Look, the truth is, we're all aging all the time, and frankly, that's really, really OK. Culturally, we have this strange fascination with women preventing any sign of aging while choosing to see older men as increasingly attractive (George Clooney, anyone?). Aging is a good thing — it's a natural part of life, and it means we've gained experience, wisdom, and if we're doing things right, an increased ability to be good to ourselves and each other while learning how to set boundaries and prioritize. That said, there's nothing wrong with trying to keep our faces healthier and happier, and a lot of the solid tips here are good not just for our preventing the signs of aging, but for increased health and wellness overall. And it's also OK to want to look our best, and care for our skin, hair, and nails so that we an look like the healthiest, brightest versions of ourselves at all times.
Part of maintaining a youthful appearance is taking really good care of our skin. One way to do that is to consistently use eye cream, which helps nourish delicate under-eye skin stay looking youthful. But it's not just our faces that can start looking older than their years. Body lotions and cleansers can help the skin on our bodies stay looking smooth and silky. And for anyone on a budget who wants to keep looking healthy and young, check out budget Amazon beauty products — high-quality products for less than $10. A lot of people are making the transition from traditional beauty products to clean beauty. This is because many traditional products may be effective at doing what they claim to — for instance, retinol, which has been shown in many studies to minimize fine lines, but a lot of products sold in the US are illegal in places like Europe and Australia because there have been some ties to being endocrine disruptors or carcinogenic. For anyone who's thinking of making the switch to clean beauty but who doesn't want to spend a million dollars on new products, check out some budget clean beauty products.
Use a Vitamin C Serum
While nothing is a totally magic cure, vitamin C serums may help reverse some of the effects of sun damage, which is a primary way we demonstrate signs of aging, like sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. It's a potent antioxidant and basically acts like a shield for the skin.
Stop Smoking Now
If the years have taken a toll, or for anyone who's really ready to get serious about not aging too quickly, there are some things to do to slow or even reverse the aging process. For example, quit smoking: After only nine months without cigarettes, the positive effects on skin are remarkable.
Cut Back on the Drinks
Some claim that giving up alcohol also does wonders for the skin by keeping it better hydrated and affecting the blood vessels less. We believe it — we certainly know that when we cut back on the booze, we end up with healthier-looking, brighter skin.
Sleep
Health experts recommend that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep every night for optimum brain function and body health. A side benefit of getting enough sleep is that it does wonders for the face and skin, too. Skin makes collagen when we sleep, which plumps the skin and lessens wrinkles and lines. Sleep also leaves us with glowing skin and less puffy eyes — the treasures of youth.
Cut Out Some Fats
Know which fats are good, which fats are bad, and which ones are in-between. Trans fats are the worst and should be avoided. The other fats are good for the skin, especially those high in omega-3 fatty acids (think nuts and salmon). In addition to cutting out highly processed trans fats, we might want to reduce overall food intake by way of intermittent fasting, which some experts say slows the signs of aging.
Be Careful With Hormones
The use of testosterone to combat aging has been on trend for a few years, but health experts worry about overuse. Introducing hormones for nonmedical reasons can have larger health consequences. Be selective about these powerful medicines.
Consider Supplements
Not all supplements claiming to slow aging work, but there are some that show promise, including vitamin C, polypodium leucotomos extract, vitamin E, glucosamine, and coenzyme Q10. Definitely check with a trusted physician before incorporating any of these, though — there may be contraindications with other medications.
Stay Positive
Free, with no side effects — and generally a good idea no matter what the goal is — studies show that staying positive keeps us looking (and feeling) younger. A recent study out of Yale University found that those who didn't gripe about aging had a greater chance of living longer than those who expressed dread and negativity about it. Mindset is everything for staying young.
Drop the Guilt
Guilt ages us, so why bother? It keeps us in the past and prevents us from being positive about the future. Don't look back with regrets, which keep us in an anxious state. That produces cortisol, which adds years to our face and overall health.
Don't Retire
Work, especially as we get older, is a secret weapon against aging. Having a regular job keeps us on schedule and energized, exposes us to people with whom we can have a social connection, and, if we like our work, can give us a sense of satisfaction. Without work, and no daily engagement to replace it with, the aging process may accelerate, due to loneliness, depression, or lack of focus and purpose.
Treat Red Eyes
Eyes get red as we age, so keeping them from getting red is a strategy for reversing aging. The redness comes from a lack of moisture and also sun exposure. Drink plenty of water, keep eyes well-hydrated, and wear sunglasses when going outside.
Fix Hooded Eyes
Eyes start to droop as we get older. It's a natural part of aging. But some makeup techniques — and, in some cases, surgery — can lessen the effects of hooded eyes and make anyone look years younger, more alert, and happier.
Treat Skin Spots
Aging, sun exposure, genetics: Experts aren't sure why we sometimes develop dark spots, but there are lots of different ways to minimize them (or even make them disappear). Spots on the face, neck, and hands are sure signs of aging, so getting rid of them may make us look younger.
Grab Some Bakuchiol
Retinol is tried and true as a means of minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, but there's also some evidence that it may be bad for our overall health. However, bakuchiol has been studied less well, but it's also looking like it's a great way to have some of the effects of retinol naturally — it can help with pigmentation issues and wrinkles, while being naturally derived and good for us.
Prevent Wrinkles
The quickest way to start looking older is to not pay attention to wrinkles. Wearing sunscreen years before even thinking about wrinkles is one way to put a down payment on slowing the aging process in the future. Continuing to wear sunscreen, adjusting moisturizer to our skin's needs through the years, using concealers and other makeup techniques to minimize lines, and sometimes even going in for surgery are all ways to stop or reverse the telltale signs of aging.
