1.Though shalt wear sunscreen

Just a few minutes of unprotected exposure every day can cause serious damage to skin over the years. These days you can moisturise and use a tanning lotion to get the healthy glow of a light tan whilst retaining your youthful-looking skin. Freckles, age spots, spider veins and fine wrinkles are actually just mild worries compared to the serious risk of skin cancer. Use an SPF of 15 or higher, and if possible, avoid being in the sun from 10 am to 4 pm when rays are the strongest.

2.Thou shalt be proactive in bed!

We're not talking about "that" (although it does help), but rather the fact that there's a lot you can be doing for your beauty whilst you are sleeping. Of course having a SilkPerfect pillowcase is a priority, but also ensure you get enough sleep. Doctors say not getting enough sleep not only gives us those dreaded dark circles, but also makes us look and feel older. Not getting enough shut eye can keep the body from repairing things from a sore muscle to the damaged skin cells that make skin look dry and dull.

3.Thou shalt slap it on

Dermatologists say moisturising your skin helps to provide nourishment to the outer layer whilst keeping moisture in. This daily hydration will help to fight wrinkles and obviously a moisturiser with a sunscreen is even better. And remember, your night cream stands a much better chance if it isn't scoured away by cotton, linen or polyester pillowcases!

4.Thou shalt have a drink

Whilst we may have been told to strive for eight glasses of water a day, actual medical science simply says drink as much as you feel comfortable with. Keeping hydrated will help towards keeping your skin glowing and hair shiny. And if you do drink 2 litres a day, at least the frequent trips to the loo will keen you active!

A glass of red wine from time to time is said to have some positive health benefits, but as we've all been told, excessive drinking can lead to problems. When it comes to ageing, the dehydrating effects of alcohol can actually aid the formation of premature wrinkling. And what's more, drinking too much depletes the body of certain nutrients, making the risk of developing osteoporosis greater.

5.Thou shalt have a giggle

We all love a good laugh, but researchers say there is a lot more to laughing than just feeling good. Many health benefits such as reducing high blood pressure and the risk of stroke, arthritis, and heart disease are just a few incentives to sneak in a YouTube video or two throughout the day. Laughing has also been shown to help reduce stress and tension, keeping us looking fresh.