There’s a clear line between wishing for a youthful look and actually achieving it.
That line is defined by habits. Wanting to look younger without changing your daily routines is like wanting to lose weight while gobbling up junk food – it’s not going to happen.
But by adopting some fresh, healthy habits, you can start to turn back the clock on your skin and overall appearance. In fact, with the right practices, you could start seeing results in just 60 days.
Want to know how? Stick around, as I reveal 9 daily habits that can help you look younger.
1) Hydration is key
There aren’t many things that can impact your appearance as much as hydration.
And those who strive for a youthful look know the power of drinking water.
Often, you’ll be confronted with a myriad of choices when it comes to skincare products. But sometimes, the simplest solution can be the most effective.
This is where the concept of hydration comes into play.
Hydration is the foundation of healthy, glowing skin. It helps keep skin plump, elastic and resilient, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Think about it. It’s the principle behind every moisturizing lotion and hydrating serum. But what if I told you that you could achieve similar results by just drinking enough water?
When faced with a plethora of skincare choices, it can be easy to overlook the basics. But if you want to look younger in just 60 days, make drinking water a daily habit.
And trust me, it’s not just about looking good on the outside. Hydration also plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall health.
But moderation is key. Too much water can lead to hyponatremia, a condition caused by low sodium levels in your body due to excessive water intake. So ensure that you drink an appropriate amount for your body and activity level.
2) Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach
I can’t stress enough the importance of sun protection for younger-looking skin.
For years, I would only reach for my sunscreen when I was heading to the beach or spending a day outdoors. Little did I know, those harmful UV rays were doing a number on my skin even during my short walks to work or while driving.
Then, I got a wake-up call during a routine visit to my dermatologist. She pointed out some early signs of sun damage on my face and recommended that I start wearing sunscreen every single day, regardless of the weather.
That’s when I committed to making sunscreen a part of my daily routine.
And boy, what a difference it has made! Not only did I notice a visible reduction in my fine lines and sun spots, but my skin also started looking healthier and more radiant.
It took some time getting used to applying sunscreen every day, even when it was cloudy or rainy outside. But now, it’s as much a part of my morning routine as brushing my teeth.
So take it from someone who learned the hard way – don’t reserve your sunscreen for the summer months or beach vacations. Make it a daily habit, and your skin will thank you.
3) Catch some Z’s
Sleep isn’t just about resting your body. It’s also about rejuvenating your skin.
When you sleep, your body boosts blood flow to the skin, which means you wake up with a healthy glow. But it’s not just about the glow. Lack of sleep can lead to stress, which causes breakouts and accelerates the aging process.
Ever heard of the term ‘beauty sleep’? It’s not a myth.
In fact, a study conducted by the University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio revealed that people who didn’t get enough quality sleep showed more signs of skin aging including fine lines, uneven pigmentation and reduced skin elasticity.
So if you want to roll back the years, make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye every night. Aim for at least seven to nine hours of sleep for optimal skin health and a younger-looking appearance.
4) Let’s get physical
Exercise isn’t just about building a toned body or losing weight. It’s also about promoting a youthful appearance.
A good workout increases blood flow, which helps nourish skin cells and keep them vital. It also helps to flush cellular debris out of the system. You can think of it as cleansing your skin from the inside.
Not only that, but regular exercise can also boost collagen production, a protein that helps to keep your skin firm and elastic.
Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a high-intensity workout, any form of exercise can contribute to a more youthful look.
5) Eat the rainbow
What you put in your body is just as important as what you put on your skin.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can do wonders for your complexion. These foods are packed with antioxidants, which help fight off free radicals that can damage your skin and accelerate the aging process.
Each color of fruit or vegetable represents a different set of nutrients, so aim to eat a variety of colors each day. For example, orange and yellow fruits are full of beta-carotene, which can give your skin a healthy glow.
6) Practice self-care
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget about taking care of ourselves.
But self-care isn’t just about pampering. It’s about showing love to yourself, and this includes your skin. Stress can add years to your face, but taking time to relax and unwind can help combat this.
Whether it’s a long bath, a good book, or just a few minutes of peace and quiet each day, find what makes you feel at peace and make it a daily habit.
When you take care of your emotional health, it shows on your face. A relaxed, stress-free expression can take years off your appearance.
7) Ditch the sugar
I have a sweet tooth. Always have. There was a time when I couldn’t imagine going a day without indulging in some sugary treat. But then I noticed the impact it was having on my skin.
Sugar can lead to inflammation and breakouts, and it can also accelerate the aging process. When you eat more sugar than your cells can process, the excess sugar molecules combine with proteins, creating advanced glycation end products (or AGEs) that can make your skin look dull and wrinkled.
Once I made the connection, I made a conscious effort to cut back on my sugar intake. I won’t lie, it was tough at first. But over time, it became easier, and the improvements in my skin were well worth the sacrifice.
You don’t have to eliminate them completely (I still enjoy a treat now and then), but try to make them an occasional indulgence rather than a daily habit.
8) Don’t skip the moisturizer
Moisturizing is a crucial part of any skincare routine, regardless of your skin type.
A good moisturizer not only hydrates your skin but also helps to trap in all the products underneath it to make the ingredients more effective. Not moisturizing can lead to a breakdown of the skin barrier leading to redness or irritation.
And if you’re thinking that your oily skin doesn’t need a moisturizer, think again. When your skin is too dry, it can actually produce more oil to compensate, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
Make it a habit to moisturize every day. Your skin will remain hydrated, plump, and youthful-looking.
9) Be consistent
The most important part of any skincare routine is consistency.
Your skin is a living, breathing organ, and just like the rest of your body, it thrives on routine. Changing up your skincare products every few weeks can actually do more harm than good. It takes time for your skin to adjust to new products and for you to see results.
So find a routine that works for you and stick to it. And remember, it’s not about having a ten-step routine or the most expensive products. It’s about finding what works for your skin and being consistent with it.
This is the key to looking younger in just 60 days. It’s about making small, achievable changes in your daily habits and sticking with them over time. This consistency will pay off in the form of healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
It’s all about self-love
The quest for a youthful appearance isn’t solely about aesthetics. It’s deeply intertwined with our overall health and well-being.
One common thread through all these habits is self-care and respect for your body. Hydrating, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep – these aren’t just habits for younger-looking skin, they are pillars of a healthy lifestyle.
At the heart of it all is the neurotransmitter oxytocin, often called the “love hormone”. This compound is released when we engage in activities that make us feel good, like spending time with loved ones, exercising, or even pampering our skin with a good skincare routine.
Oxytocin not only makes us feel good but also has various health benefits including anti-inflammatory and healing properties that can help to slow down the aging process.
So whether you’re applying sunscreen religiously, practicing mindfulness, or swapping out sugary snacks for fruits and veggies, remember that you’re not just working towards a younger appearance. You’re showing love for yourself and your body.
