From fine lines and wrinkles to sagging skin, the effects of ageing are not always kind – and, if you’re starting to see them a little more prematurely than you had hoped, then it can be an upsetting experience.
Thankfully, though, there are some simple changes you can make into your life to reduce those unwanted signs. There are lots of things money can buy for you these days, with a plethora of fancy lotions and potions available that are guaranteed to have you feeling a million dollars in no time. But overhauling your health and appearance from the inside out can make an even bigger difference to how you look and feel – and all it takes is a few small steps.
So, if you’re eager to knock a few years off of your appearance and get back to looking your best, then read on – because we’ve rounded up some of the simplest tips for getting that youthful glow back.
Reduce your sugar intake
Sugar can have a detrimental impact on both our health and our appearance, so reducing the amount you consume each week is a good place to start on your anti-ageing journey. Sugar damages skin through a natural process known as ‘glycation’, where it attaches itself to proteins in your bloodstream to produce harmful free radicals. The more sugar you consume, the mor free radicals in your bloodstream, which attack elastin and collagen and, ultimately, causes skin to sag.
Reducing sugar is important if you want to stop premature ageing in its tracks, so cut out sweets and reduce your overall intake as much as you can. Doing so will also benefit your teeth, protecting them from cavities – but if you can’t stand the thought of cutting out that luxury chocolate fix entirely, then allow yourself a treat just once a week.
Use sunscreen
Are you forever chasing the sun? Exposure to damaging UV rays may be doing you more harm than good. A tan might make you look and feel your best in the short-term, but failing to adequately protect your skin can have some upsetting effects in the long-term.
UV rays penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, causing damage to skin cells and causing sunspots, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles. Using a good quality, high SPF sunscreen on a daily basis will protect you from unnecessary damage, and will keep you looking younger for longer.
Dress to impress
Wearing clothes that are age-appropriate yet flattering will keep you looking young and fresh. Gone are the days when being over 40 meant that fashion no longer catered to you, and today, the choice on offer is endless. Invest in some key designer pieces that are cut to fit your figure and that make you look and feel amazing. If you feel good, you will exude youthful confidence, and a good outfit can go a long way.
Stay active
Staying active is of the utmost importance if you’re keen to avoid ageing before your time – and this applies to both outside and inside. Getting some exercise a few times a week will lessen your chances of developing unwanted health conditions, and staying trim will ensure that you continue to look your age.
When you exercise, your circulation and metabolism will increase, making you look and feel better than ever. Gentle stretching and low impact exercises such as yoga and pilates are great options for those with injuries, and can help you to improve your posture to avoid that dreaded back, neck and shoulder pain that often comes with age.
Stop smoking
Smoking increases the risks of developing serious health conditions such as cancer and lung disease, but even before that, it can cause unsightly damage to your skin. Smoke damages collagen and has been linked to those dreaded puffy eyes and dark circles – as well as the early onset of fine lines and wrinkles.
Giving up smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health, and to decrease the early signs of ageing, too. So put out those cigarettes, and do whatever it takes to succeed – because your skin is guaranteed to be thanking you in years to come. See your GP to find out the latest options for helping you to quit.
Get a new haircut
Just like good clothing, a great haircut can instantly make you look younger. So, if you’ve been sporting the same hairstyle for years, it might be time to try something new.
There’s no need to head for the perm or blue rinse just yet though – see your stylist for a consultation and have them make some suggestions that will suit your face shape and flatter your features. Take inspiration from magazines, and don’t be afraid to take some pictures along to your appointment to make sure you get exactly the look you want.
Hair loss can be an issue for some men, but it’s not limited to them alone. Even women can experience this upsetting change, but the good news is that these days, there are countless treatments on the market that can help restore your locks to their former glory. Online pharmacies such as prescriptiondoctor.com allow you to purchase products discretely, and will save you the embarrassment of buying them in store.
Take supplements
When you age, your body stops producing certain nutrients as it once did, which means that you will need to compensate for this by taking a daily supplement. If you’re feeling tired or run-down, then talk to a doctor to find out whether you have any vitamin deficiencies. If you do not have a deficiency, you should still talk to your doctor about taking a supplement to make sure you don’t develop one in the fture.
Moisturise
Using a good quality moisturiser is as important as using sunscreen. Dehydrated skin will age quickly, so keeping it moisturised will ensure that you stay looking youthful as long as you possibly can. Look for ingredients such as vitamin C – a potent antioxidant that will stop damaging free radicals in their tracks, and retinol, which can help to repair sun-damaged skin and minimise fine lines and wrinkles.
The best time to apply a moisturiser is after a warm shower, when the pores will be open to allow for maximum absorption.
The effects of ageing can be upsetting, but with a few small steps to your daily routine, you’ll be looking and feeling a million dollars again in to time. And remember, prevention is better than cure – so do what you can to protect yourself for the future.
