Ways to Look Younger in Your 50s

We all know there's no magic pill to swallow that makes you look younger, but healthy lifestyle choices help slow down the aging process. While changes to the skin are more noticeable in your 40s and 50s, there's plenty of tricks to do that can prevent premature aging and Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who reveal their secrets for looking youthful longer. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Dr. Simran Sethi, founder of RenewMD Beauty & Wellness suggests to, "Use linoleic acid (essential fatty acids such as Omega-3,6 etc.); this healthy fat adds the perfect amount of plumpness to the skin without weighing it down. Linoleic acid is filled with antioxidants and serves multi-benefits for the skin.

What it does:

• Strengthens the lipid barriers of the skin preventing breakage, inflammation, environmental harm and formation of lines and wrinkles. When the lipid barrier is strong, and balanced moisture is restored, the skin renewal cycle begin functioning optimally and accelerated aging is treated
• Effectively (but not singularly) defends the skin from environmental pollutants or environmental factors such as smoke, poor air quality, dry heat and air, UV rays, change in climate, and more
• Linoleic acid is able to aid in healing of inflammation such as dermatitis, eczema and other persistently dry, itchy and uncomfortable breakages in the skin barrier"

Dr. Sethi recommends, "Using Vitamin E because it provides many benefits for the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), and its benefits, if combined with complimentary ingredients, can also penetrate the skin (the dermis). Vitamin E is able to fade and smooth fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture due to natural aging and weakened skin renewal. The key to halting or slowing down line and wrinkle formation is by strengthening the lipid barrier.

What it does:

• Boosts and accelerates skin cell turnover and skin renewal
• Strengthens the lipid / moisture barrier of the skin which shields from breakage and environmental harm
• Discourages sebum production
• If used with Vitamin C and sunscreen – this trifecta is even more effective than just sunscreen alone"

Dr. Sethi explains, "Sugar should definitely be consumed in moderation by women over 40 because excess sugar intake has been shown to intrinsically damage and age our skin due to the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). When there is an excess of glucose in the body, it cross-links with collagen and elastin, proteins that give our skin its firmness and elasticity. Sugar cross-linking hardens skin proteins, making skin weaker, thinner and less hydrated. The damaged skin proteins result in increased and premature wrinkles, sagging and discoloration of the skin. Additionally, glycation also occurs in our blood vessel proteins, joints and other important organs, which further emphasizes the importance of judicious sugar consumption in the 40s." 

Lisa Richards, a nutritionist and author of the Candida Diet says, "Smoothies that integrate collagen into their formulation are an excellent option for skin tightening and elasticity. Collagen is an important component of skin health and as we age the amount contained within our skin, nails, and hair naturally decreases. This leaves us with increased signs of aging due to a loss of elasticity in the skin along with dry and brittle hair and nails. Collagen can prevent and reduce these from occurring and can be taken as a supplement and is a common ingredient in most skin products. There are three primary types of collagen and it is best to consume a collagen supplement that contains most of the five forms. At the least it is ideal to take types 1 and 3 together. When taken as a powder, especially mixed in with a protein powder, can enhance absorption of the collagen."6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD reveals, "Chlorophyll water is an easy way to detox, promote skin health, and provide the body with significant amounts of antioxidants. The antioxidants found in chlorophyll, provided by the plant compounds, work in the body to remove and reduce toxins and free radical damage. When this damage is allowed to occur one health concern is aging skin, along with many other more serious side effects. It has antimicrobial effects that make the skin an inhospitable place for bacteria to grow, reducing acne. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory compound which means the skin experiences less inflammation which can cause loose skin and wrinkles.The plant compounds found in chlorophyll as antioxidants by the body. A unique ability of these plant compounds in chlorophyll is their ability to absorb toxins and remove them from the body, thereby causing a detoxing effect. Chlorophyll improves the quality of red blood cells thereby enabling them to carry more oxygen. The greater amount of oxygen circulating in the body means more nutrients and energy are flowing as well. For those that prefer to drink plant water, or already drink water regularly, opting for chlorophyll water can provide you with many health benefits you would not get from plain water."

Dr. Nicholas Jones, MD, FACS Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, "Make sure you are drinking enough water.  Our bodies are made up of 60 – 70 % water.  Water is essential for our bodies to function, all the way down to a cellular level.  It helps us sleep better, it helps keep your skin youthful!"

Kent Probst, personal trainer, kinesiotherapist and bodybuilder with Long Healthy Life says, "Another one of the secrets of healthy aging is to not only get enough sleep, but to get quality sleep.  Getting a good night's sleep (7 to 9 hours) helps you detox your brain of beta amyloid plaque, the substance found concentrated in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. When you improve your sleep quality over the long term, you'll be happier and more productive during the day."