People are often told that aging is a natural and wonderful gift that they should be grateful for, but in reality, it can come with some unwelcome side effects. Very few women – if any – feel positive about looking older, especially if it happens sooner than we expect.
However, with the right lifestyle and consistent efforts, it is possible to look younger than our years. If you are closer to middle age than you would like to admit and are self-conscious about showing your age, here are some tips that might help you to keep the tell-tale signs of aging at bay.
Take care of your skin
Wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, and thin skin are some of the most obvious signs of aging, and, as with all aspects of health, prevention is better than cure. Be sure to apply SPF on a daily basis to protect your skin from sun damage, focusing on the skin around the eyes and forehead, as this is often where wrinkles appear first. It is also important to use a high-quality cleanser, exfoliant, and moisturizer every day, as well as a primer before applying makeup.
If your skin has suffered damage over the years, e.g., as a result of acne, scarring, or sun exposure, cosmetic treatments like medical peels Bromley clinics offer may help to improve the skin’s appearance.
Keep makeup simple
Many women make the error of applying too much makeup in an effort to disguise the signs of aging, but this can worsen the problem by drawing attention to problem areas. Instead, choose high-quality makeup that focuses on the key areas such as concealer for dark circles under the eyes and natural shades of lipstick, blusher, and eye shadow.
An eyelash curler can help to open the eyes, which gives you a more youthful and energized appearance. It is also important to be careful when removing makeup; rough scrubbing at the eyes and skin can worsen sagging and speed up the breakdown of collagen.
Look after your hair
There is a misconception that women should cut their hair short when they get older, but this is not the case (unless you want short hair!). In reality, a medium-length haircut that is manageable yet still feminine can work well, and a fringe can add a more youthful look. Also, dyeing your hair a slightly lighter shade can help to make grey hair less visible and can brighten your complexion making wrinkles less obvious. If you have several grey hairs, it might be time to embrace them by dyeing your hair a vibrant silver.
Eat the right foods
A natural way to boost collagen is to eat plenty of foods that are rich in vitamin C, and foods that contain antioxidants and vitamin D can reduce rosacea and acne. Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation of the skin, and eating a range of leafy vegetables can increase the skin’s hydration level and protect cells. Mangoes, squash, carrots, apricots, and sweet potatoes are also helpful when trying to prevent wrinkles and promote skin cell renewal.
Swap alcohol for water
If you wait until you feel thirsty until you drink water, you have waited too long. Drinking at least eight glasses of water each day keeps the body functioning at its best and boosts the condition of your skin and hair. On the other hand, drinking too much alcohol dehydrates the skin and can lead to premature aging.