What if you could enjoy the benefits of youthful beauty with the wisdom that comes with age? Many women want to learn how to look younger without plastic surgery. You don’t need an expensive facelift to look your best at any age. It starts with healthy habits, creativity, and openness to exploring new options.
Medical Disclaimer: I am not a medically trained professional, the information on this blog is my own honest review and opinion. If you have any concerns speak to your Doctor.
Since creating this website and launching my YouTube Channel Hey Spring Chicken it has encouraged me to look long and hard at what can be achieved to keep you younger longer, I am happy to say there is a lot of support that doesn’t cost “an arm and a leg” and will not require going under the knife. I am in my early 60’s and call it vanity but I would like to stay looking younger for as long as possible.
Disclaimer: Affiliate Links included in this post. In the event, you click on the link and purchase a product I may receive (a teeny) tiny commission. This is at no extra cost to you.
If you’re tired of looking in the mirror and seeing someone who has lost her glow, you may need inspiration. Discover many ways to look younger without surgery:
- Perfect your skincare routine
- Vitamin C – Your 1st Miracle Ingredient
- Retinol – Your 2nd Miracle Ingredient
- Hyaluronic Acid – She who can then do
- Eat to nourish
- Improve Your Sleep
- Give yourself a mini-makeover
- Explore non-surgical cosmetic treatments
- Key Takeaways
- YouTube Tutorials and some Fun
1/Perfect Your Skincare Routine
When you think of what it means to look younger, you probably picture yourself with bouncy, clear skin. Improving your skincare routine can prevent and reduce signs of ageing. Over the last five years or so, there have been a few wonderful (almost) miracle ingredients to arrive onto the beauty market. If you can learn about the most important ingredients for maintaining radiant skin, no matter your age you too will look younger, for longer.
1st
ALWAYS Use Sunscreen
The sun’s UV rays speed up the aging process. If you aren’t already using daily sun protection, this can make a big difference in rejuvenating your appearance. People who use sunscreen daily have 24% less visible skin aging compared to those who do not. If you want to save time, try a tinted moisturized with SPF as part of your makeup routine. I have been using and SPF for over 40 years and always cover my face if and when I sunbathe, I think it has made a difference, I am in my early 60’s and yet my younger sister always says how much younger I look. I feel the sun is not your best friend no matter how it makes you feel.
2/ Use a Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can protect your skin from sun damage and pollution. Vitamin C
also helps increase collagen production in your skin. Collagen is a protein that makes your skin look more elastic and plump. Using a vitamin C serum in the AM or PM can help you maintain firm, healthy skin. Vitamin C has been a dermatologist favorite for good reason- it doesn’t increase sun sensitivity!
I have written an in-depth blog about Vitamin C and created a YouTube film, which features the magical properties of this live ingredient: What it does, how to use it, understanding the marriage of its partners (derivatives) which can be an absolute game-changer for your skincare. For example Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid, a real crowning achievement for the industry.
Click Here to read my blog Vitamin C.
Click here to watch more about Vitamin C on my YouTube Channel
3/Try Retinol Creams
Retinol is another name for Vitamin A. Like Vitamin C, it’s an antioxidant that increases collagen production. However, retinol is also proven to increase cell turnover. This means that you are producing a new layer of skin more quickly, which makes skin looks younger and reduces age spots, acne scars, and wrinkles. I would suggest you don’t use retinol in the morning because it increases your sensitivity to the sun.
Retinol Cream does not suit every skin type and 50% of women (of which I am one) do not get on with this ingredient, If you are one of the lucky 50% who does not have sensitivity to Retinol creams then read on: Vitamin A (Retinol A) can be partnered very successfully with Vitamin C, a marriage made in heaven. One brightens the skin whilst the other plumps the skin. The beauty industry woke up to this partnering a few years ago and can be said is the crowning achievement of the industry.
4/ Use a Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by your body to lubricate your hair, skin, and joints. However, as people age, they produce less hyaluronic acid. Using a hyaluronic acid serum can
make your skin more plump, firm and hydrated. Hyaluronic acid also stimulates collagen production, leading to younger-looking skin with regular use. Use at night, in the morning, or whenever your skin needs a moisture boost!
Just like Retinol A, this also comes with a disclaimer, many women find this serum will irritate their skin (myself included) that said if the live ingredient included in the product is below 10% then I can include it in my skincare regime, but not for extended periods
Where do you find the amount of live ingredients within the products of Vitamin C, Vitamin A & Hyaluronic Acid? This is found on the product label or packaging. If you watch my YouTube video, filmed last week, I will show you exactly how, when and where you use these wonder products I have added the section specifically around- Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid click on the blue area to take you direct to the information surrounding Hyaluronic Acid
Exfoliate with Lactic Acid
Physically exfoliating your skin with a rough washcloth can damage your skin’s surface and contribute to fine lines. For a more youthful skin routine, try a chemical exfoliant, like lactic acid. Lactic acid is a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA, which removes the dead cells at the surface of your skin without causing skin damage. Look for a lactic acid serum and use it at night before you moisturize.
I try and use as little water as possible on my skin, I suffer from very dry and sensitive skin and find water irritates the sensitivity and causes eczema. breakout. Never the less we have to find a way around this problem as removing the dead skin cells (worse if the skin is dry) is a necessity, this should be one of the key steps in your skincare routine as the results are quite dramatic. I find I can exfoliate two to three times per week.
5/ Eat to Nourish
If you are what you eat, it must be important to eat foods that nourish a healthy, glowing body. Your skin is a window into what’s happening inside your body. Improving your nutrition can improve the look and feel of your skin and fight processes that cause aging. Healthy fats, hydration, and skin-supporting proteins are part of a nutritious diet.
Increase Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These famous healthy fats are found in oily fish like salmon, in grass-fed meats, and in plant foods like walnuts and chia seeds. Omega-3’s support skin health by fighting free radicals that lead to aging. Bonus: adults who consume higher levels of omega-3’s live longer!
Drink Plenty of Water
To look hydrated, stay hydrated. Your body needs a certain amount of water each day to properly
filter out toxins. Drinking enough water is important for maintaining skin and joint health. Shoot for 8 glasses of water per day. Try keeping a water bottle at your desk and a pitcher of cool water in your fridge. I really believe this is another “Game-Changer” If I am tired and irritable then I will almost certainly be either hungry, (more likely) not drinking enough water.
Coffee, Tea and surgery drinks do not hydrate your body in the same way water can.
Eat More Vitamin C
The anti-oxidant properties of vitamin C for skin health don’t just apply for serums. You can boost collagen production and fight free radicals by increasing the vitamin C in your diet. Citrus fruits, spinach, and calciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are all high in vitamin C. Increasing the vitamin C in your diet can also decrease your risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures.
I actually start my day with a Vitamin C dose and one litre of water, which seems a lot but it’s actually easier to drink than you think. I fill up a jug with one litre of water and whilst I am emptying the dishwasher, letting out the dog, making tea and doing a 6 min meditation, I just keep drinking a glass of water, (it only requires 5 glasses) and that is a good start to the day. It also has the added benefit of getting my bowels to work more efficiently
Sip Bone Broth
Bone broth is an excellent source of dietary collagen. Eating collagen will help your tissues repair themselves more quickly, which can help slow down the aging process. Collagen is an important protein for helping your skin maintain it’s firmness and elasticity. Collagen promotes gut health, and a healthier gut means a healthier, more youthful you!
Collagen is a remarkable renewable feature found in our skin, sadly as we age and due to some of the environmental problems (e.g The Sun, Medication, drinking too much Alcohol, sleep-deprived, smoking or misusing any form of substance) has an effect on the skin’s ability to renew collagen and elastin. When you look at a young persons skin you will see plump, bright, dewy, hydrated, all things associated with youthful-looking skin.
Collagen is another remarkable science and the beauty industry have harnessed this science and managed with some success to replicate and speed up the regrowth of collagen in our body.
First, you need to treat your body and your skin as though it’s a precious jewel or vintage and expensive car. You would spend time and effort to keep your car in running order, our bodies need the same degree of care.
Enjoy Eggs
Eggs are a source of biotin, a protein that helps skin, hair, and nails grow. You don’t need to take a biotin supplement to enjoy the benefits of biotin. Eggs are affordable, delicious, and an excellent source of other healthy fats and proteins. You don’t need an expensive biotin supplement when you can enjoy eggs for breakfast a few times a week to get the same benefits!
6/ Improve Your Sleep
You spend one-third of your life in bed, so make the most of it! Sleep is a time for rejuvenation and healing. During sleep, your skin repairs damage and produces collagen. Improving your quality and quantity of sleep helps you and your complexion stay youthful and fresh.
Focus on Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene refers to the set of habits that speed up or slow down your ability to get to sleep. Practice good sleep hygiene by avoiding electronics 2 hours before bed, creating a relaxing atmosphere, and minimizing outside light in your bedroom. Can’t quit your phone habit? Try an app that decreases the blue light of your electronic devices, as blue light interferes with sleep.
I have written a blog about this very subject and suggest simple ways to correct poor sleep hygiene and How To Live Your Best Life at 50+ No Regrets click on the blue link to read more
Schedule Morning Exercise
Daily exercise is important because it helps regulate your sleep, not to mention the other health benefits! Exercising in the morning is better for sleep than exercising in the evening, which can increase alertness before bed. If you do need to exercise later in the day, make sure it is at least 2 hours before you begin your bedtime routine.
Sleep on a Silk Pillowcase
Get the most out of your beauty sleep by surrounding yourself with the right materials. Unlike cotton or polyester, silk provides a smooth, frictionless surface for your skin. Sleeping on silk may reduce wrinkles and frizzy hair. Silk is not an absorbent fabric, so the serums you use will stay on your skin all night instead of rubbing off onto your pillowcase!
In the event you are unable or unwilling to pay for a silk pillowcase then I will suggest Bamboo linen. It is truly amazing, (a pain to iron but worth the aggro)
Alternatively and a great addition to your sleep is a silk eye mask. This could be something to add to your Christmas or Birthday wish list because it’s such a luxurious but affordable gift and yet rarely do we treat ourselves to such glorious fripparies.
Sleep on Your Back
It may seem too simple to be true, but sleeping on your back can reduce wrinkles! Think about it: side sleepers are squishing their faces into their pillows for 6-9 hours per night. If you can’t stop side sleeping, try an anti-aging pillow that reduces skin-to-pillow contact. Check your face in the morning. You will notice crease lines and sleep lines which eventually make their mark.
Personally, I am unable to sleep on my back as I am told I snore when I am on my back, my partner (now Husband) says his sleep is disturbed whilst mine is better.
7/Give Yourself a Mini-Makeover
One reason women tend to look older is that it’s easy to get stuck in beauty ruts. Remember how fun it was to try new hair and makeup ideas from magazines or friends when you were a teenager? Bring that same playful energy back and give yourself a mini-makeover by changing up your current look.
Whiten Your Teeth
Give yourself the pageant-girl treatment and keep your teeth pearly white! Yellowing teeth can indicate years of drinking coffee, smoking, or indulging in red wine. For at-home whitening, try strips or trays with hydrogen peroxide, which cost $30-60. If you need extra help, dentists will whiten your teeth for $500-1000.
Change Your Hairstyle
Hairstyles are strongly associated with certain decades. Keeping up with current hair trends is no more expensive than getting the same old cut. Look online for hairstyle trends and show your stylist a photo of a new cut that grabs your attention. You might even ask a daughter, niece, or younger friend for her opinion on a new ‘do for you.
I have very curly hair which tends to frizz if left to its own devices, frizzy hair not only looks tatty but is also quite aging and is worth investing a little extra time taming the frizz. Last year (during lockdown) I found a brilliant tutorial on YouTube, although aimed at the younger market the “Curly Girl” method of drying hair was one I had almost perfected but she was able to give me more pointers. Is great fun, Watch how I deal with Frizzy To Curly Hair.
Highlight or Dye Your Hair
Lighter hair is associated with youthfulness. If you aren’t ready to dye it all, try some highlights. Balayage highlights in a caramel tone are flattering for most brunettes. If you are a blonde, try strawberry or champagne blonde over platinum. Warmer hues tend to be more youthful than their cool, ashy counterparts.
Make Over Your Makeup Routine
You might be surprised to see the variety of textures and pigments available now. Cream formulas for everything from blush to eye shadow are widely popular. Creams tend to blend more smoothly on aging skin, as powders tend to gather in wrinkles. To look younger, go for slightly sheer formulas rather than a heavier matte look. Illuminating primers can add a youthful glow.
Play with Fashion Trends
Looking younger without may be as simple as trying a new outfit. Try a new style of jeans or a trendy dress silhouette and watch the years melt away. Find ideas on social media and wear something you’ve never worn before. It’s easy for older women to find themselves repeating looks that are decades-old, which make you look the opposite of youthful.
8/Explore Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments.
Recently I watched a YouTube tutorial about Face & Neck Lift Tape, it was something hitherto I had not thought to try. I had watched Drag Queens on Ru-Paul fixing their face and neck with the tape but never envisaged that I could try such a thing. Well, I did… the fixing takes practice, but filming was hilarious, but more importantly, it worked.
I would like to think I looked at least 10 years younger. What do you think?
I used Mark Traynor Face and Lift Tape
Watch the video to see how it unfolded
If you would like something a little longer lasting and if you have room in your budget for cosmetic treatments, there are a variety of anti-ageing choices that don’t have the risk or price tag of surgery. Most of these treatments will cost you $100-300 per session, and you will need a few sessions to get the full effect. Plan to spend $500-2000 depending on your treatment of choice and your skin’s needs.
Get a Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are both an ageing prevention and an ageing treatment. They remove the top layer of dead skin cells, which fades discolouration and reduces fine lines. Look for a licensed esthetician or medical spa. Start with light chemical peels, which cost $100-300 and have little to no recovery time. Work your way up to deeper peels, which cost up to $6,000 and have a longer recovery time.
Try Microneedling
Made popular by Kim Kardashian with the vampire facial, micro needling combats aging and scarring by increasing collagen production. Small needles create tiny injuries in your skin, which causes your skin to heal itself with collagen. Medical micro-needling costs $100-300 per session, and you may need 3-6 sessions to fade scars or wrinkles. “Vampire facials” introduce platelet-rich plasma through the microneedles to increase efficacy, but they cost $600-800.
Try Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion works similarly to micro-needling, but the tools used for the procedures are different. Microdermabrasion uses a crystal powder or diamond wand to lightly irritate the skin. This sloughs away dead cells and increases collagen production and new growth. Microdermabrasion costs $75-150 per session, and 4-12 sessions are recommended.
Try a Fraxel Laser Treatment
Fraxel lasers treat wrinkles, dark spots, and scarring. These lasers can even treat deep ice-pick scars. Just like micro-needling and microdermabrasion, Fraxel creates micro-injuries that produce collagen as they heal. Fraxel comes in two varieties- ablative and non-ablative. Ablative is more intense and works at a deeper level, but it has a longer recovery time. You’ll likely only need one session of Fraxel, which will cost between $750-1500.
Get Botox
Botox is an FDA-approved wrinkle relaxer injection. It works by blocking a small number of the
nerves that move your facial muscles. Botox costs $10-20 per unit, but most facial Botox areas require 20-40 units for a total of $200-800. Botox can be a wrinkle treatment or wrinkle prevention. For prevention, start with a smaller dose to give a subtle, natural look.
9/Key Takeaways
Isn’t it exciting to know how to look younger without surgery? Let’s reflect on what you’ve learned. From skincare to sleep, you’ve been exposed to many ways to maintain a youthful appearance without going under the scalpel. Let’s recap what you’ve learned.
You’ve learned about using sunscreen and antioxidants in your skincare routine. You know how to maximize the “beauty” in your sleep and how to eat right. You have some inspiration for new routines to mix up your style. You’re becoming an expert on non-surgical cosmetic procedures and how they work to increase cell turnover and reduce wrinkles and age spots.
10/ YouTube
I have made several YouTube videos that you may find helpful and a little lighthearted fun should you prefer to watch rather than read.
Vitamin C & Other Derivatives –
Frizzy Hair To Curly Hair Overnight
Instant Facelift Without Surgery
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Cream – My Review
If you have made it this far I want to thank you, I wouldn’t normally write such a long post however I couldn’t really chop it up into chunks because each has its own importance.
If you have any experience of keeping youth at bay, I and the audience would love to hear from you, please comment below.
See you soon
CordeliaN
Founder of Hey Spring chicken
Images – My own & Canva
References
https://www.acpjournals.org
