Everyone wants to look young and attractive, especially women. But life usually has other plans for our face in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, crow’s feet, laugh lines and other blemishes. All these blemishes will eventually catch up with you, the sad reality, but if you take good care of your face and follow some of our tips, you can delay aging. Or at least make it look like you are not aging at all. The best thing, you don’t have to dig deep to have a young-looking skin. Just make lifestyle changes and use an effective home remedy.
How to look younger?
Top anti-aging tips for a youthful skin
Does smoking damage your looks?
You need to quit smoking. Apart from the obvious, and more dangerous health risks of smoking, it also damages your looks. Smoking leads to wrinkles, premature skin aging, and stained teeth. It takes a toll on your general appearance, and it is best to quit if you want that youthful look.
Antioxidants are good for your skin
Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin B and vitamin E (antioxidants) does wonders for your skin. They protect the skin from the harmful free radicals. These radicals break the skin's elastin and collagen. Antioxidants, therefore, promote healthier and youthful skin.
Do retinoids really make your skin look younger?
If there is one skin product you need to make you look younger is a retinoid. The skin product derived from vitamin A accelerates cell renewal. Retinoids also boost collagen production which leads to youthful-looking skin. If you are new to retinoids, it is best to slowly incorporate it in your skin regime. You can increase the quantity as your skin gets accustomed.
Fermented foods fight premature aging
Foods rich in probiotics such as kimchi and tempeh are good for the gut. These foods are also good for fighting premature aging. They have impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes them a popular ingredient in beauty products.
Does beauty sleep work?
You may have heard of beauty sleep; it’s a thing. Sleep will have a magical effect on the health of your skin if you do it the right way. First, you should always have the recommended 8 hours of sleep. Secondly, try sleeping on your back. Sleeping on the side can lead to wrinkles together with other problems such as neck pains. You should also invest in a silk or satin pillowcases. Using other pillowcases such as cotton and polyester can cause creases on the cheeks.
Daily exercise is healthy for your skin
Have a daily exercise routine. This will keep you fit and keep your weight in check. If you keep your body active, it will work at its optimum and give you that youthful, healthy look and feel. Your skin will show it as well.
How does stress affect your looks?
Apart from your mental health, stress also affects your looks. Hormones associated with stress have aging effects. People who are depressed have been proven to age rapidly. It is, therefore, important to manage your stress if you want to look young. Try yoga, meditation, and other stress-relieving activities that work for you.
Can using straws give me wrinkles?
Taking drinks with a straw is a common habit. However, over time it causes wrinkles around the mouth. The more you use your facial muscles to sip through a straw the more noticeable your wrinkles will be.
Take omega 3 fatty acids for smoother skin
Omega 3 fatty acids have their benefits. To add on the list is their ability to assist in giving you smoother, young-looking skin. These healthy fats reduce inflammatory skin conditions.
Exfoliate the right way
Exfoliating removes the old dead skin and reveals new smooth skin. However, care needs to be taken so as not to aggravate the skin. Too much exfoliation can be harmful. Talk to your skin doctor to advise you on the best way to exfoliate. Beads and chemical peels are some of the options.
Your skin needs water
Drinking lots of water is helpful to the skin, especially for the aging skin. The recommended quantity to drink is eight glasses or half your weight in ounces. That is if you weigh 160 pounds you are supposed to drink 80 ounces of water.
Sunscreen is your anti-aging friend
The sun contributes to wrinkles and dark spots. Regular exposure to the UV rays damages the skin making it age faster. Wearing sunscreen will considerably reduce the harmful effects of the sun, thereby reducing the chances of skin aging due to the sun. Studies show that using SPF can postpone the signs of aging on the skin for about 5 years.
Wash your face before bed
This can’t be overstressed. Wash your face, especially if you had makeup during the day. Washing the face prevents the skin from clogging and helps it to regenerate.
Always moisturize your face before it dries
The skin products you buy work best on clean and moist skin. Make sure to moisturize immediately after the shower before the skin dries. This will ensure you prevent your skin from dehydration. If you don’t moisturize, or if you delay, the water will evaporate with some of your body’s natural moisture.
Visit a dermatologist
Have regular appointments with your dermatologist to ensure your skincare strategies are up-to-date. The dermatologist will also have a chance to closely monitor your skin and recommend the best anti-aging remedies that will work best for you.
Natural anti-aging remedies for youthful skin
Home remedies that work for your skin
Honey anti-aging remedy
Pure honey is the best home remedy for aging. Honey is a natural moisturizer that keeps away wrinkles. It also has antioxidant properties that regenerate the skin and protects it from free radicals.
Preparing honey for youthful skin: Apply enough honey on your face and massage it for about 3 minutes. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse it off. Do this daily.
Rose water anti-aging remedy
Rose water has a calming effect and regenerating properties on the skin. It also increases circulation and reduces skin blemishes giving you better-looking skin.
Preparing rose water for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: 2 teaspoons rose water, Drops of glycerin, ½ teaspoon lemon juice and Cotton ball. Mix the ingredients.Use the cotton and apply it on the face. Apply this before bed every night.
Egg anti-aging remedy
Egg white is known to tighten the skin. This makes it firm and smooth.
Preparing egg for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: An egg white, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and ½ teaspoon milk cream. Mix the ingredients then use it on the face. Give it about 15 minutes and rinse. Use cold water. Use this remedy once in three days.
Yogurt anti-aging remedy
Yogurt is rich in minerals, vitamins, and enzymes which are all wrinkle preventing nutrients. Yogurt also has lactic acid that tightens the skin and shrinks the pores.
Preparing yogurt for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: 2 teaspoons of yogurt, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey, Some turmeric and 1 vitamin E capsule. Mix the yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and turmeric. Cut the vitamin E capsule and add the oil in the mixture. Apply the mixture of the face. Give it about 15 minutes and rinse. Repeat this about three times a week.
Carrot and potato anti-aging remedy
As a rich source of vitamin A, carrots can boost the production of collagen in the skin. Collagen is important because it tightens the skin to prevent wrinkles giving you a youthful skin. The same can be said about potatoes. They have anti-aging properties that additionally evens out the skin tone.
Preparing carrot and potato for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: 1 carrot, 1 potato, Some turmeric, Some baking soda and Water. Boil the potato and carrot. Chop them into pieces. Mash to form a nice paste. Add some turmeric and baking soda. Mix to form a paste. Apply on the face and leave it for 20 minutes and then rinse. Repeat this remedy twice every week.
Coconut milk anti-aging remedy
Coconut milk makes the skin smooth and soft, getting rid of signs of aging. It antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties keep the wrinkles away.
Preparing coconut milk for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: 3 tablespoon coconut milk and Cotton ball. Use the cotton ball to apply the coconut milk on the face. Give it 20 minutes and rinse. Repeat this remedy three times a week.
Banana anti-aging remedy
Banana has vitamins A, B, and E, moreover, it is rich in potassium, zinc, and iron. These give bananas their anti-aging properties and are beneficial for promoting youthful skin.
Preparing banana for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: 1 ripe banana, 1 teaspoon honey,1 teaspoon rose water and 1 teaspoon yogurt. Mash the banana. Add rose water and honey then mix well. Add yogurt and mix for a homogenous paste. Use it on your face. Give it 20 minutes and rinse. Use this remedy twice every week.
Potato juice anti-aging remedy
The vitamin C in potatoes help to regenerate damaged collagen and guards against loss of skin elasticity. This keeps away wrinkles and fine lines giving you that smooth, youthful look.
Preparing potato juice for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: A small potato and Cotton ball. Squeeze the juice out of grated potato. Dip the cotton in the potato juice and apply on the face. Give it 15 minutes and then rinse. Repeat this potato juice remedy twice every week.
Papaya anti-aging remedy
Papaya has papain, an enzyme that exfoliates and removes dead cells and impurities on the skin. Moreover, it regenerates new cells and makes the skin elastic. All these end up giving you nice looking skin.
Preparing papaya for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: Some ripe papaya pieces. Mash the papaya for a smooth paste. Add water if necessary. Apply the papaya paste on the face. Give it 10 minutes and rinse. This papaya remedy can be used twice every week.
Avocado anti-aging mask
Avocado has vitamin E and carotenoids that protect the skin from the damage of free radicals. It also has vitamin C which boosts collagen production. All these work to give you a radiant skin free from fine lines and wrinkles.
Preparing avocado mask for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: An avocado. Grate the avocado to form a paste. Apply the avocado paste on your skin like a mask. Give about 15 minutes and rinse. Use this avocado mask every week. You can also use chilled avocado to massage your face.
Sugarcane mask anti-aging remedy
Sugarcane juice can give you that youthful look that you want. The glycolic acid in the juice is usually used in chemical peels. It exfoliates the skin promoting the production of collagen.
Preparing sugarcane mask for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: 3 tablespoons of sugarcane juice and Some turmeric. Add some turmeric to the juice. Apply on the entire face or selected areas. Give it 10 minutes and rinse. Use lukewarm water then cold. Use this sugarcane remedy twice a week.
Rosewood, sandalwood, and almond oils anti-aging remedy
This combination is a very effective remedy for the skin. The fatty acids keep the skin supple and glowing. Rosewood has an effect on the nervous system and will lift your mood as it soothes your skin.
Preparing rosewood, sandalwood, and almond oils for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: 3 drops of rosewood oil, 3 drops of sandalwood oil and 1 tablespoon almond oil. Mix the oils. In an upward and circular motion, massage your skin using the oil mix for 3 minutes. Give it an hour and rinse. You can also leave it overnight. Use this remedy every night after you have washed your face.
Lemon juice anti-aging remedy
Due to its bleaching characteristics, lemons can reduce skin blemishes when used regularly. The juice will lighten your skin ridding it of signs of aging.
Preparing lemon juice for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: Fresh lemon juice. Apply fresh lemon juice on the blemish areas of your face. Give it 10 minutes and wash off. Repeat this lemon remedy one daily.
Almonds and milk anti-aging remedy
The vitamin E in almonds hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. This protects the skin from wrinkles and sagging. Milk, on the other hand, keeps your skin from drying. Drying skin is one of the reasons for aging skin.
Preparing almonds and milk for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: 10 almonds and Milk. Soak the almonds in enough milk. Leave it overnight. Grind the almonds in the milk and use on the face. Give it 20 minutes and rinse. Use the almond and milk remedy twice a week.
Mashed strawberry anti-aging remedy
Strawberries keep away signs of aging because it is full of antioxidants. Vitamin C helps with the elasticity of the skin while minerals and other vitamins clear out dead cells and other facial imperfections. Regular use will give you bright and clear skin.
Preparing mashed strawberries for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: 4 strawberries. Mash the strawberries until there are no lumps. Apply the mash on your face. Give it about 15 minutes and rinse. Repeat this strawberry remedy twice every week.
Pineapple anti-aging remedy
The micronutrients and phytochemicals in pineapple help to keep signs of aging at bay. The vitamin C in pineapple will also boost collagen synthesis. This ultimately gets rid of wrinkles and fine lines.
Preparing pineapple for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: Ripe pineapple slices. Rub a piece of pineapple on your skin for 5 minutes. Let the pineapple juice stay for 10 minutes and rinse. Use this pineapple remedy three times a week.
Castor oil anti-aging remedy
Castor oil fights wrinkles and fine lines by keeping the skin hydrated. This also soothes the skin.
Preparing castor oil for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: Some drops of castor oil. Massage the castor oil on your face. Give it at least an hour on your face. It is best however to leave it overnight. Use this castor oil remedy every alternative day.
Essential oils anti-aging remedy
A proper blend of essential oils can effectively get rid of wrinkles. Jasmine hydrates mature skin, rose geranium has anti-aging properties, sandalwood has omega-9 and omega-7 which eliminates wrinkles.
Preparing essential oils for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: 5 drops of jasmine, 5 drops of rose geranium oil, 5 drops of sandalwood oil, 5 drops of frankincense oil, and 5 drops of neroli oil. Mix the essential oils. Apply 3 drops of the essential oil mixture on your skin and massage. Repeat this essential oils remedy before bed.
Homemade under-eye anti-aging remedy
This remedy is a combination of essential oils that remove wrinkles under the eye. It is also helpful in reducing dark circles and puffiness under the eye.
Preparing the homemade under-eye remedy for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: 4 drops of sandalwood oil, 8 drops of hazelnut oil, 5 drops of carrot seed oil, and 6 drops of chamomile oil. Mix all the oils. In a circular motion, apply three drops under the eye. Use this blend before bed.
Flower mask anti-aging remedy
The vitamin E in rose petals hydrate the skin. Petals from marigold have moisturizing and nourishing properties whereas chamomile makes the skin softer.
Preparing flowers for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: Some rose petals, Some marigold petals, Some chamomile petals, 4 drops of olive oil and Water. Blend all the ingredients. Add water to make the flower paste smooth. Use the flower paste on your face. Give it 20 minutes and rinse. Moisturize as normal. Use this flower remedy once a week.
Amla powder anti-aging remedy
Alma is a popular ingredient in skin care and hair products because it is rich in antioxidants. It also promotes collagen synthesis.
Preparing amla for youthful skin
For this remedy, you will need: 2 teaspoon of amla powder, 1 teaspoon yogurt, 1 teaspoon honey and Hot water. Mix the amla powder with yogurt and honey. Add hot water if needed to make the paste smooth. Apply a thin layer of the amla mask on the face. Allow it 15 minutes to dry and wash off. Use this amla face mask twice every week.
Chemical anti-aging treatments
Can a chemical peel make you look younger?
Chemical treatments can be used to clear away wrinkles, fine lines, and other skin blemishes. The ultimate goal is to make your skin smooth and look young.
What is a chemical peel?
This is a cosmetic procedure that uses chemical products to remove the outer layer of the skin. Chemical peels can either be deep, medium, or superficial depending on the depth of the chemical penetration on the skin. Superficial chemical peels remove the epidermis, the outermost layer. A medium one peels both the epidermis and the top dermis while the deep peel goes even deeper. After the skin is removed by a chemical peel, new, healthy and younger looking skin forms.
How the chemical peel process works?
A lot goes into the preparation for a chemical peel. A high SPF sunscreen is usually recommended to patients. Some may require a couple of weeks of pretreatment with tretinoin cream and antiviral medication. During the peeling process, a defatting solvent is first applied and then the chemical solution. The amount of time the chemical is left on the skin depends on the type of chemical peel. After that the exfoliated skin is removed together with the chemical solution and a soothing agent is applied. You are now ready to go home and heal. Healing depends on an individual and also the type of chemical peel. Deep chemical peels usually require an anesthesia such as cold compress while the other peels don't really need it.
Is chemical peel right for me?
People in good health can safely go for a chemical peel. People with darker skin tone should, however, be aware that after the peel, that skin area will be considerably lighter than the rest. You can decide to use a chemical peel if you have wrinkles, fine lines, skin discolorations, acne, age spots among other blemishes.
Non-surgical treatments that make you look younger
Apart from chemical peels, there are other non-surgical treatments that can make you look younger. There are non-surgical because no cutting is involved during the procedure.
Laser anti-aging treatment
This treatment uses laser to reduce age spots, wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin among others. The skin blemishes are gotten rid of and also tightens the skin.
Botox injections anti-aging treatment
These injections are targeted on the affected areas. They remove fine lines and wrinkles.
Precautions when using chemical peels and non-surgical anti-aging treatments
Always consult your dermatologist prior to any treatment. Non-surgical treatments can be painful, and the recovery can take some time. These treatments are not as appealing as natural alternatives. Chemical peels and non-surgical treatments are considerably more expensive.
Anti-aging facial exercises
Facial techniques that make you look younger
There are facial techniques that boost elastin and collagen production to give you smoother and tighter skin.
The V facial technique
This technique is good for reducing eye bags, puffiness, drooping eyelids, and crow’s feet. This is an alternative to eye surgery and botox.
How to do the V facial technique?
1. Press your middle finger together at the inner corner of your eyebrows next to the nose as you use the index finger to apply pressure on the outer corner of the eyebrows.
2. Look up and make a strong squint. Relax.
3. Repeat this a couple of times and finally squeeze the eyes shut.
Smooth brow facial technique
This technique is good for reducing horizontal forehead lines. It is an alternative to botox.
How to do the smooth brow facial technique?
1. Put both hands on your forehead with your fingers spread across the forehead.
2. Move the fingers outwards across the forehead with little pressure.
3. Repeat this 10 times as you relax.
The giraffe facial technique
This technique works to reduce the loose skin on the neck and the lines. This is an alternative to jowl lift or neck lift.
How to do the giraffe facial technique?
1. Place the fingertips at the base of the neck and stroke backwards while you tilt your head.
2. Bring your head down and repeat.
3. Extend the lower lip as much as you can, point your chin up, and put the fingertips on the collarbone.
4. Take four deep breaths.
The smile smoother facial technique
This technique is good for dealing with sagging skin and cheek lines. It can be used instead of fillers and lower facelift.
How to do the smile smoother facial technique?
1. Shape your mouth into an ‘O’ so as to hide the teeth.
2. Smile while the teeth are hidden. Repeat a couple of times.
3. Place an index finger on the chin as you move the jaws up and down.
4. Gently tilt your head back.
The flirty eyes facial technique
This technique is good for dealing with drooping eyebrows and eye hollows that are deep. It can be used instead of the eyebrow lift.
How to do the flirty eye facial technique?
1. Put the index fingers under each eye. They should point the nose.
2. Hide the teeth and pull the top lip and bottom lip away from each other.
3. Face up and flutter the eyelids for 30 minutes.
