How to Stay looking younger for longer in 2011

While the visible signs of ageing can never be fully avoided, there are some simple steps that you can take to minimise the effects, almost halting the process physically.



Where the skin is concerned there are two types of aging — intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic aging involves the inevitable; as we grow older, our skin naturally becomes thinner and drier leading to sagging skin and deep wrinkles.

Extrinsic aging results from exposure to the environment. Extrinsic aging is the critical element in determining who looks older or younger than their biological age. Environmental exposure can contribute to and worsen the signs of ageing, with the skin on the face being the most obviously affected. Lifestyle choices can also have an impact on extrinsic aging.



A key element of how look on the outside is determined by how you are on the inside. By drinking lots of water and keeping yourself hydrated, your skin will look plumper and therefore more youthful. Your friends and family with think you've had some anti ageing treatment when in fact you've just taken care of yourself. It will also clear out your system and will keep skin blemish free. Along with water, be sure that you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables as these are rich in vital vitamins and minerals that all help your skin.



Another major factor that speeds up ageing is stress. If you have a very hectic lifestyle or a stressful job, this could be doing you more harm than good. Not only do you feel tired but your skin does too. It will become dull and lacklustre, making your appear older than you really are. By taking time out and having time to yourself, your body will begin to relax, therefore calming your hormones and reducing any stress lines in the face which will ultimately have an anti ageing effect on your body and skin. By taking up a hobby such as yoga, gardening or even sewing your stress levels can fall dramatically, significantly improving your skins tone and colour.



Along with stress, smoking and drinking are too of the most common causing of ageing. Nicotine and alcohol steal essential vitamins and minerals from skin, meaning it is more prone to wrinkling and losing radiance. If one of your New Year's resolutions is to give up smoking or cut back on the after work drinks, then there is no better incentive than younger looking skin. Smoking contributes to the breakdown of elastin and collagen and impairs the body's healing capacity leading to obvious signs of ageing.



While smoking and stress are more internal causes of ageing, spending too much time in the sun or on sunbeds can do more physical damage to the skin, especially on the face. The sun and UV rays prematurely age the skin by breaking down collagen and elastin and also by impairing the synthesis of new collagen. Experts recommend staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day and always wearing sunscreen, even when it is dull as your skin is still exposed to UV rays.



By following these simple lifestyle rules, you can dramatically improve the look and feel of your skin. The earlier you start following these tips, the younger you will look for longer. So by starting in your mid-twenties, your skin will be in much better condition than if you start at 55. But remember, it is never too late to start looking after yourself and your skin.