There’s no one magic trick to looking younger. If there were, we’d all be doing it. But there are lots of small, daily habits you can develop to help achieve a more fresh, youthful appearance.
We spoke to experts and checked the research to come up with these everyday habits that can make you look younger — and none of them involve going under the knife.
You might be doing some of these things already. If not, decide on a few that fit in with your lifestyle and see if you notice a difference.
1. Make time to meditate
Lots of people make time for meditation as a stress reliever, but research also suggests that the practice may slow down aging and reduce its signs by improving well-being and hormonal health.
2. Don’t neglect your hands
Most people neglect these areas of their bodies. However, when it comes to anti-aging regimens, it is important to have all of your skin look the same age. You don’t want a 40-something face with 60-something hands or chest. Remember, your face isn’t the only part of your body that’s severely affected by sun rays.
3. Use skincare products with SPF
To reduce the signs of aging from sun damage — such as wrinkles, rough patches, sagging and skin discoloration — use products with SPF agents every day.
4. Avoid the sun in the middle of the day
Prevention is the best intervention. While your skin needs some sun to synthesize vitamin D, you should avoid the sun in the middle of the day (between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m), as this is when the sun’s burning rays are strongest.
5. Stretch every day
When it comes to a younger appearance, it’s not all about your face. Daily stretching is important to maintain a more youthful body, as it keeps the connecting tissues elastic. Yoga, gymnastics and pilates are great stretching opportunities, and you don’t even need to sign up for a class.
6. Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliating your face and body at least once a week won’t only feel great — it removes dead, dulling skin cells and gets blood circulating at the skin’s surface, helping to create a brighter appearance.
7. Make exercise a priority
In 2014, a small group of adults between the ages of 20 and 84 took part in a study, researchers found that participants over the age of 40 who exercised regularly had skin that closely resembled the skin of people in their 20s and 30s. They suggested that exercise creates substances within the body that can help slow aging in skin.
8. Nourish your body
In a 2012 study, researchers concluded that eating fruits and veggies can make you look younger by combatting dull complexions and fine lines.
9. Get plenty of sleep
Sleep is one of the cheapest and most affordable ways to look better. Create healthy sleep habits by sticking to a regular bedtime and ensuring your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet.
