Time is undefeated. And so is aging. But if you know the right tricks, techniques, and secrets, you can fight back against wrinkles, hair loss, and unflattering changes to your figure. You might even be able to look a decade younger! Here are some beneficial suggestions:
1. Stop Smoking
While you’re probably aware of the fact that smoking has a negative impact on heart and lung health, do you know how tobacco smoke and its 4,000-plus chemicals affect physical appearance and aging?
“Smoking affects the blood vessels, which deliver oxygen and nutrients to the entire body,” OnHealth explains. “When the skin is deprived of these essential nutrients, changes begin to develop, even at an early age. Smokers can appear pale or have uneven skin tone as a result of their nicotine habit.”
Smoking also inhibits hair growth, which contributes to premature hair thinning and balding.
The best way to prevent these side effects is to quit smoking and to live a healthier lifestyle that’s focused on improving circulation and rejuvenating damaged cells.
2. Increase Antioxidant Intake
One of the keys to slowing down the aging process is to consume more antioxidants, which are shown to protect skin from dangerous free radicals (which can cause cancer). Foods that are high in antioxidant content include artichokes, berries, red kidney beans, cherries, pecans, granny smith apples, prunes, black beans, and oily fish (with high omega 3 fatty acid content).
3. Stay Hydrated
According to the National Institute on Aging, “It’s important for your body to have plenty of fluids each day. Water helps you digest your food, absorb nutrients from food, and then get rid of the unused waste. Water is found in foods—both solids and liquids, as well as in its natural state.”
As a general rule of thumb, you should try to drink one eight-ounce glass of water every two hours you’re awake throughout the day. It’s also important to limit alcoholic beverages, which can dehydrate you.
4. Wear Sunscreen (Daily)
Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach, pool, or golf course. Your skin is exposed to dangerous UV rays on a daily basis – even when it’s cold or cloudy – and it’s imperative that you apply sunscreen every day as part of your morning routine.
For best results, find a moisturizer that has sunscreen built into it. This helps you moisturize and protect your skin in the same step. (It also makes it less likely that you’ll forget to apply sunscreen.)
5. Try LLLT for Hair Loss
Are you experiencing hair loss and/or premature balding? While an improved diet and other positive lifestyle changes can help, you might need something extra to get your scalp back on track. Low-level light therapy, or LLLT, is a great option.
LLLT is a scientific process that uses light emitted from lasers to safely stimulate hair growth through photo-biotherapy. This method, which is often conducted using a laser cap, energizes cells within the hair follicle, which strengthens and renews them. The result is noticeably thicker, healthier hair.
6. Use the Right Skincare Products
Walk into any drug store and you’ll find aisles filled with hundreds of skincare products and anti-wrinkle creams. Finding the right one can be challenging.
Don’t let the price tag influence your decision. Sometimes the inexpensive products are actually more effective than the ones that cost more. The easiest way to determine this is by reading the ingredients label. (Look for ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, AHA and BHA, hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, and grape seed extract.)
7. Get More Sleep
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your body is to get more sleep.
During sleep, your body does more than rest. It actually spends time rejuvenating cells, replenishing energy levels, and promoting healing. Thus, the more quality sleep you get, the better you’ll look.
Are You Living Your Best Life?
As you can see, looking younger isn’t always about surgical procedures and proprietary concoctions with strange ingredients. Sometimes it’s as simple as making smart, healthy lifestyle choices.
Whether you’re 35 or 65, there are benefits in following the aforementioned tips and techniques. Try adding them to your daily routine and observe the results. Not only will you look better, but you’ll start to feel better, too.