How To Look Younger

The aging process is inevitable, with wrinkles and sagging skin making their appearance sooner or later. As much as we’d like to, nobody can look 21 forever. This said, it’s not all bad news: these days there are plenty of things you can do to make yourself look years younger than you actually are – even if only on a temporary basis. Some of them cost more than others, some of them will show results gradually whilst some will give you an instantly more youthful appearance. Some can be incorporated into your daily routine at home whilst others will require a trip to a clinic. It all depends upon how much time and money you are willing to invest in looking younger and try anti-aging treatments.

Here are some of the things you can try:

In the Clinic

Botox: This is a brand of botulinum toxin which is injected into problem areas of the face, such as the forehead, around the eyes or around the mouth. The effects are immediate – you will notice that your skin is smoother and many of the wrinkles will have disappeared. It works by relaxing the muscles of the face and is very easy to administer: you can even have it done during your lunch break and go straight back to work. However, it doesn’t come cheap and the results will only last three or four months so if you want to continue the effect you need to keep going for repeat treatments.

Fillers: Dermal fillers, such as Juverderm or Restylane, are injected into your skin to instantly restore its volume and smooth away wrinkles. The result will be a fresher-looking complexion. Typically, dermal fillers will be used to fill ‘smile lines’ around the eyes or nasolabial folds (the creases running from your nose to your mouth). These fillers are generally very safe as the majority are composed of hyaluronic acid – a substance that occurs naturally in the skin.

Collagen Stimulation: Products such as Sculptra or Radiesse are proven to smooth deep lines and wrinkles and help restore the facial volume lost in the body’s natural aging process by stimulated the production of collagen. They work differently from fillers or Botox: the effect of the injections is more gradual as the collagen begins to replenish itself. There can be some side effects such as redness or soreness but these will generally subside after a day or so.

At Home

Skincare Routine: To keep your skin fresh and hydrated it is essential that you maintain a good skincare routine at home. Firstly, every morning and evening you should cleanse, tone and moisturise. Remember to use a gentle cleanser rather than a harsher one designed for teenagers who have oilier skin. Take time choosing your moisturizer and find one with active anti-aging ingredients that have been proven through rigorous scientific study.

Sun Protection: You should cover any exposed areas of skin in sun protecting cream every day – even during winter. Nothing ages the skin as quickly as UV rays so dermatologists recommend you should wear a sun screen with a factor of at least SPF 15 every day to avoid wrinkles, brown spots and a dull complexion.

Make-Up: It’s amazing how much clever make-up application can do to give you a more youthful appearance. Use a soft pencil to define your eyes and only use mascara and eyeliner on the upper lids as this will give your eyes a ‘lift’. It’s worth spending money on a really good foundation to even your skin tone and give you a glow. When it comes to lipsticks, choose lighter shades as these will give your lips a fuller appearance.

Clothing: You may have been sticking to the same styles for the past decade in the mistaken belief that this will keep you looking younger. In fact, this can often have the opposite effect as it will highlight the differences between the styles you are wearing and the natural aging of your skin and body. What you should be doing is looking for flattering cuts that suit your shape. You certainly don’t have to start dressing conservatively if this isn’t for you, but go for styles that accentuate and show off your best assets without being too revealing.