10 Ways to Look a Decade Younger, Say Experts
Aging is a process we can't stop, but we can age gracefully and maintain a positive attitude while doing so. We can also help slow down aging by taking on healthy lifestyle habits and changes. Marine Delmau, Founder and Creative Director of Lâcher Prise Apparel says, "Most all, it is important to forget about age and focus on the present. Looking young starts with feeling young at heart and not acting as our society expects us to be. We are the master of our own mind."
Read on to find out the 10 ways experts say helps people look and feel younger—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.
Co2 Laser
According to Dr. Alexis Parcells, MD a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of SUNNIE, a skincare and anti-aging clinic, and Parcells Plastic Surgery, "Co2 laser is the closest you can get to a magic eraser to look a decade younger. This is a 30min procedure. Expect 5 days of downtime, then 4-6 redness (light sunburn). This procedure brightens and tightens your skin. The fractionated laser beam targets skin damaged cells and thermal energy stimulates collagen and elastin."
Hair Restoration
Dr. Jae Pak, M.D., of Jae Pak Medical says, "If you have experienced hair loss, it's without a doubt aging you (no matter how young you are). Hair restoration is possible through medical hair transplants. Advanced technology has also made it possible to perform beard and eyebrow transplants. With these procedures, you can grow hair while shaving off years."
Try Out a New Do
Seven Yu, Glam Set Go Chief Beauty and Creative Officer/Senior Stylist says, "First and foremost, looking younger is all about feeling younger. When we feel youthful, we exude an energy that transpires into our physical being. However, there are tips that can help with the physical aspect of looking younger. I recommend trying bangs and face-framing layers! I'm not talking about those kindergarten bangs that were notorious in our childhood. I mean the airy and flowy modern fringe that sweeps just right off our parts to cheekbones. Bangs can hide any imperfections in the skin (a la crows feet and forehead wrinkles) while grace framing layers create softness and movement around our face. Another way to look younger is to avoid overly long and flat hairstyles. Overly long hair or pin-straight hair can look too harsh against the skin and provides little to no movement. Go for layers!"
Wear Sunscreen
"Protecting our skin from harsh UV rays all year round will lower the chance of getting age spots," Yu states. "Too much sun dries out our skin, leaving it less supple and more susceptible to dryness and wrinkles."
Cut Out Sugar
Victoria Stiles, ShikSona Beauty Creative Director/Celebrity Makeup Artist explains, "Looking and feeling younger starts with our daily habits—what we eat, how much exercise we get, and what we put in and on our bodies. Adding in daily exercise to sweat out the toxins slows the signs of aging and leads to a healthier and leaner body. Sugar is one main ingredient we can limit from our diet to not only achieve a more youthful look but also contribute to our general health. Long-term effects of sugar include skin issues, tooth decay, weight gain, and difficulty sleeping– all of which comprise our overall appearance. By simply limiting sugar in your daily diet, benefits will include less irritated and clearer skin, healthier teeth and gums, better sleep, and weight-loss resulting in a brighter, more youthful look."
Sleep
Delmau states, "It begins with sleeping enough each night. I would say at least 7-8 hours a night would make you feel regenerated and fresh in the morning. Also going to bed at an earlier time has definitely given me the extra boost I needed. I used to never go to bed before midnight, working late hours. I felt I could get my best work done in the evening. In the last 6 months, I decided to go to bed at least an hour early, and it has completely shifted my mood and energy. I wake up feeling motivated and ready to conquer the world as soon as I get out of bed."
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Dress to Impress Yourself
Delmau explains, "As a fashion designer, I believe looking younger in your clothes translates to dressing with the essential. There is no need to be extra and put on a tight dress or bring out bold prints in order to feel younger. Comfort, elegance and confidence is the motto to looking and feeling younger. 'Less is more.' Minimal, sleek and fitted lines flatter the figure and elevate the silhouette. It is important to play with soft and drapery fabrics that can adapt to the body curves. Know your fabrics and search for the ones that work best for your skin; look for natural fibers and stay away from fossil-fuel ones. Adding the right accessories is the key to accentuating a whole look and making you feel youthful, chic and elevated."
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Be Honest With Your Body
Fashion model Amber Zhaoyang Wang says, "There are a lot of ways to look younger when it comes to what you eat. A lot of people try vegetarian or keto diets; however, I've found that each body is different, and you must find the best fit for you. Be honest with your body. I've once tried a juice cleanse to lose weight, which is drinking three or four pressed juices a day, but my body reacted so badly. I then tried Keto and got much better results. Finding a diet plan that your body can digest well and makes you feel good is essential. Once you feel good and healthy, you will glow differently."
Stop Drinking
Jess Rose McDowell of KINETIC SWEAT® says, "Depending on one's schedule, taking a 20 to 30 minute power nap improves energy longevity & body recovery. Low alcohol consumption can also help! Aside from the normal side effects of drinking, it dehydrates the skin, disrupts normal sleeping patterns, contains added sugars that cause abdominal fat and can be a cause of anxiety and depression."
Do Cardio
McDowell explains, "Strength training helps stretch the muscles and skin, moving built up lactic acid and fatty tissue away. As we age, we lose muscle mass, and strength training improves muscular definition. Cardio is a great way to release pent up energy to allow for a better sleep and is free therapy by reducing the chances of 'aging anxiety' or overall mental health issues. Drinking at least a gallon of water a day will help your body recover from exercise, improve energy levels, lose weight and have youthful glowing skin." And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
