If there was such a thing as a real fountain of youth, I have no doubt that women and men alike would do whatever it takes to take a sip. In our society, youth has become the most prized possession, and people pay through the nose for the most innovative and often dangerous procedures.

Luckily, you don’t need to go under the knife to preserve your youthful glow for a little while longer. Here are some tips for looking younger than your age.

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

I’ve said this once and I’ll say it a thousand times more. Our bodies thrive on water, and well-hydrated cells equate to wrinkle-resistant skin. It’s no wonder that A-list stars like Gweneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba tout water as the basis of their beauty regimen. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day.

AVOID USING STRAWS

Repeated motions actually create fine lines, which is why “stars” like Kim Kardashian try to remain stoic and expressionless as often as possible. Though it is a bit ridiculous to take it that far, a simple change such as not drinking from a straw prevents the accumulation of fine lines around the mouth.

DON’T SMOKE

Not only does smoking cause the same fine lines around the mouth that drinking from a straw does, smoking also does a number of other things that make you look older than your age. Smoking actually causes premature aging by drying out the skin, as well as the yellowing of your teeth, both of which detract from a youthful appearance.

EAT A WELL ROUNDED DIET

If you eat well, your body will thank you in a variety of ways. Making sure that you get enough protein will allow you to maintain muscle mass and prevent your body from getting saggy or flabby. Protein is also vital for healthy looking hair. Getting enough antioxidants through your diet is also extremely important- antioxidants prevent free radicals from breaking down the elastin and collagen in your skin, which leads to younger looking skin.

USE A SILK PILLOWCASE

Just like some people use a silk pillowcase to prevent hair breakage, others have realized that it’s equally good for their skin. The skin on your face is very delicate, and rough cotton can leave fine lines by tugging on the skin and creating creases. With silk, your skin just slides on the pillow.

EXERCISE

The importance of exercise can not be overemphasized. Not only does it make you look better, it will also make you feel better. You’ll have more youthful energy and your joints and muscles will thank you. Meanwhile, exercise also increases blood flow, which allows more blood to circulate on the surface of the skin. This leads to cell stimulation and an overall more youthful look. People may just have to ask if you’re a vampire once they notice that you hardly age at all.

SUNSCREEN

No matter what your race or ethnic origins, sunscreen should be a vital component of your daily routine. UV ray damage is the number one cause of aging, which is why all of these young tanners you see on the beach may end up with skin like a saddlebag in a few years.

A 2013 study proved that people who wear sunscreen just 3 or 4 days per week were less likely to have winkles 5 years later than those who didn’t. On top of that, sunscreen can prevent discoloration and sunspots also caused by UV damage.

SLEEP

During sleep, your body rejuvenates and makes any necessary repairs from the previous day. If you do not get enough sleep, your body isn’t able to make the necessary recoveries to keep itself looking young. Lack of sleep can also lead to dark circles under your eyes, which also lead to a more haggard, aged appearance.

MOISTURIZE

Moisturizing your skin is both an internal and external effort. Just like you need to drink lots of water to hydrate from the inside, you need to protect your skin cells on the outside as well.

The best time to moisturize is just after you shower or wash your face, while your skin is still damp. Moisturizing at this stage will trap some of the water beneath your moisturizer, causing it to penetrate deeper into your pores. You can opt for store-bought moisturizers or opt for natural alternatives such as coconut oil. 

By Destiny Kanu