What I Do Daily To Make Myself Look At Least 10 Years Younger

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I never gave much thought to skincare when I was young. Despite having parents with a history of acne (and a few siblings who shared the same trait), I somehow dodged the teenage pimple years, breezing through high school with a clear complexion.

While my mother and older sister slathered on foundation every morning to hide their skin imperfections, I kept my face bare except for mascara and eyeshadow. I never used fancy facial soaps, moisturizers or serums and often fell asleep without washing my face. I also spent hours sizzling under the sun like a rotisserie chicken during the hot summer months at the beach, never considering the damage I was causing my skin.

It wasn't until my father came home after a dermatology appointment with his face covered in bandages from skin cancer removals that a little warning bell went off in my head. My father spent most of his weekends lazily drifting around our pool on a raft, oblivious to the need for sunscreen. I never used the protective lotion either — my girlfriends and I greased ourselves with baby oil to achieve what we considered a "healthy glow." I was only 21 at the time, but my tanning days ended after seeing the scars on my father's skin.

I didn't want my complexion to look like a catcher's mitt as I got older, so I started a deep dive into skincare and immediately began a routine that I have stuck with for over 40 years. And it has paid off! At 65, most people guess my age to be 50 or less. Everyone asks me what my secret is, but mostly, it’s common sense based on simple lifestyle changes we have already been taught. I eat healthily, exercise daily, drink tons of water, avoid cigarettes, drink little alcohol, invest in good supplements, use gentle cleansers, moisturizing creams and sunscreens, and visit a dermatologist regularly.

But genetics also play a big part in skin conditions and aging. Although the majority of my family suffered from acne, I had a grandmother on my paternal side whose skin was as smooth as a porcelain doll's. Fortunately, I took after her, but that didn't mean I was born with a free pass when it came to fine lines and wrinkles. I knew that to maintain my healthy complexion, I'd have to work at it just like everyone else because younger-looking skin takes time and commitment. Aside from using the skincare protocols mentioned above, I do three more things to help boost my youthful complexion.

1. Laughter — Every Single Day

Research has shown how stress affects our skin, causing inflammation, acne and premature aging. But frequent smiling and laughing tone facial muscles and increase blood flow to the face, improving the skin's appearance. Science has long suggested that laughter adds psychological and physical benefits to our well-being by boosting the immune system. This process naturally contributes to a healthier complexion and sparkling eyes. Also, I'm vigilant about my dental appointments to maintain

healthy, white teeth for a youthful smile. Sometimes, finding daily humor in a stressful world is easier said than done. I've certainly had my share of trauma, loss and health scares. But I still find SOMETHING to laugh about every day, no matter how lousy I may feel. Having a partner who lives life with a positive attitude also helps me get through stressful situations. We laugh a LOT, and I'm sure our humor has kept the stress lines and wrinkles at bay. Laughter truly is the best medicine!

2. Beauty Sleep

I take my sleep time very seriously and for a good reason. Deep sleep has a substantial impact on skin health. Skin cells are repaired and regenerated while getting some shut-eye, but a lack of sleep decreases collagen production. This has been attributed to wrinkles and sagging skin, so I've prioritized sleep as a part of my skincare regimen — even sneaking in a few naps during the week or weekend if possible. Sleeping with a clean pillowcase is also a must!

3. Skin Pampering

I have several friends who swear by a candles-and-bubble-bath routine or the occasional massage to pamper themselves, but for me, it's all about facials. Ever since my father's bout with skin cancer, I budgeted for the best at-home skincare treatments I could afford and found a regimen that works best for me. Masks, gentle scrubs, retinol treatments, chemical peels, serums and facial massagers are all part of my routine, and I do them myself at home. But the key is keeping my skin hydrated 24/7. Every morning, I cleanse and moisturize my face and apply sunscreen if I'm going out. In the evening, I take 5-10 minutes to do extra scrubs and treatments before finishing with a heavier nighttime moisturizer. This includes using a neck cream to avoid having a crepey decolletage.

I also moisturize my body several times weekly to prevent dryness, especially in the winter. I've heard other women complain that they don't have time for a skincare routine, but the way I see it, if you can spend an hour at the gym to tone your body, you should be able to spend 5-10 minutes a day taking care of your skin. After all, it's the human body's largest organ and needs protection from damaging elements, just like all other organs.

Little changes in your daily routine can improve your skin's appearance if you're willing to put in the effort. While it's true that genes have a lot to do with the aging process, attitude is everything and goes a long way in maintaining a youthful look. I embrace aging with a positive outlook, and those fine lines around my eyes are a result of years of laughter — the perfect badge for a life well lived.

 
What skin product do you just love? Can you make a recommendation? Let us know in the comments below.