Last week I met Joseph Lewis a cosmeceutical research scientist and MD of Priori skincare and his talk on anti-ageing research and hi-tech ingredients was mind blowing. However, cheating your skin's actual age often comes down to basic good habits (and of course a great set of genes).

Here are Joe's top five skin "rules" and why you should follow them...

Stop Smoking Now!
Free radicals from cigarette smoke cause exaggerated lines and wrinkles around your nose and eyes. It's a form of oxidative stress (we will see what that means in a moment).

Don't Sun Bathe
Sorry, girls, this is a big no no. And yes, even if you're a black woman. "While black skin, does have a lot more in-built UV protection, it still gets photo-damaged," says Joe.

Stop Skimping On Skin Care
Shock, horror! Joe told me that often women aren't actually using any form of skincare at all! "Often women are just using some kind of stripping cleaner to wash their face with, like soap that strips vital nutrients from the skin," reports Joe. So, yes a basic soap will clean away oil, dirt and debris but it's taking away your skin's good stuff too and putting little holes in the skin's barrier so all the toxic, harsh chemicals in our environment can get in, says Joe. He recommends a good cleanser, a great moisturiser to normalise skin, and of course – an SPF sunscreen.

Add Anti-Oxidants
"Including anti-oxidants in your routine is so important, as they're critical to great skin," says Joe who explains that you can either slather them on (so they'll be ingredients in your skincare products) or eat them (fruits and veggies are your best source). And why is this so important? Well, you need them to combat environmental ageing caused by factors such as oxidative stress (oxygen for example is a double free radical – Joe describes it as the "boom and bane" of life).

Invest In Anti-Ageing Products Now
Did you know that using improper skincare is just as bad as not using skincare at all? Joe believes that the sooner you start using good quality anti-ageing products, the better results you'll get. And they're not just for your face. "Your face, neck and hands will get the most exposure to the environment, so all these areas need protection," says Joe.