Saturday, October 13, 2012

10 Ways to Look Younger

10 Ways to Look YoungerThere's nothing wrong with aging, but you don't want to look old and haggard. You can accept yourself as you are while capturing a youthful appearance that shows how vital you can be.
Whether your over-the-hill mental milestone is 30, 40 or 50, you can shave years off your looks by following some tried and true tips.

Sleep

Get plenty of sleep each night for a fresh, youthful glow and some pep in your step. You need adequate sleep for your cells to regenerate. Without enough rest at night, you'll have red eyes, a dull complexion and a lethargic gait.

Wear Sunscreen and Moisturizers

Wear sunscreen to keep your skin healthy and soft. The sun's rays damage and age your skin. Too much sun will dry out your skin, cause discoloration and deepen wrinkles. Replenish and restore your skin by moisturizing it. You may not be able to repair severely damaged skin with creams, but, according to the Mayo Clinic, you may be able to improve its appearance. Look for products with retinol, hydroxy acids, coenzyme Q10, copper peptides, kinetin or tea extracts.

Stay Hydrated

Every organ in your body, including your skin, needs water. Drinking plenty of water won't hydrate skin, but it will promote good health, which, in turn, will make skin glow, according to Telegraph.co.uk.

Don't Smoke

Smoking robs your blood of precious oxygen that is necessary for your skin and the rest of your organs. Give up smoking if you have the habit, and don't start if you haven't already. People who smoke often look much older than they are.

Cut Back on Sugar and White Flour

Sugar and flour may taste wonderful, but, when eaten in excess, they cause fluid retention, which can leave you feeling puffy and out of sorts, says ChristianWomenOnline.net. In addition, sugar can accelerate skin aging through a process called glycation, according to Telegraph.co.uk.

Whiten Your Teeth

One of the first signs of aging is the yellowing of your teeth. With all the over-the-counter teeth whiteners on the market, there is no reason to let this happen. Once you have them sparkling white, smile and show them off.

Condition Your Hair

Dull, lifeless hair from coloring and other types of chemical processing can make you appear old and tired. Perk it up with a moisturizing treatment once in a while.

Add Volume to Your Hair

Use a volumizing shampoo and a lightweight volumizing conditioner to plump up each hair shaft. To add even more volume to your hair, dab a little hair mousse at the roots, turn your head upside down and blow your hair dry.

Exercise

Stay fit by working out every day. A regular exercise routine can keep your skin from sagging. If you incorporate a cardio routine to your program, you'll feel better, and your heart will pump more efficiently, which will add a rosy glow to your cheeks.

Use Makeup Wisely

If you haven't changed your makeup in years, it's time to do it now. You'll want to ditch the matte powder that can leave your skin looking caked and dry. Avoid sparkling eye shadow, which can draw attention to sagging eyelids. Find a soft shade of lipstick that will make you look younger rather than someone who's ready for a bingo game at the nursing home.