They say age is just a number. And so it is, until you start showing it and then the happy-go-lucky attitude changes. It may seem like an insult to be requested for ID on the way into a bar as you struggle to look older than your late teens, but this does become a compliment as the later years beckon fast.
We compiled some simple, budget-friendly age-defying tips for you here at Her.ie
Brush it up
Dry brushing your skin removes dead skin cells, improves your blood circulation and stimulates the lymphatic system, fighting the ever-dreaded cellulite. Take five minutes to brush your body with a natural-bristle dry brush before your daily shower. Brush your legs, stomach and bum. Proceed to your hands, back and heart. Use gentle but firm pressure on each stroke and make sure you brush in upward motions towards your heart. Result: young, radiant skin.
Gloss it up
There is nothing that portrays someone’s age more than their hair. And not necessarily the colour, but the shine. Make sure your hair stays glossy by stirring up a quick fix each week. Mix one part conditioner and one part extra virgin olive oil and massage into your hair and scalp. Leave for five minutes and rinse. Your crowning glory should retain a healthy gloss, age-free.
Lift it up
Your eyebrows are the framing feature of your face. They set the canvas for make-up and over-plucking can create a strange, blank-looking visage. Make sure to keep your eyebrows as full as possible, it is a simple age-defying technique. If they lack colour or begin to grey premature, try using a brow gel in a tint similar to your natural hair colour or fill in bald gaps with a pencil. The fuller the brow, the younger you will look.
Give it up
We have all heard it before, but with good reason. Smoking ages the appearance of skin and can cause premature wrinkles. The chemicals inhaled from a cigarette can constrict tiny blood vessels in the skin, reducing the low of oxygen and nutrients to delicate facial tissues. This constriction can last for at least an hour after a cigarette has been stubbed. Try and kick the habit, and look forward to spending your saved cash on the latest fashions instead.
Zest it up
Everything slows down as we get older and our skin definitely plays victim to this trend. Skin-cell turnover can decrease, causing our complexions to look dry and tired. Stir up this peel once a week to revitalise your skin. Apply two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to your face using a cotton ball. Leave for ten minutes and rinse with warm water. The acidity of the lemon will wash off old skin cells and promote new growth. Hello fresh face.
Snooze it up
The importance of getting enough sleep can never be stressed enough. Poor sleep links to depression, a poor immune system and heart disease. The scientific research doesn’t stop there however. Exposing your body to light in the evening can decrease your levels of melatonin, the hormone that not only maintains normal blood pressure, but also helps you get some nip. Turn off the harsh lights and television and relax for an hour before you go to bed. You will thank us in the morning.
Shake it up
Some everyday food habits can be easily shaken up. Did you know a can of fizzy drink isn’t just bad for your waistline, it’s bad for your lifeline too? One recent study shows the phosphates in minerals can severely speed up signs of aging in mice. Too much phosphate can lead to heart and kidney disease and fizzy drink enthusiasts can have an increased risk of osteoporosis and muscle atrophy, leading to aging. The study suggests substituting the fizzy drink with still or sparkling water with a slice of lemon as a sidekick.
