5 ways to look younger without surgery | South African Spas Article

Beautiful skin… naturally
Top tips for younger-looking skin

In todays’s celebrity-obsessed world of Botox, fillers, Caribbean tans, airbrushing and teeth-whitening, it seems as though there’s only one route to younger-looking skin; and that’s via the plastic surgeon’s consulting rooms.

While we think that plastic surgery and invasive cosmetic procedures definitely have their place, the majority of women still prefer to achieve younger looking skin without opting for drastic measures.

Without doubt, there have been some fantastic breakthroughs in the last decade in the field of cosmetology. Having said that, the best and most failsafe way to maintain a youthful complexion is to follow the advice your mother gave you when you were a teenager (which was the same advice your grandmother gave your mother!)

When used hand-in-hand, these two approaches will leave you looking and feeling years younger. We’ve done the research, have explored advances in skin technology as well as good old-fashioned advice, and are happy to share with you our top 5 ways to look younger without surgery.

1. Go on the defensive

The first thing to know is what NOT to do. Sun-exposure is the leading cause of ageing skin, followed closely behind by poor lifestyle choices and ‘skin sins’.

So:

Don’t go out into the sun between 10:00 and 15:00

Don’t smoke

Don’t overindulge in alcohol

Don’t have too many late nights

Don’t eat greasy, fried, salty, starchy or processed food

Don’t reach for too many carbonated or caffeine-laden drinks

Sound obvious? Sorry about that. But now’s the time to be strict on yourself and take action. (No, not tomorrow: start now!) Write out these rules, and stick them on your bathroom mirror.

2. Behave like a good girl

You know that you should cleanse, tone and moisturize your skin every morning and every night, right? Easier said than done when you’re exhausted after a challenging day and it’s so much less work to bypass the skincare routine and fall like deadweight onto your comfy bed. But, as annoying as it may be, your skin really needs care in the evening (when it restores itself) as much as it needs TLC first thing in the morning.

Make this ritual non-negotiable, and you’ll notice a difference within a couple of weeks.

3. Nourish from the inside out

Just like our cars don’t run on cola, our bodies need specific nutrients to function at their best. A healthy body will reward us with healthy skin – that is almost guaranteed. Skin-boosting superfoods include cocoa, avocado, berries, carrots, salmon, garlic, tomatoes, soy products, asparagus, nuts, dark leafy vegetables and most fruit.

Hydration is just as important for dewy, glowing complexions. Mineral water, pure unsweetened fruit juices and green tea are all good choices.

4. Indulge your inner diva

If we had it our way, every woman in every corner of the world would have a free pass to a good health spa. These hedonistic havens are worth every cent that they charge (although, compared to a boutique shopping spree at Gateway or Sandton City, a session at a spa is but small change, darling). There is nothing, absolutely nothing, like the practiced hands of a qualified beautician to rejuvenate your skin and revitalize your spirit.

While you’re at it, consider giving your toiletry drawer and make-up bag an overhaul. There are so many fantastic beauty ranges on the market - we don’t have nearly enough space to do justice to them all. Remember that a vast amount of research and development goes into these products, hence the price tag. Look around at your local Stuttafords, Dischem or Red Square store, speak to a consultant and ask for advice about the right range for your skin, as well as make-up application tips to suit your age and lifestyle. You may even get lucky with a sample or two to try at home. The right product can work wonders.

5. Be relentless in your pursuit of happiness

Looking younger starts with feeling younger. For younger looking skin, be: young at heart; carefree; happy; mellow; chilled out; adventurous; optimistic. Here’s how.

Exercise. Whenever you can. And enjoy it

Dance (join a class, go clubbing, jive at home with the mop. Any way you do it… dancing = endorphins)

Sleep. It works wonders for your skin

Read

Meditate

Find joy in silly things

Be happy in your own skin. Inner peace results in a glow that simply can’t be bottled