Around the time my mother turned 50, I started hearing from friends and acquaintances that she looked especially youthful and young. And it’s true; you probably would not be able to guess her age just by looking at her. It’s uncanny how little she’s aged.
But lately, I’ve been pondering this notion of anti-aging, common among women from both Eastern and Western cultures. It has nearly become a virtue for a woman (and perhaps man) to look younger than her/his real age. From sipping herbal concoctions to going under the knife, we’ve come to accept that everyone should try to look younger than they really are.
I remember when I said so myself, quite matter-of-factly, to my husband (then boyfriend) a few years ago. “I’m just preventing a few wrinkles,” I said half-heartedly as I applied a serum, “You can’t ever start too early.” And I remember him asking me, “Why is it bad to look your age?”
I was puzzled. Is it bad to look your age? Some people must think so, because the beauty industry is brimming with product after product containing exotic ingredients all in the name of getting rid of a few wrinkles, spots and lines. Kelp, gold, caviar, mushrooms, herbs, truffles and more– we’ve plundered the earth for the sake of our skin.
Since I’m in my twenties, I’ve not thought too much about what I’ll look like when I’m old. But I wonder if I’ll be someone who is constantly trying not to look my own age, to convince everyone that I’m still forty years old even though that birthday party was many years ago.
Furthermore, how much of my time and resources will I invest into looking good? High-end products can be so expensive; are there other ways to keep me from aging prematurely?
More importantly, this brings me back to the question of what beauty really is. What is the value of a beautiful visage, and how do we define it? I’ve shared about my relationship with makeup in the past, but when it comes to aging, there are a few more considerations. I think the question I’d like to ask isn’t what I’ll look like, but what kind of person I’ll be. Will I be stuck in my ways? Will I still have a heart for adventure?Â
Aging is so much more than wrinkles and spots. It’s a process of becoming. And while none of us can hold off age (try as we might), all of us can decide whether we make progress as the years go by.
In the meantime, we can also make daily decisions to prevent ourselves from aging prematurely. And it does not have to be an expensive serum or weekly facial!
Since I admire my mother for reasons far greater than her ability to look younger than her age, I decided to ask her for some “anti-aging” advice to share with you all. For years, she used very few beauty products and instead kept excellent habits. And I’d like to pass them on to you! Thanks, Mom, for letting me share these tips!
1) Eat well. Like any mom, she recommends a variety of fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. Growing up, I often watched my mom prepare steamed broccoli, sliced apples, cubed honeydew and bananas. It is unsurprising that a healthy diet can lead to excellent skin. Want some tips on fruit and veggie juicing? Check out my preferred juicing method!
2) Cleanse regularly. No matter how tired you are at the end of the day, take off any makeup at least with a warm washcloth. Find a cleanser that is both gentle and effective for your skin, and use it everyday.
3) Exercise and sleep. I’m not good at this one, but of course it makes a difference! Keeping our whole bodies in good condition and our metabolism high will help us glow from the inside out. I’ve not been particularly successful with my intensive exercising goals lately, but I plan on walking more frequently and for longer periods of time.
4) Exfoliate and moisturize– and not just your face. Exfoliate: We all know that exfoliation removes dead skin, increases blood flow and allows for our skin to refresh itself. I love the Origins face scrub called Modern Friction. And did you know that you can make your own sugar hand scrub at home? Check out my recipe here! Moisturize: When I was growing up, I remember my mom blowing through bottles and bottles of body lotion. It was a simple drug store formula, but it has worked wonders. Be sure to moisturize your legs, arms, hands, neck and chest, especially after exfoliating.
5) Wear sunscreen. As a little girl, usually went to the beach all greasy and pale because my mom had slathered me in sunscreen. While this is a basic that so many of us skip (or don’t do enough of), sun damage is serious business. So use it everyday! And don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the back of your hands and tops of your feet when they’re exposed.
What are YOUR favorite anti-aging methods? And are you afraid of eventually looking your age? I would love to know!
You’re right!! Exercising is hard to get to doing, especially at the end of the day (or in the early morning)! I hope you find these helpful though– it mostly reminded me that being healthy and taking care of myself will help me glow from the inside out 🙂
I definitely need to do more of 3 and 4. It’s so hard exercising when I’m tired all the time! Oh and I also need to drink more water. It’s so easy to miss doing these things on a daily basis but over time they can make a big difference. Thanks for your recommendations!
xo, Serli
http://www.lesoleilchic.blogspot.com
Absolutely. Water is just so good for us, and you’re right about moisturizing our skin “from the inside”!
Thank you so much Amber. And you as well 🙂
Thank you Chelsea!!
I agree with all of your recommendation – one that I particularly believe is important is drinking water! Everyday! Tons of it! Such a simple “natural” moisturizer (:
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
These are great tips, and your mom looks so lovely! You both look young. =)
http://www.avecamber.blogspot.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/avecamber
I hope you are having a great week so far!
Amber
These are great tips!
Thank you Erin!! Yeah, I think step one is definitely staying healthy and achieving that healthy glow. So many people slather on products and more makeup to cover the fact that they’re not taking care of themselves… which usually only makes you age faster. Have you heard of the Origins Plantscription line? I really like it, and it’s within a reasonable budget. Some of the products on the market are just so expensive!
Thanks Laura!
Thanks Naima! Sunscreen will never be overrated, it’s so important and you can’t have enough of it!
Aw thank you so much Sarah! And it’s definitely good to have those aging-well genes, despite the fact that you look young now! And yes, it’s good and bad I guess that our overall health is reflected in our skin and faces!! I hear ya on the fries, though. I need to exercise… like actually!
Thanks girl! I appreciate it 🙂
Hats are great!! And I think sometimes they can be more effective than sunscreen which rubs off (and who really reapplies it??).
Oh goodness, tanning is the worst! I’d rather be pale than have serious sunburn, wrinkles or worse– melanoma.
Thank you Rachel! I’ve heard wonderful things about coconut oil, I’d love to know how you use it! Do you just put it directly on your skin?
And I get not having beauty as a first priority, and that totally makes sense! I don’t think we need to prioritize it over more important things– plus, so much of “anti-aging” is really about being healthy in a more holistic manner. 🙂
Aw, you and your Mom look so cute! 🙂 She does have a youthful face. 🙂 I recently had a freakout a few months ago about aging. Haha I’m almost 27 and don’t want to wait till it’s too late to start thinking about anti-aging techniques. Thanks for sharing this info!
xo Erin
http://www.winkandatwirl.com
Awe cute post!
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
This is a post targeted for a woman like me!! I’m all about the sunscreen and wear it everyday!! Thanks for a great post!
Naima
Milk Stripes
http://www.MilkStripes.com
Yes, sunscreen will never be overrated!! And thank you so much Heidi!! 🙂
Hahah baby steps… 😉
Ah! That kind of stinks… I don’t look younger than my husband, but sometimes people do think I’m young and treat me differently. It’s annoying!
That’s funny, I think I know a few people who would love to be mistaken as 19 years old (not me!). And I’m pretty sure no one wants to look older than they really are.. that would kind of stink haha. I think being at our age and embracing it is a good thing though. And grapeseed oil– I should try that!!
Yesssss, I’m not good at that! I think it also matters *when* we sleep… the earlier the better. And sunscreen will never be overrated, it’s so important!
Aw thank you so much Shannon! And yes, sunscreen is something I never leave without!
That’s wonderful to hear Elmira! I definitely think that health comes first, and then we don’t age prematurely. And I’m so impressed that people can’t guess your age either 🙂 It’s a testament to taking good care of yourself, which we all should do 🙂
Aw thank you so much Zelle!! And yes, I think maintaining overall health is the key to aging well 🙂
Aw thank you so much Chelsea you are so sweet!! And I am seriously so excited for your wedding, you’ll make a beautiful bride!
That is wonderful Kiki– I love your attitude. I hope to be a lovely mama like you one day 🙂 And haha, thanks (on her behalf)… the funny thing is she grew up and went through most of life not thinking she was particularly attractive! But now it’s pretty amazing since she’s almost 60 😉
Thanks Brooke!! And exactly– exfoliation is supremely important before we can really make all those other products effective!
Thank you Shannon!! 🙂 And I’m really on that same struggle bus, especially when it comes to exercising! Sometimes I think I should be a little more vain for the sake of my health 😉
Wow! I see where you get your beautiful looks! You and your mom are so adorable! I’ve always been amazed through the years when I find out certain people are my parents age or younger because they both have aged so well. I’m DEFINITELY lucky for that (even though my boyfriend complains that it looks like he’s dating a 16 year old and people think he’s a creep). Still, good genes don’t keep me from thinking of anti-aging creams and wrinkles. I look at my growing crow’s feet daily (I squint a lot because I have really, REALLY bad eyesight… since I was 6) While I’m definitely great at keeping up with my skincare (exfoliating, cleansing, moisturizing and WOAH sunscreen) I definitely needed reminding about the eating well. Since I look at fries as a food group, I should remember that my bad diet effects more than just my weight and ability to run. Great tips!
– Sarah 🙂
http://www.thecrownbijoux.blogspot.com
Great post! You and your mother are both BEAUTIFUL! xx
Thank you Megan! Yes, exercise is where I am most lacking on this list!! I need to be more vain sometimes for the sake of my health! haha!
I also spend most of the summer in a wide-brimmed straw hat to protect my face. I still managed to get a bit burned this summer, even with sunscreen, but my face didn’t burn at all.
Thanks girl!! Yeah, it’s kind of weird how she hasn’t changed since she was… 45? haha
I’m still mistaken for a high school student. It’s awkward when people think my 28-year-old husband is married to a teenager…
Thanks Shireen! And I would LOVE to read about your daily skincare– your reviews are always so witty and interesting, so I’m wondering what you use regularly!
Aw thank you Sarah! And yes, I *really* need to exercise, it’s not even funny. All those additional health benefits beyond maintaining a healthy weight! Let’s work on it together!
Aw thank you so much! I’m sure your mom is inspiring as well! 🙂
Thank you Joanna!! So glad to hear you agree about heathy habits– if our bodies are in good condition, then our skin shouldn’t be too far off 😉
I love your mom’s attitude!! So many people color their hair so I think it’s become an expectation nowadays. And yes– all of these things are more about taking care of our whole bodies, and not just for aesthetic purposes. 🙂
Yes, you’re right. Unfortunately different people do naturally age in different ways! And I agree that sugar is bad for us in so many ways (though I love a good cookie or cake). And I’m just like you! I use toner and moisturizing, and the occasional serum 🙂 And thank you Charity!!
SUNSCREEN. Yes. I have plenty of friends who have been concerned with tanning for 10+ years and now, in their late twenties, are complaining of wrinkles!
Wonderful post, Daisy! I don’t worry about anti-aging myself at this age, but I can get why people want to prevent looking older. While women can still look stunning with wrinkles, people probably want to stay looking as young as they feel or keep seeing the same face in the mirror. Thankfully my mom’s side of the family has good genes in this area.
I’m pretty awful about keeping any type of beauty routine up, I have to prioritize how to spend my little energy so that usually is put on the back burner. However, I’m trying to get better. For washing my face I like to use a gentle cleanser, or acne cleanser if I’m having breakouts, and then moisturize with coconut oil. The coconut oil is supposed to be really good for skin, and I’ve found it to be so, as long as I pair it with a cleanser.
I wish I would have embraced many sunscreen many years before I did! Great post and I appreciate how aging really about “becoming”. Love that line:)
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
Well, I do one out of those five things. Looks like I have a little work to do. 🙂
I’m not afraid of looking my age – I’ve actually always wanted to! It’s just weird to be mistaken for a college student these days. But honestly, I’d never want to look much older than I am, because vanity. I don’t drink or smoke (for other reasons, but this is a benefit), and use grapeseed oil on my face daily and a moisturizing cream at night.
SLEEP, SLEEP AND MORE SLEEP!!! I also wear sunscreen everyday! :0)
Now I know where you get your good looks from! Your mom is beautiful!! These are all such great tips! I think wearing a good sunscreen is huge!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
You are absolutely right. I think we all have to learn that getting old Well is ok. Your mother’s tips do work Daisy. Those are the things I do myself and not that I don’t want people to know my age but no one no one has ever guessed my age right even after they spent days with me:)
xo
Elmira
http://www.wellputtogetherstylebyelmira.com
You and your mom are just beautiful! And I love this piece — such great methods that attribute to your overall health!
xo Southern Style
OhMGee you and your mom are stunning sitting together! She has beautiful skin, I love these tips, thank you for sharing! Also you make one gorgeous bride! I will use these acting natural tips at my wedding 😉 Have a great Monday beautiful!
XO Chelsea http://www.shesaidhesaidfashion.com
Your mother is beautiful. Like wow, I cant even. I think I’m at a point in my life where I can embrace what is to come. Of course no one wants to look older, but these are things in life we must accept. We all get old, we all die. But geeze your mom could give those info-mercials a run for their money. (;
I’m all about the basics like you said, eat well, get enough sleep and drink enough water. Exfoliation is a big one too, the esthetician I go to told me without proper exfoliation any serums or lotions you use can’t do their job! Great post.
Brooke
http://www.pumpsandpushups.com
Such a great article Daisy! You moms skin is literally gorgeous! I’ve definitely taken to washing my face every.single,night, but I need to brush up on the exercise/eating more fruits and veggies…always a struggle, ugh!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Wow these are great! I should probably exercise more. My husband is so terrified of being too old to do things (mainly because his dad could never do any activities with him because of his knee replacements) But it’s all about your lifestyle!
These are great tips. Your momma is such a pretty lady, and you’re right, she doesn’t look her age at all!
You mum does look amazingly young for her age! My mum instilled the same ‘wisdom’ to me, lots of water, sleep, fruits, vegetables, always use body lotion, moisturizer and the likes. I also have the habit of taking supplements since I was in my early teen thanks to my mum. I think it all helps as my skin has always been really good. That being said, I think I should do a skincare routine post soon…..but goodness me on my list of products. LOL!
Reflection of Sanity
Your mom looks amazing! My dad and grandmother went gray really early and I know I’m headed down that route, too. But, I’ve always said I will embrace it–and I will! I love these tips and follow most of them already but really need to get on the vegetable and exercise wagon! I’ve gotten to the point that I can’t go to bed without washing my face! 🙂
That’s such a cute article, love the fact that you take advice from your Mom !!
Mine is also such an inspiration 🙂
http://www.pardonmyobsession.com/
You and your mom are both so beautiful, Daisy! I agree that aging gracefully and naturally, and keeping healthy habits is the way to go. A healthy diet is really the secret, I swear. I’m in my 20s too but my mom has similar habits as yours and looks absolutely amazing. I love these tips. xx
lovejoanna.com
I think you really touched on a deeper topic here–I feel like my own Mom has been a great example to me of getting older with grace and without regret, simply enjoying each season as it comes without sighing for the past. I do tend to hope that i get my dad’s genes as far as hair that doesn’t turn gray–but I love my mom’s attitude toward her own salt-and-pepper hair. When people tell her if she colored her hair she’d look younger, she just says that she earned every one of her gray hairs, why would she give them up? 🙂 At the same time, I’m all for sunscreen and healthy habits! Most of the things that cause premature aging are unhealthy for the rest of your body, too, it’s good to stay away!
I also believe that genetics play a huge role in how we age. Taking care of ourselves, like you mentioned above, is so important. I eat healthy, exercise, drink lots of water and keep my sugar intake low! I don’t get caught up in all of the beauty gimmicks but I do use a facial serum, toner and moisturizer everyday day and night which seems to help a lot with my aging skin 😉 Love the pictures of you and your mother…