Tips to stay younger

IT IS no secret that ageing is inevitable, but, since you have to age, why not do everything you can to put it off as long as possible! It turns out that it is more than your genes and the sun that may be ageing you.

Ageing is beautiful. Every wrinkle, crinkle and spot is hard-earned proof of a life well lived. Thankfully, society has come a long way in recent years, and we are more fully appreciating the wisdom and beauty of people in their 40s and beyond.

However, just because you have earned your stripes or the lines on your face, in this case, it does not mean you do not want to look your very best. The truth is, you can love your age and yourself and still want to know how to look younger.

Here are some tips to look and feel younger:

• STAY OUT OF THE SUN

While it is true that the sun is not the only factor in the overall appearance of your skin, it does play a huge role. In fact, damage from the sun’s UV light (UVA and UVB rays) is responsible for about 90 per cent of your skin’s visible signs of ageing. UV rays break down the elastin in your skin, causing a saggy and dull appearance, wrinkles, age spots, uneven skin tone, and more.

• DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Another key to younger looking skin is hydration. You should aim for eight glasses of filtered water each day to keep your skin looking radiant and support optimal health. Dehydration can quickly cause your skin to look dry and dull, emphasising wrinkles and ageing. Drinking enough water each day replenishes your skin’s tissue and cells, allowing for younger and healthier looking skin.

• GET SOME SLEEP

Another key to maintaining a youthful appearance is to simply get some rest! When you sleep, your body continuously releases hormones that promote cell turnover and renewal. Use this time to your advantage – this is when you should be using age-defying actives such as retinoids and beta hydroxy acid, which are both powerful exfoliants and wrinkle erasers. But keep in mind that these increase your sensitivity to sunlight, so be extra vigilant with the sunscreen.

• EAT A DIET RICH IN PLANTS

The benefits of a diet heavy in fruits and vegetables are many. They provide key nutrients that help support healthy ageing and keep your body young, both on the inside and out. Fruits and vegetables also up your intake of phytonutrients, which help your body ward off the damaging effects of free radicals found in the environment. Aim to eat a healthy diet consisting of mostly fruits and vegetables, supplemented with whole grains and healthy, lean proteins.

• GET MOVING

Staying active is helpful in maintaining a healthy weight, but did you know that it has been proven to also help you look younger? Research has shown that vigorous exercise, especially high intensity interval training, can slow your ageing at a cellular level by nearly 10 years. But the benefits do not stop there, exercise also increases blood flow, moving oxygen and critical nutrients throughout your body, leading to a more youthful appearance. Further, regular exercise is critical to maintaining strength and muscle mass, which also boasts a ton of health benefits and can add years to your lifespan.

• LIMIT ALCOHOL AND CAFFEINE

While we love a good martini or latte as much as the next person, and both alcohol and caffeine can have health benefits when consumed in moderation, too much can wreak havoc on your skin. Both can dehydrate your body and rob it of key nutrients. What is even worse is that some of these effects can be permanent.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.comSOURCE: Health Talk Sunday’s; Email: healthtalksundays@gmail.com