Forever Young

People often ask me what I do to stay looking young.  I sometimes have to think about this before I answer.  I have noticed quite a few changes physically since I turned the big 40.  Not excluding the fact that I have had two children in the last 3 years.

I personally believe there are a few factors, a combination of things that may help you retain some youthfullness in your middle years and beyond.  I have not tried any cosmetic procedures/surgery so I can't comment on Botox or fillers.  But I am not against it.  Heck I might even try a little bit some day.  But only a small amount.  I don't want to end up looking like a duck or a puffed up balloon like some unfortunate celebrities.  I do think there is such a thing as tasteful cosmetic surgery. People like Cher, Christie Brinkley and Joan Collins got it right.

But let's face it.  Most of us are not celebrities and we do not have the resources or the money to give us that extra helping hand.  There are some things you can do and my advice will only come from my own experience.  Its what works for me and recently I have changed a few things in my repertoire.

Also before I go further your genetic disposition also comes to play.  My parents always looked young for their ages so I think that has passed over to me.  However I won't be taking it for granted.

First thing I'm going to stress is this:

Tip 1:  Keep out of the Sun as much as possible. Use the highest possible sunscreen you can find for your face or find a moisturizer that has sunscreen in it. When I was younger you would find me at the beach sun baking just like most people.  But the weather has changed, the Sun is stronger and rates of skin cancer have risen.  Even though I have Mediterranean, Olive skin I have made a conscious effort to keep out of the way of direct sunlight.  Its been 10 years now and I see the benefits.  I so far have no wrinkles on my face however from my earlier sun exposure I do have pigmentation.  So I know how bad the sun can be.

 
If you cannot bear to part from the beach and summer days at least wear sunscreen. Avoid sun baking between 10 and 2 (if not longer) and never ever sun bake your face.  Wear a hat and sunglasses.  You will be grateful in the long run when you see how good your face is and how much better you will look as you age.


Nivea Light Feel Sun Veil 30+
A good inexpensive light moisturizer with high sunscreen content.  I use this one.

Tip 2:  Always moisturize.  Day and night.  Find a moisturizer that works for you.  It doesn't matter if you have dry, combination, normal or oily skin you still need to keep the moisture balance in your face.  A good idea is to change your moisturizers every 10 years including your eye cream. When I was in my late teens early 20's my skin was a lot more oily, then later more combination.  Now I'm still a combination type but I also use anti aging products. You don't have to spend big bucks on this either.  There are some great products that don't cost a fortune.  As long as you stick to a routine your on the right track.

Olay Total effects SPF 15 Anti Ageing:
 A great all round middle range daily moisturizer.  I usually use this one in winter.

Olay Regenerist Night cream:
is hands down the best night cream I have ever used in my life.  I have gone off and tried other products but I always come back to this one.  Keeps my skin supple without the greasy feeling.

Olay Age defying eye gel:  
A lightweight cooling gel great for dark circles and puffy under eyes.  I have been using this one for about 5 years and I have nearly no wrinkles around my eyes. It absorbs really well and helps eye make up glide on.

Tip 3:  Always, always take your make up off before going to bed.  I think in all my life I have only ever slept with my make up on once and I regretted it.  A beautifully made up face goes a long way, but not taking it off goes an even longer way in destroying your skin.  It gets sucked into your pores and damages all those beautiful cells that rejuvenate your skin at night time.  You can now buy some good cleansers to get rid of your makeup or make up remover wipes.

Neutrogena make up remover wipes.
Takes off eye make up too.

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Avon Moisture effect eye make up remover.  

Takes off even the most stubborn smokey eye.  I use this one every night along with my Loreal  Revitalift cleanser.  This one does not strip your skin of its natural oils and takes off all make up.  Highly recommend!

                                                              

Tip 4:  Exfoilate: It is a good idea every 2 or 3 days to use a scrub and take off the dead skin that sits on the surface of your face. I do this after cleansing and usually on a day when I'm washing my hair.  Doing this regularly will keep your skin bright and give it a glow.  Try using a scrub that isn't too harsh on your skin.    Kiehl have a really good one and smells fantastic too.

Recently I have tried the Skin Doctors Powerbrasion kit that comes with its own tool.  I have been using this for about 8 weeks and have noticed a difference in the size of my pores and overall feel of my skin.  I would recommend this as a treat once a year for 8 to 10 weeks.  Comes with its own AHA cream too.




                            



If you cannot do anything else the four tips above are basics.  Even with 2 children I have found time to follow my basics.   If you want to be a bit more adventurous you can look into serums ( which I also use) and a good mask once a week.  Choose one that you feel comfortable using and suits your skin tone. I sometimes don't get time to do this but some of the new masks out there only require 5 minutes.  And if you have all the time in the world, look into getting a facial once every month or six weeks.

Serums to look out for:  Avon Anew Vitamin C serum.
 I have used this and noticed an improvement in the overall texture of my skin.  This particular one isn't drying and gives the skin a smooth finish.  

Clarins has an excellent serum.  If you have a bit of extra money spend the most of it on a good serum.  When I have money to splurge I do it on this.

Masks:  Olay Pro x  a great treatment mask and is hydrating.

St. Ives have a cheaper alternative.  Works just as well.

A good idea is to visit a dermatologist or skin care specialist and get them to test your skin and tell you what your skin type is.  Even if you don't want to buy any of the products they sell you can find out what is best for you. 

Besides the topical products you also need to look at what your eating and your habits.  Now I'm not going to say I've been perfect.  I was a smoker for quite a few years ( a social one) but none the less. I started in my late 20's and quit after my second pregnancy and during both pregnancies.  I must say since then my skin has improved and I have noticed a brighter look in my eyes.

That would have been my only and worst vice. I'm not a drinker and I have never taken drugs.  I think sometimes when you are young you feel invincible, but believe me your habits will catch up with you.  The trick is not to have too many bad habits.  If you smoke, drink, eat junkfood, don't get any sleep are always unhappy it will show on your face.  Try to get enough sleep.  A minimum of 7 hours is recommended.  I used to get my 7-8 hours before my kids.  I still have a 9 month old baby who breaks my sleep but once she gets into a better routine I will go back to having my quality sleeps!

I have always followed a pretty balanced diet. With every meal I have had, I have included raw vegetables and cooked ones too.  I've stayed away from fats, I don't drink coffee ( except in the past an occasional latte when out with friends but not anymore). Taking a multivitamin can also help in maintaining inner balance and if you have issues with food intolerances see your doctor who may prescribe some other vitamins that will suit you best. I am not good with taking pills but they have invented gummy vitamins and now it's a bit easier to swallow.

One other thing I will mention is, I have not had soft drink since I was a child.  Actually I think soft drink is disgusting.  If it can dissolve a rat and a tooth then you might want to think about what your putting into your body.  To me its like getting a bucket of sugar and swallowing it.  So I would say cut it out or cut it back....I recently read a book called  "The Beauty Detox Foods" by Kimberly Snyder. .....which really opened my eyes to some of the foods and drinks we put into our body.  She gives you step by step instructions on what certain foods does to your body and which one's are the best to keeping you looking good and staying young.

Any type of exercise you can manage is good too.  Lately I have been a bit slack in this department but am getting better.  If you can find at least 30 minutes then do it. All thru my school years, teens and 20's I did some form of sport. My 30's I did mostly walking and Yoga.  I will shortly be going back to this routine.  I have already started at home.  Its not about how hot your going to look its about the health benefits.  Feeling fit and active will improve all facets of your life.

The final thing I think keeps you looking youthful is your state of mind. Positive attitude is something that makes even the most elderly person look vibrant.  You need to find a balance and that thing that gives you a spring in your step.  If you can maintain this always, your face and your mental state will thank you.  I know its not possible to always be feeling happy. There were times I thought how do I get thru this?  But it is possible to pick yourself up and smile. Positivity attracts Positivity. Bad things will happen but its how you deal with it that's important.

If all else fails remember, you can always start tomorrow.



 “Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”
― Franz Kafka