5 Top Anti-aging Secrets!

Beauty is a multi-billion-pound (and dollar) industry, and a big part of this sector is dedicated to anti-aging. However, aging is a multi-level concept, one that encompasses both what you look like on the outside as well as how your body functions on the inside. Therefore, we’ve gone beyond the face creams and found the Top 5 Anti-aging secrets to slowing both internal and external aging, read on!

1. Look at your diet
Diet has a massive role to play in how your body ages. For example, there is evidence to suggest antioxidant pigments such as lutein, beta-carotene and lycopene accumulate in your skin and provide an SPF (sun protection factor) effect of 3-4, boosting the extent to which you are protected against sunburn and aging skin.

2. Quit smoking
Smoking can cause significant damage to your body, both internally and externally. For example, twin studies have shown smoking results in skin sagging, wrinkles and dark under-eye circles as well as skin pigmentation issues. Smoking also plays a major role in the development of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Need help quitting? Contact your doctor or visit NHS Smokefree.

3. Be sun savvy
Whilst getting enough sun is important in obtaining sufficient vitamin D for strong bones and a healthy immune system, UV rays can cause skin damage even on a cloudy day. UVA rays contribute to skin aging (think wrinkles and pigmentation) whilst exposure to UVB rays quite markedly increases the risk of skin cancer. Getting about 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure is sufficient for topping up on vitamin D, the rest of the time be sure to apply an SPF sunscreen to exposed skin.

4. Get your beauty sleep
Newsflash! Beauty sleep exists! Sleep deprivation reduces your body’s ability to repair itself, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and even chronic diseases and mood disorders. Indeed, lack of sleep is associated with stress, which itself restricts the flow of nutrients to your skin, making you look older than you really are.

5. De-stress
With the above in mind, stress management is therefore vital if you want to slow down the effects of time. Some people find guided meditation, yoga and breathing exercises useful when dealing with stress. However, if like me, you get restless after 30 seconds, going to the gym and working up a sweat is equally valuable from a cardiovascular and psycho-physiological standpoint. Stress management is a very personal thing, so try out lots of ideas and find something that works for you. When you’re successful in finding it, it will form one of your regular if not daily rituals, an automatic habit that will serve you well in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

We all know at least one person who looks so much younger than their age. This is likely due to a combination of genetics and lifestyle choices. Whilst you can’t change your genes, you can wear them differently -make tweaks to the way you live to slow down how quickly your body ages, and you can start with something as simple as smiling! What do you do to keep youthful? Let us know below or on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Elizabeth Cole

Passionate about communicating high-quality nutrition advice, Lizzy holds an MA in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge and is currently completing her MSc in Nutrition at Kings College London. Alongside this, she runs her own business; Nutrition by Lizzy (www.nutritionbylizzy.com) offering bespoke meal plans and diet consultations. She’s also a keen sportswoman, qualified teacher and aspiring Personal Trainer.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Keep Fit Kingdom
Logo