Alternate anti-ageing tips...

17 December 2010

Every woman wants to age gracefully, but some are unwilling to start injecting botox and other such treatments into our skin for that to happen. Is this the only option? Of course not and here at FemaleFirst we have compiled a list of some of the best anti-ageing tips and techniques out there that mean you don't have to resort to drastic and chemical measures to get that straight line skin and perky breasts without them betraying us and showing our age.

1. Wearing a bra for bed...
This gives boobs a little added support and prevents them for being let loose completely throughout the night. Although sleeping in a bra is not the most comfortable thing in the world, you can buy nightwear offering more comfort and support with the added benefit of leaving you with a little perkier chest and not a wrinkled cleavage, that no matter how hard we might try, will always give the age game away.

2. Water melon...
Watermelon is one of the best fruits from putting off the tell tale signs of aging. From the seeds to the lushious fruity flesh it is crammed with anti oxidants and vitamins that help damaged and aging skin. While the flesh is full of Vitamin A, B and C, the seeds have selenium, an essential fat to better complexion.

3. Yoga, Pilates and Swimming...
In the case of Yoga and Pilates these can be private exercises that are perfect if you don't want to hit the gym or are self conscious about showing off your body in front of others. They are, however, perfect for firming up skin and toning up those slightly softer areas. Swimming is one of the less strenuous exercises, and means that you don't feel as though you have to run a marathon to stay in shape.

All three are excellent for supple joints and muscles, flexibility and improves breathing and posture, all things that let us down with signs of age.

4. Make the most of your hair...
Hair is such an easy way to make yourself look younger without having to touch your skin. The older we get the flatter or hair tends to get and so wavy and volume is a way to inject a little more youth into a look.

There are masses of volumising products in so many beauty shops at the moment, or even by using some heated rollers and the nifty use of a hair dryer can offer the height and waves into a style.

For that extra little hint, why not go a shade litter. This lifts the skin colour and rather than going darker in colour the lightness puts colour into the cheek as opposed to draining it as browns can do to some complexions.

5. Stay clear of dark lipsticks...
Well, dark ones that is. Dark lips make them look thinner and this automatically makes us look older. Instead, go for a nice blusher shade and stick to lighter, glossy lip coverage that offer depth and lush to lips. The fuller looking the better ladies!

6. YOU time...
We all spend enough time doing things for everyone else and one of the worst things for accelerating the signs of aging is stress, stress and more stress! While it is completely impossible to leave out all stress from your life, there is the compromise of having a little hour a week for a nice soak in the bath.

To make the experience good for your skin as well as your mental stake, use Dead Sea salts as they have the power to moisten your skin and keep it looking youthful and full. Pop on some of your favourite music, light some candles and lock the door...

7. Bright colours...
At the risk of sounding much to optimistic, a positive outlook can do wonders for your physical as well as mental state. That includes the way we dress. Rather than wearing drab greys, browns and blacks why not splash on some colour and get your mood lifted. Get some lovely bright scarves and accessories if your not too keen to begin with and build up from there.

Its amazing how well it can make you feel and brighter colours add a little glow to your skin rather than draining it with the darker ones. Plus, the compliments are always something to put a smile on your face!

8. Jojoba oil...
People are raving about Jojoba oil at the moment. Although it is very expensive it is about in everything from soaps to hair masks. You don't need a lot and the concentrated oil works its way into your skin leaving it soft and younger looking. Next time you're buying your toiletries look our for a nice jojoba soap - a quick and cheaper way to regularly get it into your skin.

9. Sleep...
It sounds so simple, but getting into a regular sleeping pattern can do wonders for your skin, immune system and even balance our moods. The optimum amount of sleep is 7 hours. Not too much and not too little - if you're working hard and playing hard this is when we start to get lazy in looking after ourselves and our skin is not very forgiving.

To avoid those dreaded bags under the eyes, always remove make-up with a perfume free face wipe and find a light night cream to dot under the eye. This will refresh the skin and leave it firmer for longer. Combine this with a healthy 7 hours and you'll look years younger in no time at all.

10. Alcohol...
We all love a little tipple, but sadly alcohol is one of those things that seems to dehydrate skin and draw out all of those lovely oils we so desperately try to keep in. So, compromise. Try to drink in moderation, for health reasons as well as cosmetics and make sure you drink plenty of water (2.5 litres everyday) to replenish skin and give it that little bit of fluid to put back into the skin.

Don't worry, we're not saying don't drink...it's just that nasty little word: Moderation.

11. Perfume...
Changing your perfume can do wonders for your self esteem and confidence and ultimately give you that little edge that makes you feel a little younger. Rather than using a more mature fragrance you may feel obliged to wear - go for something fresher, with a hint of zest or citrus to offer you some youth and spirit.

12. Avacado Oil...
With its highly concentrated qualities is absorbs deep into the skin. It is perfect for smoothing and re-hydrating lasting much longer than some oils that tend to just sit on the skin. This is great for mature and damaged skin.

FemaleFirst Jenna Fordie

All three are excellent for supple joints and muscles, flexibility and improves breathing and posture, all things that let us down with signs of age.

There are masses of volumising products in so many beauty shops at the moment, or even by using some heated rollers and the nifty use of a hair dryer can offer the height and waves into a style.