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There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.
Why is it then that some people age better than others? This is a question that working in the hair, beauty, and fashion industry we get asked a lot.
The habits that we develop in our earlier decades 20s through 30s have a huge impact on how we look and feel as we age. It is so important to treat your body with respect and care to maintain optimal physical and mental health. Here are some positive that may slow the aging process (that I have researched) plus some tips that I have discovered myself in my own journey.
1. Healthy eating and balanced diet…plus water!
Eating more whole foods can decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Fruits and vegetables are full of vitamin C, zinc, beta carotene and other nutrients that will boost your immune system. Including fish – which is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains – which are packed with antioxidants, in your diet promote healthy skin and reduce wrinkles.
A constant diet of fatty, carbohydrate-laden foods is a huge cause of premature aging. Processed foods, red meats, white bread, and margarine cause inflammation in your body. This swelling can lead to skin flare-ups and wrinkle formation. These foods also add unhealthy levels of sodium, cholesterol, and fat into your body, increasing your likelihood of obesity.
Over the last 18 months I have been cutting down on my food intake, two years ago my own father died from heart disease among other things. This was a real wake up call for me as I approached the big “50”, so I have made it my mission over the last 18 moths to get my weight down. The biggest thing that has helped me is consistent portion control…Yes I was eating way too much, in fact my main meal was the same size as my husbands and 21 year old rowing/builder son…it was way too much food intake and I was piling on the kilos, over this period, I have significantly reduced the amount of food I eat, and I only ever use a small side plate to serve my meals on. This has been life changing for me and I am sure it will work for others as well. I also wait 20 minutes after eating before getting anything more to eat and by then my brain tells me I am full…it really does work.
Water is also my best friend, aiming for at least two litres a day. Some days I’m better than others but water is very good for our skin and hair health.
These two photos are taken 18 months apart the one on the left I am 48 years (may 2018) of age and 103kg I felt old frumpy and unhealthy, the one on the right is current 26 kilos lighter 50 years of age. If you want to know more feel free to ask me.
2. Alcohol and socialising, pros, and cons
For many alcohol is associated with socialising and having a good time with friends and family. Having a good old catch up, laugh and enjoying yourself actually has many positives and there is evidence from research that those who have a good social life and group of friends are happy and tend to live a bit longer than those whom are sad and lonely.
While a glass or two of wine every is no cause for alarm and let us face it most of indulge regularly or occasionally! Regular drinking can cause you to look much older than you truly are. Alcohol is a natural diuretic, which means that the more you drink, the more dehydrated you become. Your body relies on healthy fluids, i.e. water, for it to perform its normal body processes. Insufficient hydration leads to damage to your organs and premature aging of your skin.
By limiting your alcohol intake, you reduce the amount of work that your liver needs to do to flush out toxins and impurities from your body. The texture and moisture of your complexion will improve, you will lose unwanted pounds and your sleep will become more restful.
3. De-Stress
Nothing can age you quite as fast as a constant sense of worry, anxiety, and stress. Studies have shown that prolonged periods of stress can alter your DNA. Chronic stress caused by work, family unrest or other triggers, leads to increased blood pressure, sleep disruptions and acne breakouts. These ailments all have a negative impact on how we age.
Do your best to find healthy ways to deal with stress. Taking some time each day to unplug and enjoy some quiet solitude can go a long way towards reducing your stress levels. Go for a walk, read a book or soak in a warm tub. Make de-stressing a priority and your body will thank you.
4. The importance of a good night’s sleep
Insufficient sleep has become a worldwide epidemic. It has been widely proven that a lack of sleep leads to impaired cognition and memory performance. Over time, prolonged sleep disruptions can severely impact our immune systems, decision making processes, response time and other key brain functions. Sleep deprivation is also linked to a speed-up in the aging process. Reduced skin elasticity, uneven pigmentation and under-eye puffiness have all been linked to poor sleep quality.
Many people say that as they get older, they need less sleep however, studies show that it is still ideal to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
5. Smoking
It should come as no surprise that smoking is on this list. The list of ways that cigarette smoking negatively impacts your health and aging process are endless. Illnesses such as heart disease, lung cancer, infertility, high blood pressure and emphysema are just a few of the ailments caused by smoking. It also deprives your skin cells of needed oxygen, causing your skin to turn a greyish yellow pallor. Studies show that smokers who quit at age 35 added 8 years to their life span and those who quit at age 65 added 2 to 4 years to their longevity.
6. Sun Exposure
The sun is such a tricky factor when it comes to ageing as it has good and bad effects. Some positives are it enhances your mood, helps relieve stress, improves sleep, and helps with Vitamin D.
Sunlight exposure impacts how much melatonin your brain produces, which is what tells your brain when it is time to sleep. When it gets dark, you start producing melatonin, so you are ready to sleep in about two hours.
Vitamin D is a vitamin involved in maintaining healthy bone strength. One way you can get this sun vitamin is exposure to the ultraviolet light from the sun. Despite how amazing the sun may feel on your skin, sunbathing is one of the worst things you can do when it comes to premature aging. Excessive exposure to UV rays weakens your skins blood vessels and skin cells, causing that dry, leathery look.
Protecting yourself from the sun’s dangerous rays is not difficult. Apply sunscreen to your face and other exposed body parts each morning. Make sunscreen application part of your daily routine, like washing your face and brushing your teeth
7. Positives of Exercise
Healthy aging begins with regular physical activity. Research shows that people who do consistently exercise have lower rates of cardiovascular disease and other age-related illnesses.
Exercise helps to increase beneficial hormones such as testosterone, lowers cortisol levels, improves mood, and controls blood pressure. It also keeps your weight stable and prolongs your life span. For the last couple of years, I have been using a fitness tracker, I compete against nobody but myself and track each days exercise/steps in my daily journal entry, for me this is a way of keeping myself on track. .
While it is impossible to turn back the clock on aging, there are some conscious things we can all do to slow down the aging process. Making the commitment to living a healthy, productive life will benefit you not only today, but in the years to come.
Vicki’s top list of current anti-ageing must haves
1. Age defence vital booster FACIAL -By Mukti
For DRY, DEHYDRATED AND AGEING SKIN -This facial provides luxurious hydration & anti-ageing properties to the skin
A dynamic, intensive high-performance facial, fortified with antioxidants, vitamins, peptides, and bioactive native organic extracts. This ultra-restorative facial boosts, collagen and elastin production while moisturising smoothing and hydrating the skin. Restore skin luminosity and hydration with targeted ingredients., that help minimise fine lines and wrinkles. Leaving your complexion smooth hydrated and radiant.
2. Mukti dermal roller
This is my new secret weapon to great looking skin. Georgie (our salon manager) and I have both been using this dermal roller along with the Mukti specialty serums, this helps with collagen renewal and antiaging.
3. Jeunora renew collagen capsules and powder
I take the hair skin and nails marine collagen with elastin, vitamin C + Keratin capsules along with Renew+ pure hydrolysed marine collagen powder. This has been a game changer for my skin and hair.
4. Pure Fiji Moringa Exotic oil
This is my favourite fragrance and body care product; it is so easy to apply rapidly hydrates the skin and locks in moisture to keep your skin perfectly nourished. I use this every morning after my shower and before bed at night.
5. BC Time restore shampoo and hair masque
The shampoo, conditioner and treatment are enriched with keratin, have an anti-aging effect: they eliminate visible signs of aging and at the same time stimulate the production of natural keratins. Thus, mature, feeble, and thinning hair is strengthened, repaired and resistant.
These are just some of the things that I personally have found get results. Yes, we sell these products but that is only because I have trailed and tested them and really believe in the benefits.
Other factors that can help us look years younger are :
- A great hair cut that suits your face shape and accentuates your best features.
- A hair colour that is aligned with your natural undertone, this can really make your skin glow.
- Wearing your colour palette.
- Having clothes that are made to suit your body shape.
- Looking after your skin morning and night + Never go to bed with your makeup on. Using good skin care.
The list could go on forever, but if you would like to know more, we are happy to give a complimentary consultation on any of our products and services.
I will leave you with these quotes.
