The quest to look younger isn’t about hiding your age. It’s about celebrating your zeal for life while feeling confident in your own skin.
Forget about expensive creams or beauty treatments, what if looking younger was more about simple daily habits you incorporate into your life?
Allow me to introduce these 8 habits to you, each helping you feel and look younger and vibrant. And the best part? You have full control. You get to decide which habits to adopt and which ones are simply not your cup of tea.
So join me, as we divulge habits to start practising if you want to start looking younger in 60 days. Yes, just 60 days. I bet you’re eager to get started, aren’t you?
1) Hydration is key
Ever wonder why people who drink a lot of water always seem to have that fresh, youthful glow about their skin?
There’s a reason why ‘hydrate’ is the chant of skincare professionals everywhere. Our bodies are made up of 60% water. It’s crucial for our organs to function properly, and that includes our skin.
Our skin is the largest organ in our body, so it needs a good deal of hydration to remain fresh, supple, and younger-looking. Dry skin can lead to premature wrinkles and fine lines.
But it’s not just about downing eight glasses of water a day.
Including water-rich foods in your diet, and topical hydration with moisturizers, can help you achieve that plump, youthful skin you’ve been chasing.
It’s a simple, manageable habit. And the results can show in under 60 days.
So, grab that water bottle, start sipping, and let hydration be your secret weapon. But remember, balance is important and you don’t want to overdo it. As with all things in life, moderation is key.
2) Early morning movement
Now, let me share a personal habit of mine.
Every single morning, without fail, I dedicate some time to moving my body. It could be a brisk walk, a stretch routine, or an intense workout. Trust me on this one, I’ve seen the difference it makes.
Initially, I’d struggle to wake up early and squeeze in exercise time. It was challenging to get out of my warm, cosy bed. But after a few weeks, the benefits were just too obvious to ignore.
My skin was glowing, my energy levels were through the roof and I was more productive than ever!
Regular movement increases blood circulation and helps in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, making them healthier and look younger.
You see, looking younger isn’t just about the way you look, it’s about the way you feel as well. When we’re healthy and active, it shines through.
And believe me, those early morning endorphin rushes do make you feel good. Not to mention, a great morning workout can set a positive tone for your entire day.
So, set that alarm a few minutes earlier, squeeze in some sweat-time in the morning, and watch your youthful energy bubble over. Give it a try! It did wonder for me, and I am sure it will for you as well.
3) Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness, simply put, is being present. It’s about focusing on the here and now, paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without any judgment.
Something you might not know is that chronic stress can actually accelerate cellular aging, leading to visible signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction practices like yoga and meditation have been found to decrease this cellular aging. Isn’t that something?
Such practices help to reduce tension and manage stress, which in turn can help your skin look better and more youthful. Not only this, but a peaceful mind promotes a healthy body.
So, try to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. Start with just five minutes of focused breathing, mindful eating, or a pleasant walk in the park, noticing everything around you. You might just find that a moment of peace each day keeps the wrinkles away.
4) A good night’s sleep
This may sound overly simple, but a good night’s sleep can do wonders for your youthful appearance.
Sleep is the time when your body repairs itself. This includes the skin, where new cells replace the old ones as you drift into dreamland. Cutting back on sleep, even for a few nights, can result in a dull complexion and fine lines.
Plus, ever noticed those dark circles under your eyes after pulling an all-nighter? They’re certainly not doing you any favors in the youthfulness department!
So make sure you prioritize getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night. I know, life happens and sometimes it’s not possible. But make it a habit of setting a regular sleep schedule and sticking to it.
It’s a clear, natural, and cost-free way to help maintain younger-looking skin. Best part? You get to enjoy the comfort of your bed in the process. Sweet dreams!
5) Smile more
This one is close to my heart, and I have a feeling you’ll relate to it too.
Think about the last time you smiled. Not a courtesy smile or a polite grin, but a real, genuine smile that started in your heart and spread to light up your eyes.
Such a beautiful sight, isn’t it?
Smiling, genuine smiling, can instantly lift your mood and make you appear younger. Plus, it prompts your brain to release feel-good neurotransmitters that increase feelings of happiness and serenity.
So, why not make it a habit?
Smile at your neighbour. Smile at perfect strangers. Smile for no reason at all. Best of all, smile at yourself when you look in the mirror.
Not only will it make you feel good, but it will brighten the days of those around you.
Remember, a youthful appearance isn’t just about shrinking fine lines or banishing wrinkles. It’s about radiating positivity, warmth and vitality. And nothing conveys that better than a heartfelt, beautiful smile.
6) Embrace a healthier diet
Now, this one took some time for me to come around to.
You see, I was someone who lived for fast food and sugary sodas. I loved my pizzas and my fizzy drinks. But guess what? My skin wasn’t so fond of them.
Foods high in sugar and hydrogenated fats can cause inflammation, not to mention they rob your skin of its natural moisture, causing it to age prematurely.
Once I made the switch to a healthier diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, I noticed a huge improvement not only in how I felt, but also in how I looked.
Eating a rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables provides your skin with the vital nutrients it needs to stay healthy and look young. Plus, foods loaded with antioxidants can help protect your skin from the cellular damage caused by free radicals.
So, why not try incorporating more fresh, unprocessed foods into your meals? You don’t have to go extreme, small changes can still make a big difference.
And just a note, the moment you start eating healthier, your body will thank you, and your skin will show it.
Believe me, it worked for someone who couldn’t go a day without pizza.
7) Regular exfoliation
Allow me to introduce you to your skin’s best friend – exfoliation.
Our skin naturally sheds dead cells to make room for new ones. But sometimes, these dead cells don’t shed completely, resulting in dry, flaky patches and clogged pores.
Enter exfoliation. This process helps remove those pesky, dull, dead skin cells to reveal the fresh, newer ones underneath. It improves skin texture, and promotes a brighter, younger appearance.
However, be gentle with your skin. Over-exfoliation can strip your skin of its natural oils and lead to irritation. Aim to exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on your skin type.
Options for exfoliation range from scrubs, brushes, to chemical exfoliants, so feel free to experiment and find out what suits your skin the best.
At the end of the day, it’s about treating our skin with respect and care it deserves. And a little gentle exfoliation could be just what your skin needs to glow with youthful radiance.
8) Embrace sunscreen
Finally, but most importantly, never underestimate the power of sunscreen.
Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging of the skin. This can result in the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. It can even increase your risk of skin cancer.
So make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, come rain or shine. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and apply it liberally on all exposed parts of your body.
Remember, those few seconds you spend each morning applying sunscreen can go a long way towards preserving your youthful glow, not to mention your overall skin health.
