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Until science creates a solution that freezes the aging process in its tracks, people the world over will pursue bizarre, expensive, and even dangerous methods to regain the glow of youth. But you know better! Don’t risk your skin or your health on unsound trends. Instead, follow these straightforward options to age gracefully — at your own pace.
See Your Stylist
A recent article on The Frisky called bangs the “cheapest alternative to BOTOX.” While they’re not quite a perfect replacement for the ubiquitous wrinkle treatment, they can certainly cover up the pesky forehead wrinkles that send thousands of women (and men!) to the dermatologist each year. Allure suggests full, side-swept bangs to flatter almost any face.
But using your hair for clever camouflage isn’t the only way to get yourself looking younger. The cut, color, and condition of your hair can all reveal more than you’d like about your age — but it can also conceal it, too. To counteract the textural changes associated with age, stay on top of regular trims. To brighten your complexion and add a subtle “halo” of youth, try professional highlights. Finally, keep your hair down or tied back loosely, because tight, severe styles can amplify the signs of facial aging.
Make Yourself Under
Although it’s tempting to pile on the products to try to cover up aging skin, excessive makeup and trendy colors can actually highlight lines, wrinkles, and creases. Think strategically instead. Prep your skin with a primer that contains silicone to smooth skin and help fill in fine lines. Then, swipe on an opaque foundation and set it with a light dusting of translucent powder. Switch up your eye color to soft, warm neutrals, and kiss lips with a shiny, barely-there color — gloss makes lips look fuller. Keeping your makeup routine classy and timeless goes a lot further than trying to keep up with fads.
Obey Your Bedtime
Getting quality shut-eye does more than help you feel your best — it also has deep effects on your skin that, on a good day, can shave a few years off your look. Just a single sleepless night can cause puffy eyes, dark under-eye shadows, and dull skin, all of which can make lines and wrinkles look worse. Long-term sleep issues can also wreak havoc on hormones and the immune system, causing long-term skin damage and making you more susceptible to illness.
In a cruel twist, many people who previously slept soundly report more trouble getting to sleep and an increased number of sleep disturbances with age. If you count yourself among them, there are some steps you can take to retrain your body to get the sleep it needs:
- Go to sleep at the same time every night, even on the weekends.
- About an hour before bed, stop using your laptop, tablet, and phone. The blue light emitted from the screens can interrupt your circadian rhythm, sending your brain signals to stay awake even if it’s nighttime.
- Start a nightly bedtime ritual that helps you unwind. Read a few pages of your favorite book, sip some herbal tea, or enjoy a warm bath. Doing the same activity each night can help train your brain to recognize bedtime and start shutting down accordingly.
Remember What BOTOX Can and Can’t Do
There’s certainly nothing wrong with BOTOX if you do feel ready. But before you book your appointment, remember that it does have some limitations. When it comes to cosmetic indications, BOTOX is approved to treat crow’s feet and forehead lines. Fading these can go a long way toward making you look younger and refreshing your entire face — especially if you’re not ready for bangs! But according to the website of Dr. Howard Silverman, who offers BOTOX in Ottawa, Ontario, the product can also be used off-label to treat lines around the mouth and even a sagging brow.
However, when you’re considering any sort of cosmetic procedure, even one as minor as BOTOX, it’s vitally important to do your research and choose a specialist who works in a professional medical setting.
Have you tried Botox yet? I know I’ve certainly been tempted. I was surprised to discover how many of my friends are Botox fans. I think these are great tips to hold me over until I take the Botox plunge!
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