Tips on how to look younger after 40

Are you at that age where you don’t feel and look as young as you used to? It’s probably because you are aging, but it’s not the end of the world.

Here are some expert steps to help you look younger:

Step 1

Get your teeth whitened. Since teeth darken as you age, yellow teeth are a good indication of your age. By the time you reach 40, the effects of coffee and maybe smoking are clearly visible on your teeth. For serious cases, a bleaching treatment done at your dentist’s office can take 10 years off your appearance almost immediately. Otherwise, you can buy special toothpaste and gels to use at home.

Step 2

Control your weight. Metabolism slows down as you age, especially after the age of 30. If you don’t up your exercise intensity, you might end up gaining a couple of kilograms a year. By the time you reach 40, that could mean a weight gain of 10 or more kilos.

Step 3

Dress young but don’t overdo it. Avoid see-through tops, too-short skirts and flashy fabrics. When wearing this type of clothing you may send the message that you’re trying too hard and can actually show your age. On the other hand, avoid “mom” jeans and baggy clothes that will give the impression you have something to hide. Browsing through fashion magazines geared toward the 40-and-over crowd will give you ideas on how to dress youthfully and keep it classy.

Step 4

Get a good bra. Better yet, have a professional bra fitting (available at upscale stores and underwear shops) so you can buy something that fits well. Because breasts sag as you age (and especially if you’ve had children), wearing the right bra will instantly take years off your appearance.

Step 5

Choose a hair colour that fits your skin tone and maintain it. By the time you reach 40, chances are you have a good amount of gray to cover. If you dye your hair a dark tone, you will need to make more frequent visits to the hair salon to cover your roots. Lighter colors, or hair that is highlighted, will hide gray better but might be more expensive to maintain.

Step 6

Treat aging skin. Deeper lines start appearing in your late thirties. By 40, you may have to deal not only with more prominent wrinkles, but also with skin discoloration and dryer skin. This is the time to talk to your doctor about prescription creams such as Retin-A, which can get rid of dark spots, lines and rough skin. For deeper lines, Botox or gel fillers might be a better option. Always wear sunscreen to prevent further damage.

Step 7

Switch to lighter makeup. Heavy foundation and powder can sink into wrinkles and lines, making you look older than you are. A softer eye shadow and lighter lip colour will hide imperfections and minimise problem areas. Moisturise well before applying your foundation, so your skin is well hydrated and your wrinkles less likely to show.

Sourced: https://www.livestrong.com