M says... Look younger all over; It's all very well protecting your face from the signs of ageing, but don't forget the rest of your body. Follow our guide to looking - and feeling - like a goddess from the neck down.

Byline: Kate Shapland.

It's a fact that the skin on your body is a lot tougher than your complexion, but don't neglect it - it's still vulnerable to ageing. Time- delay tactics require more effort on your torso than sloshing on body lotion whenever you remember.

Don't be a slacker Sadly, skin does get looser as you get older, but you can counter it. `If you lose weight too quickly - which is what most of us try to do - skin can't regain its elasticity fast enough,' says fitness trainer Jamie Baird. He recommends yoga as it `elongates muscles which elasticises skin'.

Softly, softly Keeping skin soft is another essential as dry skin ages faster, so liberal hydration is a priority. Rich lotions which buff off small pimples and promote cell turnover are best for thirsty upper arms, thighs and hips, while intense balms - best applied to just-buffed skin - are quenching for densely lined elbows, knees and heels.

All in vein? But what about stretch marks and broken veins, which usually form during hormonally active times like pregnancy and puberty, making a beeline for hips, thighs, bums and tums? Broken veins can usually be removed (sclerotherapy is the most widely known treatment, though there are newer, more high-tech alternatives - see below), but, sadly, stretch marks - basically tears in the lower skin fibres - can't be removed, only improved on. The trick is to keep skin supple to help stop them forming in the first place. Massage helps if you are prone to either broken veins or stretch marks, as good blood and fluid circulation reduces the pressure which causes these eruptions.

Sup up, chuck The key thing you can do to keep your body looking young and beautiful is to drink lots of water. `As well as giving skin a youthful "fullness" it facilitates all the body's natural processes, keeping blood and lymph flowing efficiently, limiting fluid retention and vein congestion,' says Baird.

M's top youth-enhancing treats

l Lancaster Body Firming Treatment, pounds 22 (0800-376 0688). A hydrator with wheat proteins and barley extract for firming, plus retinol to stimulate cell renewal.

Or try L'Oreal Plenitude Body Expertise Nutrilift, pounds 5.99, which aims to preserve the body's own natural collagen and elastin fibres. Note that the effects of body firmers are only at surface level, so will only be temporary unless combined with exercise and body brushing.

l Origins A Perfect World Highly Hydrating Body Lotion with White Tea, pounds 20 (0800-731 4039). Fights deterioration and dehydration. It also contains mimosa, a natural firming ingredient and silver-tip white tea, a natural antioxidant. Use it as a massage medium - to boost lower leg drainage and circulation, `drag' your thumbs up the backs of your calves and gently pinch and knead thighs, forearms and upper arms.

l Futur-Tec, from pounds 30 a session (020-7431 1033). Probably the best body blip-blitzer. This skin-regenerating system combines laser therapy with micro-currents, ultrasound and vacuum to treat broken veins, stretch marks and cellulite. It's painless and takes about 30 minutes depending on the job. Lasers can also be used on their own to treat broken veins, but it's vital to see a qualified surgeon or nurse for treatment, so ask your GP for a referral.

Main photograph by Serge Krouglikoff. Styled by Lee Holden, assisted by Carrie Gorman. Hair by Helen Pham using Clinique. Make-up by Charlotte Lowes using Nars. Model: Kishma at Take 2. Still- lifes by PSC