If you want to look younger without cosmetic surgery or botox injections, you can rev up your body's natural healing and rejuvenating abilities by making some small but important changes to your daily regimen. Add a few age-disguising makeup tricks and you may find a whole new, more youthful you in the mirror.
Prevent Sun Damage
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is a major contributor to skin aging because it destroys collagen and elastin, which keep the skin firm and supple. You need protection not only for your face, but also for any parts of your body exposed to the sun, especially your neck, chest and arms, where aging shows readily. But not all sunblocks are created equal. Look for broad-spectrum products that protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. Scan the ingredients and look for titantium oxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone, all of which are highly effective.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
The stress of your daily endeavors releases compounds like cortisol and norepinephrine, which age skin and body cells, but every cell in your body works to repair itself while you sleep. And when you sleep soundly, your body releases healing and rejuvenating elements like melatonin and growth hormone. To ensure a good night's sleep, avoid alcohol, caffeine and sweets in the evening. Fresh air and physical exercise during the day also will make it easier for you to fall asleep at night.
Lighten Age Spots
Age spots are a telltale sign of the passing years but you can lessen their appearance with the bleaching agent hydroquinone, available over the counter in strengths up to 2 percent and available in strengths up to 4 percent by prescription. It interferes with the enzyme that is responsible for the production of melanin, the pigment that gives age spots their dark color.
Rejuvenate Hands
Hands can begin to show signs of aging as early as the 20s and basic moisturizing lotions aren't enough to keep them looking young. Look for hand creams that include sunscreen to protect the skin and minerals and vitamins to provide nourishment. To speed rejuvenation, try alpha hydroxy acid masks and peels to help get rid of dead skin cells and reveal healthier skin underneath, which will reduce the appearance of fine lines on the hands, according to Good Housekeeping.
Makeup Tricks
Avoid frosted eye shadows and those with shimmer because they draw attention to wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes. Instead, opt for matte shades, which will blend smoothly into your skin and help camouflage wrinkles, according to Total Beauty. To conceal telltale dark circles, which worsen with age, use thick concealer that is a shade lighter than your face tone. Apply foundation first and allow it to dry, then add the concealer as a second layer. Follow this with a light patting of powder to set and hold it in place.
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