Elle Macpherson
Aging gracefully is not always about genetics and a more than chill state of mind. It is vital to take care of ourselves as we age and pick the right anti-aging products, taking our vitamins and anti-oxidants, and zenning out our stress levels. All these factors are key to maintaining a youthful appearance without going under the knife or needle. The following 10 habits will help you to look and feel younger – long term.
Be A-Head Of Your Hair Game
Let’s start with the one thing we hold dear – our hair. It’s often the first part of us to show signs of aging – sometimes even in our 20s! We do everything to get rid of our white strands but much of the time, changes in our hair happen due to hormonal changes. As we age, our hormones develop and alter themselves which can sometimes cause hair to become thin and brittle. To maintain a head full of thick and luscious locks, start nourishing your hair now with shampoos and conditioners for stronger hair and keep it soft with a weekly hair mask or oil. Additionally, stock up on supplements like Vitamin B complex and Biotin to keep your hair full and healthy.
The Ouai
Revamp Your Hair Style To Suit Where You Are In Life
It is a fact that the right haircut can often lift and make you appear younger. Just because your hair is long, it doesn’t always mean you should hang on to it, especially if it makes you look dank and dull.
A soft shoulder length cut with soft side-swept bangs can conceal wrinkles on the forehead, or a chic bob can immediately lighten up and make you appear chirpier.
Drew Barrymore
Perfect Your Skincare Routine
When it comes to aging, the first thing we stress out about is fine lines and wrinkles, the appearance of our skin, dullness and under eye circles.
It is important to be diligent with your routine and maintain it. Your skincare products should include peptides, which work to stimulate collagen production and prevent fine lines. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest and has hardly any oil glands, which is why for many women, the appearance of crow’s feet is a concern – it is vital to use an eye cream to target those lines early. Look out for ingredients like caffeine and nicotinic acid to reduce puffiness, lines, wrinkles and under-eye circles.
La Mer Regime
SPF – No Matter What
The sun and vitamin D can do wonders for our health, but it can also be super harmful to our skin and quicken the aging process. Radiation from the sun has been linked to everything from skin pigmentation to cancer so it is vital, no matter what the weather, to use a wide-spectrum SPF that targets both UVA and UVB rays. If you are exposed to direct sunlight on vacation or where you live, apply it every hour!
Dr Barbara Sturm SPF
Update Your Makeup As Your Age Updates You
Makeup trends vary from season to season, and much of the time, the trend may not always complement our skin tone or appearance. Our everyday makeup should also suit our ever changing skin tone and –as much as we hate to say it – age.
With the gradual appearance of fine lines, heavy makeup to cover them isn’t always the right way out as the formula of heavy powders and products may settle into the lines, making them appear deeper.
Switch it up and go for a tinted moisturizer or cream foundations to provide even coverage and color without compromising a flawless finish and drying out your skin (which can also cause wrinkles).
Este Lauder Makeup
Get More Miles From Your Smile
They say a smile is the most beautiful thing about a person and the aging process can take a huge toll on the appearance of our pearly whites, graying them over time from tea and coffee and the likes. The only way to tackle this aging issue is to make regular use of teeth whitening products!
You Are What you Eat
How we eat can sometimes define how we feel. Eating heavy fried or oily foods can often leave us feeling sluggish and tired and provides no nutrients or antioxidants to help us feel good. The vitamins found in fresh fruit and vegetables are key in maintain good skin. Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant found in grapes, has been proven to prevent premature aging. Omega-3 fatty acids offer many anti-aging benefits too, so aim for two servings a week of oily fish and stock up on those Cod Liver Oil and Omega 3 capsules!
Work On Reducing Your Stress Levels
Stress comes in all shapes and forms – whether it’s work, children, life in general and can play a huge part in increasing your blood pressure and disrupting your sleeping habits – all of which age you!
It’s important to maintain some focus and take out time every week to center your thoughts and a great way to unwind is to take up something as simple as yoga, or if you’re up to the challenge, some crossfit or cardio! Apps like the ones we talked about here are also a great way to encourage a positive mind and body image.
Moderation Is Key
Smoking, alcohol and caffeine in aerated drinks and coffee, can trigger rosacea outbreaks and exacerbate fine lines, acne and wrinkles which are sure fire signs of aging! Large amounts of caffeine can cause dehydration and increase anxiety levels – which don’t do the mind, body or skin any good at all – its best to enjoy things like coffee and soda in moderation!
Sleep In Beauty
It’s not called “beauty sleep” for no reason! When you sleep, your body releases a growth hormone that helps to restore collagen and elastin – which are the basis of healthy skin. Sleeping helps to undo the damages of the day and it is absolutely vital to get between seven to nine hours of it every night. Lack of sleep or an irregular sleeping pattern has also been scientifically proven to increase risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes.
Slip Silk Mask Pillow