My ten health commandments

This woman has spent more than 30 years searching for the elixir of youth. So of all the potions, creams and pills she has tried what, if anything, works?

Like every other woman on the planet, I am never confident that I look good. But I have, for the past few years, had a distinct advantage when it comes to my appearance. My job. Thanks to working as Vogue's Health and Beauty Director, I could undertake research for all women who are secretly hoping to discover a pill to make you thin, a lotion to take years off your face. Or just that little bit of insider knowledge - the one therapy that will make you gorgeous overnight.

I know what can or can't reduce cellulite, slim thighs, diminish wrinkles, thicken hair, strengthen knees, plump lips, detox the system and generally erase all phobias. Believe me, I know how to make a 50-something look 20 years younger.

All these lotions and potions have become something of a personal quest for the Holy Grail of looking younger, if you like. I have been rubbed with fenugreek, rolled in hay and bathed in creosote. I've had my chakras opened and Ayurvedic oils dripped on my third eye.

More prosaically, I've had hair cuts by maestros of the salon, expert colouring, facials by the doyennes of the field, lectures by the most innovative chemists as well as the opportunity to quiz eminent doctors, dermatologists, laser specialists and, of course, cosmetic surgeons to find out what really works and what doesn't.

You name the miracle in a jar and I've tried it. Name the treatment from kinesiology to light therapy and I've had it. But all good things come to an end. Last Christmas I left my job to launch my own products. I feel like David in an industry of Goliaths. But they do say that adrenaline does wonders for your complexion.

So here's my own list of the 10 things that I swear by to keep health in tip-top condition ...

Stay out of the sun

No sun. Sorry to say this but if there is one way to look older than you need to, it's to go in the sun. Whatever age you are it will catch up with you. This year, on holiday, have breakfast in the sun and then put on a hat and stay under a tree. Of course I sometimes cheat to go waterskiing and then I put on factor 30 and use fake tan when I'm feeling really pale. But I have been known to get a little over-enthusiastic in the sun, and when skin gets a little over-dry I think the best product is This Works Dry Leg Oil. £30 (18 Cale Street, SW3 or mail order: 0845 230 0499).

Find your own yoga

Yoga. I've been doing this seriously for more than 25 years now and I can't image my life without it. I've even written two books about it. It's more than just an exercise routine, it's a belief, a way of life, something you have to do every day.

It's not for everyone - obviously you need to have patience, a calming mind and be quite supple - but if the exercise isn't for you, then find your own yoga in life. It could be gardening, fishing or walking but practised the right way - if you are dedicated, if it relaxes you, if it washes away the stresses of the week - then it truly is life changing.

Ban all diets

My family never mentioned the word "diet". My mother was size 16 most of my life and we all ate four meals a day at home including cakes for tea. So I never fall for weight-loss fads. Instead, I am concerned about food being fresh (and if possible organic). That, I am convinced, is the secret to nutrition. I think people divide into meat and salad people or pasta and bread people, and I'm definitely in the latter category. I couldn't do Atkins. I couldn't eat a hamburger. And I avoid processed food always.

No drugs

Quite obvious this but it needs telling time and again - no smoking (I have been known to have the odd puff though).

Oh, and no drugs. By that I mean no antibiotics, paracetomol, HRT and so on, for me they're dangerous and unnatural. One of the main reasons I wouldn't have a facelift is that I don't want to have a major anaesthetic unless I absolutely have to. Pharmaceuticals are meant to save lives, but if you're reasonably fit I'm convinced that, by and large, they're poison for the body.

The best kind of pills

Some supplements are okay. I take Omega 3 Fish Oils with Vitamin E, Ginko Biloba and multi-vitamins with Selenium and Co Q 10. Also Acidophilus (because I'm over 40), especially when travelling. I go to Naturopath Bob Jacobs every few months for advice on complementary medicines and supplements: 020 7487 4334

Good hair days

Great hairdressers are vital. There is no substitute for a good hair day. Even on extreme makeover programmes. It's the change of hair that makes all the difference. Spend money on good hair and good colour and you won't need cosmetic surgery.

Be a chameleon

Change the way you look so that you don't get stuck in a rut as you get older. This could mean changing the colour and length of your hair and the style of your clothes. It most certainly means changing your make-up. Have an expert lesson with someone like Cosmetics a la Carte 0207 235 0596 or ring Joy Goodman and get her to suggest a top make-up artist to help you. (0208 328 3338). But, remember there is no substitute for practice.

The perfect massage

There's nothing like a good massage to get the body moving again, the blood pumping and to feel re-energised. Nothing exotic, just the pressure-point kind which gets rid of all the knots and tensions. I used to promise myself an aromatherapy massage once a fortnight and I think it's the best antistress remedy you can buy.

Juicy wake-up call

The best start to the day is to have good juice - I don't know where I'd be without my carrots, apples and ginger in the morning, or fresh dates if I feel like something sweet. All are full of the sort of vitamins and nutrients few of us get enough of during the day. Oh, and if I need a shot of caffeine, it's got to be builders' tea. There are too many toxins in coffee.

Cleanse the skin

Cleansing is every bit as important as moisturising the skin. Many people buy cheap cleansers and expensive moisturisers. I would always go for the best cleansers. Oil ones preferably - like Erno Lazlo or Shu Uemura.