The top 5 anti ageing vitamins

This is the anti-wrinkle podium winner, as it improves the quality of our epidermis, smoothes our skin and reduces pigment spots. Retinol boosts collagen production by stimulating fibroblasts, the cells that make this skin-plumping protein. This vitamin's found in a host of foods as well as regenerating, anti-ageing face creams. So get your fill of liver, dairy products, egg yolks and fish such as sardines and eels.

A member of the carotenoid family, beta-carotene is a vitamin A precursor. This means it's able to convert itself into vitamin A and protect our bodies thanks to its powerful antioxidant action. As the name suggest you'll find it in orange and yellow fruits and veg, alongside dark green, leafy vegetables. Top of the beta-carotene list? Carrots!

Vitamin E's also known as tocopherol. It's the anti-ageing WD-40 of the vitamin world that prevents our organs from rusting away. This vitamin zaps free radicals, the highly toxic molecules that our bodies produce when exposed to pollution and UV rays. This essential vitamin is found in fats - butter, wheatgerm / corn / soya / walnut / nut oils. Vitamin E is often added to beauty treatments as a preservative, but also combats free radicals whilst healing and protecting cell membranes.

Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is known to fight fatigue and colds. It also has two major benefits for our skin. It helps fade pigment spots and boosts collagen production - essential for our skin tissue to remain firm and flexible. It's the glowing skin vitamin! You'll find it in loads of fruits - lemons, oranges, grapefruit alongside all red fruits. Without forgetting kiwis, mangoes, parsley, cabbage, herbs and tomatoes. Vitamin C is also a key ingredient in anti-ageing and brightening skincare treatments.

To get your daily dose, eat foods packed with essential fatty acids to nourish and soften your skin. If your body's lacking in Vitamin F, your skin will feel really dry, uncomfortable and look cracked. Your skin will have a hard time regenerating itself, healing can take forever and you may have outbreaks of eczema. So stock up on vegetable oils and head to the fishmongers for some oily fish - salmon is your best bet!