Aging is a natural part of life. However, many people wish to look younger than their age, and that’s okay. Many often associate looking younger than their age with positive perceptions. For example, people with youthful appearances appear healthier, happier, and more optimistic. Many people also see them as more capable and active, so 95% of people strive to look younger during job interviews. Ultimately, a youthful appearance can significantly boost one’s confidence and self-esteem.
Your face is one of the first things age affects. Besides aging, many other factors, such as your diet, lifestyle, and environment, can influence how your face ages. And while you can never stop the natural aging process, you can use several options and strategies to keep your face toned and youthful and slow down aging.
Read on and learn practical strategies to make your face more toned and youthful regardless of age.
- Consider cosmetic surgery
Among the quickest and most effective ways to make your face more youthful and toned is getting cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift. Facelifts are the third most popular cosmetic surgical procedure, with over 240,000 surgeries since 2020. The main goal of a facelift (or rhytidectomy) is to make your face look younger by pulling each side of your skin, particularly in your jawline, cheeks, mouth, and both sides of the nose.
Meanwhile, if you’re not ready to commit to a full one, you can opt for a mini facelift. As the name implies, a “mini” facelift only targets limited areas on your face, unlike a complete one, which addresses every area of your face.
This type of cosmetic surgery is perfect for younger patients already experiencing the initial signs of facial aging. Even with its limited target areas, a mini facelift can still offer the best results for the right patients and help them maintain the youthfulness of their facial appearance.
- Protect your face from the sun
The sun plays a huge role in your facial appearance. Research shows that 90% of your skin’s premature signs of aging are due to too much sun exposure. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can break down your skin’s elastin, making your face look dull, wrinkled, saggy, and have an uneven complexion.
To maintain your face’s youthful and toned appearance, you must be proactive in protecting your skin from the sun, especially when you always spend time outdoors. The following are some strategies to help protect your skin and face from UV rays:
- Always wear sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen may seem like an additional chore with no immediate results. Still, your skin will surely thank you for it ten years later. The sunscreen protects your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays, reducing your risk of wrinkles, fine lines, and even skin cancer. Preferably, choose a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30, known to block 97% of the sun’s UV rays. Reapply sunscreen every few hours for maximum protection.
- Wear sunglasses
Squinting your eyes for long periods due to sun exposure can cause the premature appearance of wrinkles, specifically around your eyes. To prevent this, always wear your sunglasses before stepping outdoors. Opt for bigger sunglasses with extensive facial coverage to protect your face and eyes from UV radiation and keep your face looking healthier and younger.
- Wear hats
Like sunglasses, wearing hats can protect your skin and face against the sun’s heat. Remember to wear wide-brimmed hats when you’re out on the beach!
Doing all these might take a few minutes off your day. Still, they can help you keep a glowing, youthful look.
- Get moving
While most people work out to keep their physique fit and healthy, it can also do great things for your face and skin. Being physically active increases blood flow to the skin cells. It helps transport more oxygen levels and nutrients to your face.
For more precise results, try facial exercises. According to ongoing studies, facial exercises may help improve your face’s muscle tone. You also release tension around your neck and face, reduce wrinkle appearance, and keep your face fit. Add facial exercises to your routine at least 3 to 5 times weekly for 20 to 30 minutes each time.
- Get your beauty sleep
Beauty sleep isn’t a myth. Only during your sleep can your skin repair itself and rebalance your body’s hydration. When you skimp on your beauty sleep, your skin can’t rejuvenate, causing your face to look dull, drab, and lifeless. Not to mention you’ll have thicker bags under your eyes.
To maintain a toned and youthful appearance, pay more attention and importance to your beauty sleep to smoothen out those wrinkles and eye bags. Consider investing in a satin pillowcase to get the most out of your beauty sleep. Cotton pillowcases can be rough on your face during sleep, promoting acne breakout and inflammation. Satin or silk pillowcases, on the other hand, are cleaner and gentler on your face, preventing friction against your skin.
- Create and maintain a skincare routine
Regardless of age, following a skincare routine will always be necessary. As you age, your skin’s elastin and collagen production decreases, eventually losing your face’s youthful and toned appearance.
A good skincare routine promotes collagen and skin cell production, keeping your skin looking young and healthy throughout your life. Ensure your skincare routine includes washing, exfoliating, and moisturizing your face.
Facial Care For A Beautiful Future
Aging is inevitable, but there are steps you can take to help make your face stay toned and youthful regardless of how old you are. After all, age is just a number.
Getting cosmetic surgery may be the quickest way to achieve a youthful appearance. Still, you must take care of your face to maintain the results. And if you have concerns regarding your face and skin, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor or dermatologist.