5 Anti-Aging Tips That Guarantee a Great Glow

Anti-Aging success is greatly supported by taking early and consistent action to assist your body to renew itself. Waiting until late in the aging process only creates a game of catch-up which can be frustrating because it doesn’t always produce desired results quickly enough. The most effective anti-aging techniques begin before you notice that you need them.

Each of us has a different aging process based on environment, lifestyle and habits which can include nutrition, exercise, water intake, use of sunscreen and general attitude about life.

When I noticed that I needed to take action

I’ve definitely seen my share of sun and outdoor living. In my younger years, I didn’t think much about the aging process and didn’t pay much attention to prevention either.  

And then, in what seemed to be overnight, I started to see fine lines under my eyes and noticed that my skin was not as firm anymore. Gone were the days of leaving it to Mother Nature to take care of everything without assistance.

I then started in-depth research on how to effectively slow down the aging process, including methods used thousands of years ago by icons such as Cleopatra and started on a journey to test these methods. And what a journey it was! I tried about 60 different methods and products in a 5- year period and noted how effective and/or rapid they were. I was essentially my own “guinea pig” for all the lotions, potions, and natural methods claiming to restore just about everything.

Needless to say, this was a time consuming, often frustrating,  and expensive quest for solutions.

I can almost bet that nobody wants to do their own testing for 5+ years just to arrive at “what works” for anti-aging. The time, effort, and sheer cost can be major deterrents which can affect consistency and subsequently results.

The good news is that what I found to be highly effective are based in habits which help your body to renew itself naturally. I found that natural products used at certain times can do the trick. And, if you couple them with high-quality products during part of your daily routine, the results can be profound.

Here are some of the most effective daily habits which I have found to help your body to maintain its best and highest state.

Smoother Skin

Youthful skin is hydrated skin. And hydrated skin appears more supple and smooth. Since it’s our biggest organ, and protects us from the environment, I pay a lot of attention to skin care and hydration.

TIP #1: Put Moisturizer on Damp (not dry) Skin

For better moisture retention, dry off only partially after your shower. This is all about a barrier to moisture loss to maintain hydration. Once you have showered, and your skin is hydrated, seal in all that moisture with your lotion or oil. Make this a habit, and you will see and feel a difference in the hydration of your skin. And yes, this is for your face as well as your body.

Post-shower is a great time to put on your sunscreen as well, so you won’t forget to apply it. Remember that sunscreen is a daily essential! Even if it looks cloudy, the sun is still out there. 

I live an active outdoorsy lifestyle and have sensitive skin. I like the gentleness and staying power of Erbaviva Baby Sunscreen SPF 30. I mix a little foundation into the sunscreen to give it a tint. I wish I had figured this tip out a lot sooner, but better late than never.

Healthy Lips

Lips are often overlooked in the daily maintenance routine, and dry or scaly lips are the antithesis of a healthy glow. But don’t be dismayed. One simple habit can help neglected lips.

Tip# 2:  Brush Your Lips

Yes, brush your lips! Use a dry toothbrush and a little baking soda as an exfoliant and brush away the dead skin.

Blood will flow to your lips bringing a youthful blush. Dab on a good lip moisturizer and you’ll see a difference. I use Burt’s Bees with a tint. It is super moisturizing and looks very natural. Hydrated lips will give your face a quick boost of healthy glow.

Lustrous Hair

Hair can represent the state of our health. The environment, outdoor activities, color or other processes can dry it out and create splits and brittleness. One simple trick can help immensely to give your hair a healthy shine.

TIP #3: Take a Cold Shower (yes, Brrrr)

At the end of your shower, make the water as cold as you can stand it for 1 minute. The cold water will close the cuticle of your hair, which strengthens it, and helps it fight dirt build up. When the cuticle is flat, your hair is shinier and stronger. When your hair is stronger, it can fight breakage and overall hair loss. The cold water also works wonders for your skin, as the basic elements of each are similar. To cleanse, I use a caviar-infused shampoo by Miriam Quevedo. After the cold rinse, I use a leave-in conditioner (also caviar-infused) by Miriam Quevedo which has done wonders for the softness and overall health of my hair.  When my hair is dry, I smooth on a little Mythic Oil by Loreal to give it a healthy sheen. A little goes a long way here.

Vibrant Eyes

There is nothing like our eyes. Apart from being the “Window to the Soul,” they also tell the world what is going on in our lives. And bags under the eyes say “tired” more loudly than words. And all of us know that looking tired detracts from a healthy glow.

TIP #4: Ice Your Eyes

The ice will help to reduce puffiness under your eye and tighten the skin. It’s a simple trick that has worked wonders for me.

I typically ice if I feel I look tired or before a social engagement to give me a more rested and/or awake look. I have found that using a super hydrating daytime under eye cream helps to fight off the elements keeps the skin around the eyes from becoming dry as the day goes on. I like Fine Line Eye Serum by Simple Beauty. It doesn’t irritate my eyes and has a host of natural and proprietary ingredients. Follow up with your favorite day eye cream if you feel you still need more hydration. I like SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye complex for its all around effectiveness with fine lines and dark circles.

Softened Fine Lines

Sun exposure, time, free radicals and life in general take their toll on our skin. This is especially true for the skin around our eyes and on our neck. This simple, inexpensive and effective tip helps to reduce the appearance of the fine lines around the eyes and neck. 

Tip #5: Coconut Oil Around Your Eyes and Neck Before Bed

As we age, we slowly lose the two things that keep our skin firm and supple: Elastin and Collagen. Elastin is what makes our skin “snap back” into place when we pull on it.  Collagen is what gives our skin its firmness. Slowed production of collagen is what contribute to wrinkles and fine lines.

Enter Nature’s miracle: Coconut oil. In numerous studies, coconut oil’s fatty acid properties (medium chain triglycerides) have shown to support our skin’s ability to heal by increasing collagen cross-linking. Organic, cold pressed coconut oil is what I use generously at night around my eyes, on my neck, and oftentimes on my entire face. I have also found that it helps to seal in moisture, so I use tip #1 at night – apply on damp skin. I use coconut oil from Viva Labs, but I also like Nutiva and use it as well. Carrington Farms gives good value for price if you don’t mind a very strong smell of coconut.

Tip for a Lifetime: Smile!

A happy smile helps to remind us that no matter what is going on, we are truly fortunate in so many ways. There is nothing more beautiful than a happy, smiling human being!

Your smile is a gift you can give to another that never runs out.

A healthy routine for teeth and gums will ensure that your smile stays radiant and reflects your inner health.  Studies have shown that good dental hygiene can help prevent a number of health issues in your body.

Lighting the World

Think of a smile as a candle that can light many other candles without losing its own flame. The energy that you can give someone with a smile can uplift their day and make yours memorable just knowing you touched someone today. Feelings of happiness radiate internally and externally and can make you feel and look more vibrant and youthful. Give it a try and see what happens!