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Most of us would like to look younger than our age. By focusing on both our health and our outside appearance, we can instantly look younger without having surgery, using expensive products, or buying a brand new wardrobe.

1. Go back to the basics. Looking youthful starts from the inside out. That's why it's paramount to get the proper amount of sleep and water each day. Most of us need seven to eight hours of sleep and two liters of water every day to replenish our bodies. When we don't meet these basic needs, it's no wonder we start to look haggard. Several days or weeks of inadequate sleep and water consumption will take a toll on both our health and our looks. It's also important to build in time for rest and relaxation and to manage stress in our lives. Daily stresses affect our ability to sleep and to take care of ourselves. Deal with the stress in your life, and you will have more time and energy to focus on your health.

2. Watch what you eat. Changing the way we eat changes the way we look. Whether it's our post-baby weight or simply the pounds most of us gain as we age, five to ten extra pounds can add several years to our body and face. Continuing to focus on inner health, it's important to periodically detoxify our bodies by eating whole foods and avoiding preservatives and calorie-laden foods. Reducing overall calorie and fat intake also promotes internal health and an attractive body. You will feel better and will most certainly look better.

3. Take care of your body. Unhealthy habits can add years to our age depending on when we started engaging in the behavior. Smoking, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, sunbathing, and lack of exercise are seen in a person's face, their low energy level, and their body. It's never too late to start a healthy habit like daily exercise or minimizing alcohol consumption. You will feel more energized, thus you will naturally appear younger.

4. Update your wardrobe. We tend to look our age (or older) when we wear clothing that's out of style. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly think that dressing in youthful clothing will make them look younger. Unfortunately, the end result can appear ridiculous because many youthful fashions only look good on young people. The key to updating your look without breaking the bank is to purchase a few stylish pieces that complement your figure and your wardrobe. While you don't need to throw away all of your clothing, it's a good idea to give away or discard items that are obviously no longer in style.

5. Put on a fresh face. Good skin care is essential for both men and women. Obviously, applying facial sunscreen is imperative if you spend any amount of time outdoors. It's also important to choose a hairstyle that plays up your strengths. Many women (and some men) keep their hair longer to maintain a youthful look. However, long hair often doesn't look as fresh when people reach a certain age. Women can also look years younger by updating their make-up. Look through magazines to find out what shades and styles are current and what is out of style. Sometimes a simple change such as softening eyeliner or replacing lip liner with gloss can take years off your face.

Looking younger is the result of living a healthy lifestyle and staying current. When we feel younger we often look and act younger, which makes all of the difference.

Learn more about this author, Kristen M. Anderson.
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