Aging is inescapable but it is also a glorious thing, you have done the work, you have learned many of life’s lessons, now you can sit back and enjoy life without all that youthful angst and uncertainty. Let’s have a look at a few simple things you can do to look and consequently feel great. So, why not age gracefully and beautifully and maybe get back that natural glow?
USE SUNSCREEN – While the sun nourishes us with vitamin D, it also has harmful ultraviolet rays which can potentially lead to skin cancer. Some dermatologists say that 90 percent of dark spots, wrinkles, and sagging are as a result of sun exposure. This is because as we get older the structural fibre of the skin known as collagen begins to degenerate. Exposure to the sun accelerates this degeneration.
Therefore, it is advisable on a hot day to make sure to apply sunscreen generously. When going out, wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your skin.
Regular moisturizing will do wonders for the smoothness and elasticity of your skin, leaving it protected against wrinkles and scarring, keeping it soft and touchable.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER – ‘Water is life’ is a commonly used phrase which happens to be very accurate. Water is the way to look and feel youthful. Drinking plenty of water daily nourishes the skin by keeping it moist and your nails and hair looking healthy and soft. Other than drinking you can spray your hair with some water daily to keep it healthy and moisturized.
In addition, water also aids in smooth digestion. When combined with herbal teas it helps flush toxins out of the body leaving you feeling reenergized. When you do not take enough water, your skin becomes flaky and dry leading to early aging.
WATCH YOUR DIET – Diet plays a huge part in our appearance, health, and mood. It is important that we pay attention to this part of our lives. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low in sugar is highly advisable. This is in contrast to a diet that is rich in fatty foods and processed sugars, which will leave you feeling lethargic and accelerates aging. Vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants that reverse the signs of aging.
Including good fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in such foods as walnuts, salmon, and tuna are great for protecting your skin and making you look younger.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP – In the high paced world that we live in, the value of sleep is overlooked. The need to sleep is numbed down by another cup of coffee. Sleeping poorly will not only show visible signs of aging on your face, but it will also make you perceive yourself as being less attractive. While you are asleep, your body will release a hormone that aids in growth which in turn restores collagen and elastin, which are the main constituents in the essential building blocks of young, glowing skin. If you don’t get enough sleep, your skin won’t renew itself and will start looking dull—especially as you age, when cell turnover is slowing down.” Skin temperature also rises when you sleep, allowing topical treatments to penetrate the skin more effectively than they do during the day.
EXERCISE REGULARLY AND PRACTICE GOOD POSTURE – The benefits of exercise are extensive. Among them are the feel-good hormones which are produced when we exercise: endorphins. These make us happier and improve our energy levels. Exercise is also a great way to build muscle. The older we get, the more muscle we lose; this is as a result of degeneration.
Staying active does not have to involve the gym. You can go for a walk or take the stairs instead of the elevator, play with your children or grandchildren, or even attend yoga sessions. These activities keep your heart rate up and keep you looking young and feeling healthy. Exercise is also great for the skin because it increases the blood flow to the cells including skin cells hence nourishing them. At the same time, the blood flow carries away the waste products from the cells. This process, therefore, cleanses the skin.
VISIT YOUR DENTIST – Over time our teeth discolour due to wine stains, coffee, tea or smoking. A visit to your dentist will have your teeth whiter and looking great in no time. Other than aesthetic reasons, other age-related issues such as the natural recession of the gums which causes teeth to look longer may occur.
For this reason, it is advisable to go for a dental check-up twice a year. It is also advisable to brush regularly and floss. Drinking milk and taking calcium supplements is also a good way to maintain your teeth.