Aging is an inevitable part of life that no one can escape. However, some lucky women seem to defy the effects of time and manage to age gracefully and slowly.
So why do some women seem to age so well compared to others?
Genetics and skin type play a role, but lifestyle habits are a major factor that determines the rate at which women show visible signs of aging.
Women who lead healthy lifestyles by adopting smart diet and exercise routines, managing stress, and taking preventative skincare measures tend to age beautifully.
Their habits minimize factors that accelerate aging like sun damage, poor diet, lack of sleep and chronic stress.
If you’re wondering how to age slowly like the graceful women who look radiant at every age, adopting some of these habits can help you maintain a youthful glow for years to come!
15 Habits Of Women Who Age Slowly
1. They Don’t Scowl or Furrow Their Brows
This one sounds silly, but it can help! Limiting facial expressions like frowning or furrowing your brow can minimize formation of wrinkles and fine lines in those areas over time.
If you notice yourself frowning or squinting frequently, address the root cause such as mood, eye strain or needing glasses.
Botox injections can also “freeze” overactive wrinkle-causing muscles.
2. They Follow a Nutritious Diet
Diet plays a huge role in the aging process. Women who look younger often stick to a diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
These foods provide antioxidants and nutrients that fight free radical damage and keep cells healthy.
They also emphasize getting their daily dose of omega-3s from foods like salmon, walnuts and avocados to fight inflammation.
Limiting processed foods, sugar, alcohol and caffeine can also help minimize glycation, which accelerates aging.
3. They Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is key to maintaining a youthful look. Water plumps up the skin, aids in nutrient delivery and elimination of toxins, and keeps skin cells functioning optimally.
Aim to increase your water intake and drink at least 8 glasses of plain water daily, and more if you are physically active. Adding some fresh lemon can give your water an antioxidant boost!
Proper hydration will reflect in your glowing, smooth skin.
4. They Wear Sunscreen Religiously
Daily sunscreen use is a must to thwart premature aging. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to wrinkles, age spots and loss of elasticity.
Be sure to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all sun-exposed areas of your body every morning.
Reapply every two hours when spending time outdoors. Don’t forget your neck, décolleté and hands!
5. They Aim to Minimize Stress
High levels of stress can accelerate aging in many ways. Cortisol and other hormones released when we experience chronic stress leads to inflammation and collagen breakdown.
This can speed up the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin. That’s why relaxation practices like yoga, deep breathing and meditation are so important.
Creative hobbies and spending time in nature can also help minimize daily stress.
6. They Don’t Skimp on Sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to maintain a youthful glow. Lack of sleep can impair collagen production, allow free radical damage to run rampant, and even lead to accelerated shortening of telomeres.
Establish a relaxing pre-bedtime routine, limit electronics use in the evenings, and make sure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet for the best anti-aging beauty rest.
7. They Don’t Smoke or Drink Excessively
Smoking is like kryptonite for your skin. The toxins in cigarette smoke degrade collagen and elastin to promote sagging while drastically depleting oxygen and nutrients.
Alcohol also dehydrates the skin and body, leads to inflammation and disrupts sleep.
Avoid excessive drinking and limit alcohol to 1 drink or less per day, and quit smoking if possible for anti-aging benefits.
8. They Cleanse and Moisturize Skin Twice Daily
Cleansing your face each morning and evening allows you to wash away dirt, oil and impurities that can clog pores and lead to breakouts or irritation.
Use a gentle cleanser without parabens, fragrances or drying alcohols.
After cleansing, always follow-up with a moisturizer packed with antioxidants and skin-replenishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
This helps combat dryness and maintain a healthy barrier.
9. They Exfoliate 2-3 Times a Week
Gently sloughing away dead skin cells through exfoliation improves radiance and helps other anti-aging ingredients penetrate.
Use a chemical exfoliant containing alpha hydroxy acids 2-3 times per week at night to reveal brighter, smoother skin.
If you have sensitive skin, a gentle scrub with jojoba beads or a soft washcloth will also suffice. Always moisturize afterwards.
10. They Use Retinoids and Sunscreen Religiously
Retinoids (like tretinoin or retinol) and sunscreen are two of the most overwhelmingly proven anti-agers for the skin.
Retinoids boost collagen synthesis, even out pigmentation, and reduce wrinkles by increasing cell turnover.
They do make skin more sun-sensitive though, so daily SPF is mandatory when using them. Start slowly 2-3 nights per week and moisturize after applying.
11. They Eat More Anti-Aging Foods
Certain foods have amazing anti-aging and antioxidant benefits for the skin and body.
Try to regularly incorporate things like avocados, leafy greens, olive oil, tomatoes, turmeric, green tea and fatty fish into your diet.
Snack on nuts, seeds and berries for an easy nutrient boost. You really are what you eat – so eat more age-defying foods!
12. They Stay Active and Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to age well.
Women who remain active as they get older build lean muscle mass and bone density, which helps maintain a youthful, toned physique.
Regular exercise also improves circulation, brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin, and eliminates toxins.
Try to get in a combination of strength training, cardio and stretching for 30-60 minutes most days of the week.
Even light exercise like walking can make a big difference!
13. They Know Their Skin Type and Customize Care
Treating your unique skin type properly is key to maintaining a youthful glow. Dry skin needs rich creams packed with emollients, while oily skin benefits from lightweight gels.
Ingredient sensitivities, redness and acne should also be taken into account.
See a dermatologist if you’re unsure of your skin type so you can customize an anti-aging routine that works for you.
14. They Upgrade Their Makeup Routines
The right makeup picks can help minimize signs of aging, while the wrong ones can emphasize fine lines, dullness and dryness.
Look for makeup with luminizing pigments, moisturizing ingredients and light diffusing particles. Upgrade old makeup that oxidizes or settles into fine lines.
A sheer application will help makeup look seamless. Invest in new makeup tools like beauty sponges and soft brushes.
15. They Know When to See a Dermatologist
If you feel your at-home routine isn’t keeping up with your skin’s needs, don’t hesitate to see a board-certified dermatologist.
A dermatologist can assess your skin issues, get to the root of any problems, and offer personalized treatment options like cosmetic procedures or prescription skincare.
Professional treatments in a derm’s office can also help target specific aging concerns.
Making smart lifestyle choices has impacts beyond just looking youthful
Adopting habits that promote healthy aging will help you maintain a youthful glow in body and mind.
Getting adequate sleep, managing stress, staying active, eating a balanced diet, and caring for your skin will support the vitality that keeps you looking and feeling younger.
Habits like regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and stress management also support cardiovascular health and keep blood pressure in a healthy range.
So adopting an anti-aging lifestyle provides health benefits now and long into the future.
While genetics play a role, healthy lifestyle choices you make daily create the foundation for graceful aging and retaining a youthful spirit.
If you start these habits now, you’ll reap the rewards in the form of timeless beauty and abundant energy for years to come!
