Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered where the years went? Whilst aging is one of the very few certainties in life, and it can still hit us hard when it happens. Loads of things can make us look older than we actually are, which only adds to the problem. The good news is there are things you can do to turn back the clock a bit. 

Here are 5 things that can make you look older and things you can do to help fix them. 

A healthy glow

Your skin is one of the biggest telltale signs of age, so taking care of it is essential. By making some simple changes to your daily routine, you can look younger and healthier too.

When your skin is dehydrated, it will look and feel dry, and wrinkles may seem more pronounced. Drinking a minimum of 2 liters of water a day will naturally plump up your skin and add a natural healthy glow.

A good daily beauty regime can also offer many benefits and keep your skin feeling and looking healthy. Cleanse, tone and moisturize twice a day and exfoliate once or twice a week. Exfoliating will get rid of dead cells and rejuvenate your skin.

Cosmetic procedures such as Botox and fillers are becoming far more popular these days and are a lot cheaper too, so if you are looking for a temporary fix to minimize laughter lines or other wrinkles, it is worth considering. 

It’s all in the smile          

It is said that smiling and laughing is good for the soul and can keep us feeling youthful. It’s also reported that issues such as discoloration, cavities, and receding gums can make a person look far older than they are. Many people make a conscious effort not to smile because they are so self-conscious of how their teeth look. 

If you have problems with your teeth or don’t like the way they look, there are things you can do about it. Discolored teeth can be brightened with whitening toothpaste and strips. Unsightly or chipped teeth can be fixed with cosmetic procedures such as veneers or crowns. The decision between veneers vs crowns depends on how much of tooth needs to be covered. Crowns provide full coverage around the whole tooth whilst veneers primarily cover the front. A new set of pearly whites can shave years off how you look, so it is definitely worth looking into. 

Lovely locks

If you look back at photos from 10 or even 20 years ago and discover that you have the same hairstyle as you did back then, it might be time for a change! Having a modern hairstyle can transform how you look and give a far more youthful appearance. Do some research into the styles which might suit your face shape, then go online and find something you like. Coloring your hair is another great way to make you look younger. From subtle autumnal tones to hints of deep red – you might be surprised at how young you feel after a hairstyle revamp.  

Rock that look

Fashion plays a huge part in how old we look. You should, of course, wear what you feel comfortable in, but be aware that dressing too old (or even too young) can add a few years to your appearance. Spend some time playing around with different styles and looks until you find items that you feel comfortable and (more importantly) confident in. Whilst you might be tempted to throw on a baggy pair of jeans and a hoodie every day, it’s unlikely to make you look younger. Find your style and have fun with it. 

Your frame of mind

Believe it or not, how you feel plays a huge part in how old you look. If you feel stressed, self-conscious, or just a bit down in the dumps, it can age you. That is why it’s a good idea, where possible, to change your mindset. Many people find that mindfulness techniques such as meditation can help to cope with the effects of stress or depression. Spending time with loved ones can make you feel far happier and more content, as can spending time doing a hobby or listening to music you adore. Feeling positive, confident, and fulfilled can make you feel young again and look better than ever. The phrase ‘you are only as old as you feel’ is very true indeed.