Aging does not have to mean a loss of beauty. There are many people who remain vital and beautiful for their entire life. By taking some action now, you can help protect your body from damage and learn to increase your beauty as you age.
1. Avoid Sun Damage
Tanning, sunbathing and overexposure do incredible harm to your skin. Not only does this increase your risk of
skin cancer, but it also damages your skin. Freckling, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity all occur when your skin is overexposed.
Avoid sun damage by:
- avoiding the sun between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
- wearing sunscreen
- covering up with protective clothing.
2. Don't Smoke
Smoking will not only lower your life expectancy, it will make you look (and smell) bad. Smoking damages the skin in many ways:
- Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, robbing skin of essential nutrients and oxygen.
- Recent research indicates that smoking activates an enzyme that breaks down collagen.
Wrinkles, fine lines around the mouth, stained teeth and fingers, and an overall "grayish" appearance to the skin all contribute to smokers often looking much older than their actual age.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Proper hydration help the skin to stay firm and 'glowing'. To get a healthful look, be sure to drink plenty of fluids-- at least eight 8-ounce servings per day.4. Maintain Good Posture
Slouchy people are not beautiful. Good posture and poise will help you to retain a 'look' of confidence and command. Improve your posture through exercises that focus on your core strength like yoga and pilates.5. Take Sufficient Calcium
Poor calcium intake leads to
osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones of the body deteriorate. In severe cases, osteoporosis causes permanent hunching of the back, called kyphosis. Avoid this condition through assuring your calcium intake is sufficient by taking a supplement and including dietary sources of calcium.
6. Smile and Laugh
Happy people are beautiful. People who laugh and smile are attractive. Spread joy and happiness wherever you go and people will find you beautiful. Laughing and smiling can also help you to live longer. A positive attitude tells your body that 'everything is okay' and your body responds with the benefits of relaxation.7. Brush and Floss Your Teeth
A good smile is important for beauty (see above), but you must work to maintain it. In addition, recent research has shown links between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Flossing, regular dental check-ups and good dental habits will all help make your smile brighter. Avoid smoking and excessive coffee and tea to prevent staining.8. Appreciate Yourself
People who like themselves are much more attractive than those who do not. Accept yourself for the wonderful person that you are. Your body language will improve and people will pick up on a confident 'vibe'. Much about beauty is perception and confidence. Start by convincing yourself, then others will follow suit.9. Eat Healthy Fats
Healthy fats (from foods such as fish, nuts and avocados) containing essential fatty acids (EFAs) help your skin to look healthy and 'glowing'. A diet low in these healthy fats can result in problems such as eczema, dandruff, dull and brittle hair, and splitting nails. Be sure to eat these good foods to keep your skin and the rest of your body healthy.10. Stay Fit
Of course having a
fit, healthy body goes a long way to contributing to your looks. Excess weight, low muscle tone and lack of energy all contribute to a worsened appearance. Develop exercise habits that will last a lifetime to help you look better and live longer.
