Oxidative stress and inflammation are major causes of skin ageing, said Dr Patana Teng-umnuay at a seminar at last year's Aesthetics Asia conference. Sun exposure is also another major cause of skin ageing, as it causes photo-ageing, DNA damage and genetic mutations.

Yet, while there are products aplenty which you can apply on your skin to protect it, there is a simpler way to prevent premature skin ageing - starting with what you put in your mouth. Paula Begoun, the beauty guru who authored the best-selling Don't Go to the Cosmetic Counter Without Me, recently recommended a variety of anti-ageing superfoods in her e-mail bulletin. Here are her recommendations:

1. Berries
Berries are full of anti-oxidants and can protect our skin from free radicals that contribute to the appearance of ageing.

Choose darker berries if you can as they are known to have high concentrations of antioxidants. Such berries include blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, acai and strawberries. Acai berries are said to have the highest amount of antioxidants among fruits.

Fresh berries are best, says Ms Beguon.

2. Salmon
This fish is loaded with omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants. These nutrients can reduce sun damage, reduce inflammation that leads to collagen breakdown, and help skin look young, plump and radiant, says Ms Beguon's bulletin.

Given the benefits of this fish, Allure Magazine Assiant Editor Jennifer Kass went as far as to recommend readers to, "skip the facial and eat fish two to three times a week".

Can't take fish? There are other alternatives, such as avocados, flaxseed and walnuts which are sources of potent essential fatty acids. Or you could consider omega-3 fish oil supplements, though you should check with your doctor first.

3. Leafy Greens, Fruits & Sweet Potatoes
Your parents and grandparents have constantly nagged at you to eat more fruits and vegetables 'because they are good for your health'. What they might not have realised is that these same foods are good for your skin as well.

Leafy greens, fruits and sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene and they can slow the damage caused by sun exposure, says Ms Beguon.

Allure magazine's Ms Kass recommends green and orange foods, such as spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and citrus. These humble, everyday foods contain vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant which facilitates cell turnover and aids collagen production.

In addition, carrots contain vitamin A, which, when combined with vitamin C, helps increase the skin's natural sun protection and help prevent breakouts.

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Personal hygiene is one of the most important things people notice in a person. Maintaining good personal hygiene becomes all the more necessary when it comes to choosing a partner. Most people (read females) take special care in cleaning their private parts before indulging in any kind of sexual activity.

The cleaning of private parts, as in removing hair from pubic area is known as bikini wax. The reasons for removing pubic hair can be different for different people. Some do it simply for aesthetic reasons, for some it’s an issue of maintain good personal hygiene and for others it’s simply to enhance sexual pleasure.

There are a number of ways in which the process of cleaning is carried out. Waxing, shaving and using hair removal creams are some of the most popular ways of hair removal. Generally, bikini waxing refers to complete hair removal from the pubic area (also known as full Brazilian waxing), leaving a thin strip of hair on the pubis sometimes.

Apart from that, there’s American waxing, where only the pubic hair that is exposed by a swimsuit are removed. Then there’s French waxing, wherein a vertical strip (called a landing strip), two to three finger-widths long just above the vulva is leaved and rest of the hair are removed. This is also known as partial Brazilian wax.

However, one must take special care and should opt for the process only under the guidance of an expert. Since the concerned body parts are extremely sensitive, it could result in various skin problems such as redness, irritation and skin darkening.

For the ultra smooth experience down under, one should be ready to shelve out anything between 500 to 2,000 rupees in India.

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