by Jennifer J. Raymond

Created on: September 19, 2008

"You are only as old as you feel", whilst this phrase may be true, unfortunately the telltale signs of the ageing process are there to remind the rest of the world exactly how old you are. Luckily, there are many ways to help you look younger, without having to break the bank or go under the knife.

The key is to take care of your body, both inside and out. Drink plenty of water, aim for around 8 glasses a day, this will keep the body well hydrated to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve blood circulation which will also help combat the dark circles underneath your eyes. Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet and if you are trying to get in shape do not attempt to lose weight too quickly as this will promote wrinkle formation.

Sunlight is one of the worst culprits to cause premature ageing of the skin yet sunbathing is so popular as a tan can give the appearance of a healthy' look. Whilst a little sunshine can be very beneficial as it contains vitamin D, excessive sun exposure will dry and damage the skin causing sunburn and eventually wrinkles and age spots. Prevent any further damage by wearing a daily sunscreen, even if it is not sunny. Or you can look for a moisturiser with added sunscreen. If you are already showing the effects of prolonged sun exposure, use a rich moisturiser to try and rehydrate the skin, don't forget the hands and neck too as these also show the effects of the sun.

Moving onto the make up bag, if you have mature skin, it is best to avoid any powder-based make up, as these tend to settle in wrinkles, drawing unwanted attention. Opt for cream eye shadows and blushers to allow the colour to glide effortlessly on the skin. For the lips, try creamier lipsticks or glosses instead of matte lipsticks.

Youth exudes from head to toe so keep your hair in good condition and give it a regular boost with a deep and nourishing conditioning treatment. Colour it with a natural tone to hide grey hairs. Consider keeping your hair length between your chin and your shoulders for an optimum youthful appearance.

Do not try to dress too young, instead wear simple, smart clothes and team these up with fashionable accessories to achieve an up to date look. Finally, do what women do best and treat yourself to a nice pair of shoes and a matching handbag, not only will this make you feel great, wearing them will give you an air of confidence that will convince the world that you are much younger than you really are.

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