Every day we’re bombarded with the latest anti-ageing miracle product, a celebrity who doesn’t look a day over 30 (but was actually born in the ’70s) and the newest fad diet to sweep Hollywood, but how do we separate fact from fiction?
The unavoidable news is the body ages naturally (shocking, we know), whether you like it or not. However the upside is there are scientifically proven tricks we can all do right now to help you look and feel younger:
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The most obvious (and okay, boring) thing you can do is drink more water. Sorry to say, but this one is actually a major game changer on the ageing front. The average human body is made up of 60 percent water and so this needs to be constantly replenished. Plus, dehydration accelerates the breakdown of muscle and tissue – this includes the muscles in your face!
Our lips are one of the first places to show signs of ageing. The skin on your lips also doesn’t have any oil glands, so unlike the rest of your face, it can’t produce oil to keep moisturised – something which is needed to keep them looking youthful. Good news is you don’t have to face the needle to plump up the volume. There are now products on the market that will give you a boost, no injections required.
Uneven skin tone caused by sun damage, a loss in skin elasticity or weight change can leave you feeling lacklustre. We know staying out of the sun is a major way to prevent ageing, but a golden glow can be a quick way to cheat younger-looking skin. We love all those illuminating powders out on the market right now to give you a quick and natural youthful glow.
A good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do to prevent ageing and is one of the most overlooked health habits. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep daily in a dark, cool room. Can’t get that much shut eye in a night? Try napping. The health benefits of napping are often underestimated but can slow ageing and help you lose weight.
Antioxidants are vital in helping maintain proper cell function, as well as protecting the body against oxidisation which can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. Top anti-ageing supplements include Omega-3, Co-enzyme Q10 and Resveratol. Do your research and always check with your health care provider before taking any supplements.
Hydrate skin with products containing hyaluronic acid, which is one of the best, most effective forms of moisturisers available. Hyaluronic acid is found in the body naturally, lubricating joints, but it depletes over time. One gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to six litres of water, and actively draws water from the air around you to your skin, instantly plumping out fine lines and creases.
Spending time in nature has been shown to help lower depression and feelings of stress. One study even showed that spending a few hours outside can help increase your white blood cell count, giving you a natural immunity boost. Take a walk after work or go for a hike over the weekend. Just a few hours can give you a week’s worth of health benefits.
Green tea, white tea, oolong tea, rooibos tea, and black tea contain antioxidants called polyphenols that protect your cells from free radical damage. Hate tea? Try eating a handful of berries everyday. Berries are full of powerful antioxidants known as anthocyanins which help maintain muscle and may prevent cancer.
As we age our hair becomes thinner and more brittle, a result of years of damaged cells adding up. Shampoo traps the dirt and oils in our hair and pulls them out when we rinse, but clearing out oils too often can lead to dry hair prone to breakage. Stylists suggest going as long as you can without shampoo, and instead simply rinse and use conditioner regularly.
The lens inside our eye begins to stiffen from about age 10, but it isn’t until our mid- to late-40s that we notice problems trying to focus when reading up close. You can slow down this aging process with a healthy diet containing vitamins A, C and E. Fish oils in particular are great for eye health, since they contain anti-inflammatory agents and reduce age-related cellular damage.
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(Text by Amber Elias, bauersyndication.com.au / Additional reporting by Natalya Molok)