The Secret To Looking Younger?

Keep Your Age A Secret

alt Whenever people try to guess my age, they always guess much younger than I really am. Generally, I get between five to ten years younger followed by gasps.

So what's my sercret? Where have I hidden my fountain of youth? It's simple really. Just remember the four S's:

1. (Yes) Sunscreen
2. (No) Stress
3. (Yes) Sleep
4. (No) Smoking

I started wearing sunscreen when I was in my teens and have worn in everyday ever since. Those damaging UVA and UVB rays really do wreck havoc on one's skin, causing wrinkles and lines to appear on your face as early as your thirties if you've been worshiping the sun in your teens and twenties. And of course there's the grave risk of getting skin cancer. It's so easy to remember to put on sunscreen too, especially if it's in your moisturizer. The fairer you are naturally, the higher the SPF should be so you don't burn. After all, a red face is never attractive. If you love that tanned looked, try getting it from a bronzer instead, but if your pale naturally try forgoing it. Some of the most beautifully women are fair skinned such as Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Cate Blanchett, to name a few.

Stress is something we all have to deal with, making us look harried and tired, but we can cope with it. Exercise is a wonderful way to deal with stress. Even if you can't fit in a full workout there are little things you can do to sneak it in to your daily routine. Taking the stairs, walking the dog (I don't have one but I walk my neighbour's on days when it's not too freezing); even vacuuming counts. Another way to cope with stress is through meditation. Yoga is wonderful but if you can't get to a class or don't have the time there are other, shorter ways to meditate. Try picturing a calming scene and counting backwards from twenty while breathing in a relaxed way and focusing on your breath. And of course, get enough rest. Which brings me to my next point

It is recommended that everyone gets between 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. So how can we do that? One way is to get into a regular sleep routine. Try going to bed at the same time every night and then relaxing with a book. What not to do? Watching television, eating, or going online. All these things stimulate you and make it harder for you to go to sleep. It's also a good idea to have as little light and noise around you when you go to sleep. Some of my friends wear earplugs to sleep; some people wear an eye mask. Having a comfortable bed of course helps too.

And now, smoking. I do realize that once you've started it's hard to stop. I've seen good friends struggle, but eventually succeed with quitting. Aside from the grave medical consequences it stains your teeth, makes you gaunt, and robs you of your youth by causing premature wrinkles. If you are having a hard time quitting, consider talking to your doctor.

Now is there a fountain of youth? Is there some miracle cream that you can use that will turn back the clock? Unfortunately, the answer is no. If a new product has come on the market that promises this, see if you can get a sample of it before you spend your money. Prevention really is the best recipe. Genetics also play a very big part. If your parents look younger than they are than looking for you, lucky you, so will you. If they don't, remember the four S's and try not to worry about it, stress can age you.

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