Brothers Dr Roberto and Dr Maurizio Viel passionately believe you can turn back the years without resorting to cosmetic surgery.

They reveal how in their new book, The Viels' Beauty Bible.

Once the sole preserve of wealthy celebrities, cosmetic surgery is now everywhere. It's tempting to think that it's a simple way to turn back the years, provided you have the cash to splash.

But cosmetic surgeons to the stars, 47-year-old twin brothers Dr Roberto and Dr Maurizio Viel, passionately believe you can reverse the ageing process without going under the knife.

"Many people think the only way they will get the face and body they want is via a slew of invasive procedures. But you should follow other steps first such as changing your bad habits," says Roberto, co-author of The Viels' Beauty Bible.

"People can often forget about the most obvious and the simple anti-ageing tips. I haven't had any cosmetic surgery as I try to lead a healthy lifestyle - I get proper sleep, take supplements, meditate and try not to get stressed. But I wouldn't rule it out later on."

Six steps to rejuvenation

Banish bad habits

"If you want gorgeous skin, you have to make a few sacrifices. We aren't killjoys, but we're quite adamant on a few no-nos," he says.

"There are three things you should avoid - smoking, sun and excessive alcohol. Sunlight and smoking are the two most damaging things you can do to your skin."

If that sounds harsh, there is some good news. "We're not going to tell you to give up your Beaujolais or Pinot Grigio, not entirely," he says. "Research shows that a certain amount of alcohol, particularly red wine, has distinct health benefits, helping to keep your heart healthy and stress levels low."

Eat well

Roberto says everything we eat is reflected in our skin - so eating the right foods can make us look younger.

Unfortunately, the list of foods he recommends avoiding reads like an inventory of most people's cupboards.

These include sugar, coffee and other drinks containing caffeine, 'bad' saturated fats, additives, fizzy drinks, smoked meats and barbecued food, excess dairy produce such as butter, milk and cheese, refined carbohydrates like white bread, white pasta and white rice, refined and processed salt and processed fruit juice.

However shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, aloe vera, berries, beans, pulses, peas, oily fish, pumpkins, squashes like butternut, carrots and sweet potatoes, oats, almonds and green tea are all included on his list of anti-ageing foods.

Hyaluronic acid, which is often used as a wrinkle-zapper in creams, is found naturally in beans, pulses, root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, swede, turnip and sweet potatoes, and stock made from chicken bones and skin.

Exercise regularly

Working out can have beauty benefits as well as being good for your health.

"After a year of regular sensible exercising, you can literally make your body up to 20 years younger," he says.

"The magic combination of weight-training and cardiovascular exercise will boost metabolism, making it easier to lose weight, build up bone density, increase flexibility and build muscles. It can help normalise blood pressure and balance hormone levels."

He recommends doing at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least four days a week, but light exercise like housework, gardening and even fidgeting, will still have an effect.

Sleep your way to beauty

Don't under-estimate the importance of sleep, Roberto says.

"If you want to look good and stay looking good, you need to make a regular good night's sleep a priority. While everyone varies to a degree, most people need about eight hours of good quality sleep.

"It's the elixir of youth; one of the Holy Grails of rejuvenation. Lose sleep and you are losing one of your prime anti-ageing tools," he adds.

But be careful - most people gain uneven wrinkles because of the way they sleep. Avoid skin wrinkles by sleeping on your back, or switch your pillowcases to silk or satin as they minimise wrinkles.

Seek serenity

"Damaging stress can wreck your health and will certainly play havoc with your looks. Stress ages faces and puts strain and weight on bodies. It's also been proven that skin ages faster during periods of emotional stress," he explains.

Take time out to beat stress - simple activities like squeezing a stress ball or popping bubble wrap, thinking of your next holiday and having a giggle can help reduce stress.

Care for your skin

Beauty does come from within, but sometimes the outside can do with some work. The good news is that you don't need lots of products, nor do you need to spend hours on your beauty regime.

"That's simply not necessary. Keep it simple," Roberto advises.

"You don't need a shed-load of different products, according to your age, skin type and ethnic background. Skin is basically the same, whether it's dry or oily, black, white or Asian."

Spend time cleansing and moisturising properly, applying sunscreen, and brushing your skin before you shower or bath.