by Molly Carter

Created on: May 03, 2009   Last Updated: November 16, 2010

It seems everyone is in search of the fountain of youth. For the average Joe, or Jane, expensive Botox injections and lavish face creams may be too indulgent. Fortunately, there are five simple ways to look younger instantly.

Get your sleep. The slogan "I'll sleep when I'm dead," will just leave you looking one step closer to your grave. While we sleep, our bodies are literally repairing themselves from all the damage we bestow upon them. During sleep, our bodies release proteins allowing our cells to repair themselves. Getting plenty of sleep will ward off baggy red eyes and keep us physically, mentally and emotionally in check. Will a positive mental outlook, we automatically feel better about ourselves and project a more youthful, radiant attitude.

Drink up that water. Water is the building block of life. Without it, our bodies literally shut down. By drinking plenty of water, your skin naturally shines as the water rids our bodies of harmful chemicals, toxins and waste. Getting enough fluids prevents bloating and rids your body of excess salt. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day also helps you stay trim, as most people tend to overeat when they feel dehydrated.

Slather on your sunscreen. The suns rays are your skins worst enemy. Although the sun provides Vitamin D, which is essential, the majority of people get far too much sunshine. By covering your skin with a sunscreen of SPF 15, donning wide brim hats and limiting sun exposure, you can maintain a youthful look far longer than a sun worshiper.

UVA and UVB rays age you rapidly because it literally destroys collagen-forming wrinkles. Sun damage also thickens outer layers of skin making them less pliable, creates age spots, and destroys capillaries close to the skin that transport blood (and that youthful glow.) Be sure to cover your hands in sunscreen. Most people inadvertently "age" themselves by wrinkly hands.

Snip those dead ends and condition those locks. People associate youth with bouncing locks. Rid your hair of dried up brittle ends. By trimming your hair every 4-6 weeks you can maintain a healthy head of hair. Condition your hair to help lock in moisture that tends to wane as we age. Above all else, decide to go gray naturally, which can still look youthful and sexy, or if you decide to dye your hair, keep an eye on those roots. Gray roots have no mercy.

Last but not least get the proper amount of exercise. Not only do trim and muscular bodies project a youthful appearance, but also regular exercise keeps your body in tiptop shape. You will feel more energized and your physical health will not deteriorate as quickly. Don't forget to flaunt your body. No matter what your body size, find at least one outfit that you feel confident in. It could be a fitted suit or dress. By dressing in clothes that fit us properly, we look younger.

The fountain of youth does not need to be a far off quest. Simply follow these five ways to look younger instantly.

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