Ageing Well at 42: How Mindset, Energy & the Nervous System Shape Your Skin
When people ask me how I stay youthful at 42, they often expect a skincare routine or a list of treatments. And while those things matter, I always start on the inside first. I look at my nervous system, my mindset and the energy I carry in my body.
Here’s what I focus on, and why it matters.
1. Mindset Work: Releasing Stress That Ages You
One of the most impactful investments I’ve made is working with my mindset coach, Sridhar. Together, we work through subconscious blocks, old emotional patterns, and negative self-talk that I’ve carried for years, often without realising it.
From a scientific perspective, this work is incredibly relevant to ageing. Chronic psychological stress is well documented to increase cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol has been shown to accelerate collagen breakdown, impair skin barrier function, disrupt sleep, and increase systemic inflammation, all contributors to premature ageing.
Listen to Sridhar’s episode on our In Your Skin Podcast.
Studies in psychoneuroendocrinology have also demonstrated that practices which reduce perceived stress, such as cognitive reframing, somatic awareness, and mindfulness, can lower cortisol and improve markers associated with skin and cellular health.
These cellular changes are why I prioritise mindset work as MORE than just “personal development”. It truly is a welllness and beatuy ritual to me.
👉 You can listen to my full conversation with Sridhar on the In Your Skin podcast, where we explore how subconscious beliefs and emotional patterns directly affect health, vitality, and how we age
2. Energy Healing: Regulating the Nervous System Beneath Conscious Awareness
I also work with experienced energy healers to clear energetic blocks that I may not consciously be aware of. While energy work is often framed as spiritual, it strongly overlaps with nervous system regulation.
So much so that experts like Charlie Goldsmith (who we are excited to have on our podcast coming up) have been accredited by Doctors, thanks to his participation in scientific university studies on his ability to heal pain.
The body stores stress and trauma cognitively and somatically in muscles, fascia, posture, and breath patterns. When the nervous system is stuck in a chronic fight-or-flight state, blood flow to the skin decreases, digestion is impaired, and inflammation increases.
Practices that promote parasympathetic (rest-and-restore) activation, including breathwork, somatic release, and energy-based therapies, support the body’s natural regenerative processes. When the nervous system feels safe, the body can prioritise repair, healing, and cellular renewal.
This calm, regulated state is something you can see, in softer facial tension, brighter skin, and more grounded energy.
3. Lymphatic Drainage & Fascia Work: Supporting Circulation and Detox Pathways
Finally, I regularly prioritise lymphatic drainage massage and fascia work, particularly for the face and body.
The lymphatic system plays a key role in removing metabolic waste, excess fluid, and inflammatory by-products from tissues. Unlike the circulatory system, it doesn’t have a pump. It relies on movement and manual stimulation.
Research shows that manual lymphatic drainage can improve fluid movement, reduce swelling, and support immune function. Facial massage has also been shown to increase local circulation and may influence collagen and elastin expression over time, contributing to improved skin tone and texture.
Fascia work helps release chronic tension patterns that can restrict blood flow and lymphatic movement, another subtle but powerful contributor to a youthful, rested appearance.
Aging Well Is an Inside-Out Process
Skincare matters. Treatments matter. But youthfulness is ultimately a reflection of how safe, regulated, and supported your body feels. Nutrition and exercise play a big part in this too.
What you hold onto emotionally shows up physically.
What you clear internally is reflected externally.
Fighting your body only causes internal conflict, so listen to it instead so you can create optimal conditions for it to thrive.