Survey reveals French women look seven years younger than their British counterparts by the time they hit 40

Survey reveals French women look seven years younger than their British counterparts by the time they hit 40

• 89 per cent of British women think the French age the most gracefully
• French anti-ageing skincare is considered the best by those polled
  
• French women spend £1.9 billion on skincare every year
  
• By contrast, UK women spend just £854 million in the same period
  

By Emily Andrews

PUBLISHED: 08:09 EST, 20 March 2013 | UPDATED: 20:13 EST, 20 March 2013

As if French women didn't have enough to crow about. Not only are they supposedly better dressed than British women, they look seven years younger by the time they reach 40, according to a study.

Annoyingly, it's something we can't deny because the survey was carried out among British women.

Participants were asked to look at photos of French women and guess their age. Politician Segolene Royal, 59, was thought to be 12 years younger, and Hollywood legend Catherine Deneuve, 69, was thought to be ten years younger. Actress Juliette Binoche, 49, was judged to be 41

The politicians: The UK's Harriet Harman, 62, and French socialist, Ségolène Royal, 59

Who looks best? French actress, Catherine Deneuve, 69, or the UK's Helen Mirren, 67

However, the women were pretty sure they knew their secret. Some 89 per cent said their youthful appearance was down to their skincare regimes.Indeed, French ladies start using creams and serums at least five years earlier than British women.

More than a third of French women start as early as 15, and by the age of 20, nearly two- thirds of them are using specialist anti-ageing creams.

British women generally don't start using skincare until the age of 25, and even then only half of British women that would have a consistent anti-ageing regime.

And the French spend more on anti-ageing products than anyone else in Europe, forking out £1.9billion on facial skincare in 2009. British women spent less than half that, or £854million.

Escentual.com skincare expert Emma Leslie said: 'British women tend to start using anti-ageing products when they start to see the first effects of ageing, which can be a bit too little too late.

Top pick: French pharmacy brand, Avène, gets results thanks to its advanced formulae

Ageing gracefully: Coco Chanel actress, Audrey Tatou, and Britain's Kate Winslet are both in their 30s

'French women, on the other hand, will often take preventative measures even when they are in their mid to late teens.

'French pharmacy skincare brands also lead the world in the latest anti-ageing research.'

The French are by far the biggest spender on anti-ageing products in Europe and spent £1.9 billion on facial skincare in 2009 - an average expenditure of £78 for every woman over 15 in France.

British women spend less than half that (£854 million) which may go some way to explain the comparatively wrinkle-free French visage.

When British women were asked if French women's increased expenditure had worked for them 90 per cent said they thought it had, while 51 per cent said they would be happy to spend more if it got the same results.

Stunning in their 40s: The UK's Catherine Zeta-Jones, 43, and France's Juliette Binoche, 48

IN NEED OF SOME FRENCH ANTI-AGEING EXPERTISE? TRY THESE!

Emma Leslie, Beauty Editor at Escentual.com, reveals her top five French anti-ageing heroes:

Eau Themale Avene Ystheal+ Crème, £16.47: 'A global anti-ager for sensitive skin'

Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream, £83.25: 'Luxury anti-ageing cream that immediately boosts the skins radiance and minimizes the signs of ageing.' 

Caudalie Vinexpert Firming Serum, £40.50: 'A targeted lifting serum.'

La Roche-Posay Redermic C UV Sensitive Skin Fill-In Care, £19: 'Anti-wrinkle, resurfacing, added sun protection.'

Nuxe Nuxellence Jeunesse Youth and Radiance Revealing Fluid, £30.66: 'An all-in-one brightening, energising and anti-ageing fluid.'