While genetics may play a role in how we age, one thing is clear: a few small tweaks can have a major impact on how you look and feel. Here’s how to turn back the clock with five simple changes to your busy lifestyle.
How to look younger:
1. Drink more water.
Getting an adequate amount of H2O aids in digestion, circulation, absorption and even excretion. Considering your skin is 64 percent water, it makes sense that ensuring to replenish its supply would aid in maintaining your youthful glow.
The flip side? Dehydration makes your skin look dry and wrinkled. Dehydration can also make you feel (and look) sluggish.
2. Get more sleep.
Sure, getting sufficient sleep makes you feel better and well-rested. But, the importance goes well beyond boosting your mood or banishing under-eye dark circles. Sleep also affects the quality of life, improves memory, spurs creativity, helps maintain a healthy weight, and curbs stress.
In a 2010 study of women ages 50 to 79, more deaths occurred in women who got less than five hours or more than six and a half hours of sleep per night, Health magazine says. Meanwhile, the CDC reports that sleep problems affect 70 million Americans. In other words, it’s not unlikely that you’ve experienced insomnia or restlessness at least once in your life.
Experts advise aiming for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
3. Put down the smokes.
Cigarettes, which contain carbon monoxide, displace the oxygen in your skin. While nicotine, which reduces blood flow, leaves your complexion looking dry and discolored. This is due to a loss of collagen, which naturally provides integrity, firmness and elasticity to the skin. Furthermore, cigarette smoke drains the dermis of essential nutrients, like vitamin C, which aids in protecting and repairing skin damage.
By quitting, you’ll add years to your life and see a drastic improvement in your skin’s appearance.
If you can’t kick the habit just yet, lather up with moisturizer daily. A simple over-the-counter face cream can boost