Getting older comes with a new set of challenges. If you’re over the age over the age 40, you might be noticing many changes in your hair, skin and body. You can’t keep the same beauty routines that you have had all of your life. You’ve got to change the way you apply your makeup, the clothes you wear, your hair and skin care regimens. I can’t turn back the clock for you but I can provide essential tips and tricks to fool people about your age.
Skin
Your skin is the first place signs of aging show up. Changing your skin care regimen is crucial! Cleanse your face daily with a mild, gentle cleanser. Anything else will dry it out and dry skin looks even older. Look for a creamy cleanser that is infused with oils. Don’t use astringents, toner, or anything alcohol based. Your skin needs moisture more now than ever.
Apply sunscreen daily. This may be the most important step of your skin care routine. Slather it on like it’s going out of style. Don’t skimp on it! Do not use tanning beds anymore and minimize the amount of time you spend directly in the sun. Liver spots are a tell tale sign of aging which you have a little bit of control over by decreasing your sun exposure.
Moisturize
Apply a good moisturizer daily. For best results, look for a moisturizer that contains hydroquinone, Vitamins A and C and glycolic acid.
Facials
Facials make a noticeable difference. If you can afford to, get regular facials at a spa. An esthetician will assess your skin type and needs, moisturize your skin with quality products and recommend products for you to keep your skin in tip-top condition. You may even want a microdermabrasion treatment occasionally to resurface your skin and remove all of the dead cells. This service provides great results. If you can’t afford spa treatments there are many over the counter face masks and other products to revitalize your skin.
Facial Hair
As we age our hormones change, and you may notice some odd hairs sticking out in places you’ve never noticed. The chin is a highly hormonal area. You may notice acne there when you are younger, and stray hair there when you are older. Another area you may notice more hair is your upper lip. All of a sudden you might have a mustache! Ugh! There are a few options to manage this problem.
- Laser hair removal – This can be painful and expensive.
- Waxing
- Finishing Touch Flawless Facial Hair Remover – I highly recommend this! This is a battery operated, portable handheld device that is designed to look like a tube of lipstick and even has a built in light! It gently and painlessly removes hair anywhere on the face whether it be those pesky wiry hairs or even light peach fuzz.
Diet & Exercise
Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated. Also, eating a sufficient amount of protein and vegetables (dark greens) have been shown to improve your complexion. Cut back on salt. Salt makes you bloated and puffy looking.
Get as much exercise as you can. This helps with weight loss as well as circulation. When your blood doesn’t circulate properly, your skin looks older and sometimes even blue!
Hands
Wrinkled dry hands tell your age quickly. Apply a good lotion several times a day. Remember, it gets washed off many times 
a day when using the bathroom, washing dishes or performing other tasks throughout the day.
Nails
Keeps nails manicured and polished. People will pay attention to your polish color along with the shape of your nails and may not even notice the wrinkles or imperfections on your hands. It’s a great trick.
Teeth
Have you noticed that people who look young and maybe even appear more beautiful have white teeth that highlight their smile?
Pay attention to what foods you are eating and drinking. Many substances stain your teeth such as coffee, wine, BBQ sauce and colas. Opt for lighter colored food and drinks. Switch to white wine instead of red.
Brush twice a day and rinse with mouthwash.
Whiten your teeth. There are many over the counter products to whiten teeth as well as professional treatments.
Smoking – DON”T. Smoking decreases your blood circulation, causes wrinkles and turns your teeth yellow, or even worse – brown. Look at the image on the right. This shows how many wrinkles form around your mouth from smoking. Yuck!
Hair
Aging causes hair to become thinner, dull and gray. When you look at photos of women who appear more youthful looking, they have smooth, silky hair that still has color and luster. Don’t shampoo your hair every day. This strips your hair of the moisture it needs. Get creative and find alternate hairstyles for the days you don’t wash your hair. You can clip it up in a cute 
twist or a bun. If absolutely needed, use a dry shampoo in-between washings.
Minimize (or stop) the use of heated styling tools. Your hair is most likely more dry now and using heat to style your hair on a daily basis can cause a lot more damage.
Apply a shine serum or gloss to your hair as a finishing touch. Moroccan oil is an excellent product to use to add shine and moisture. It creates a healthy, silky, vibrant look.
Color
Gray hair definitely shows your age. Not many people have gray hair in their 20’s unless they are trying out the new fad of having silver/gray hair. That still looks very different from the natural graying process. Hair color (not bleach) is not as damaging as it used to be. Many hair color lines include awesome moisturizing and replenishing ingredients. There’s a good chance these days that your hair will be healthier AFTER coloring. You can go to an expert at a salon, or stay home and do it yourself. You can achieve great results and save tons of money by doing it yourself.
As you get older, your skin tends to look more sallow, pale and transparent. Darker colors appear harsh, even if you were born with dark hair. You can choose an overall color that is a shade or two lighter than your natural color or you can have a little bit deeper base color and add highlights. Personally, I have been coloring and highlighting my hair at home my entire life. Imagine the money I have saved!
Sleep
Sleep is another essential factor in looking younger. Your body needs time to repair and regenerate. When you don’t get enough sleep, you wake up with bags under your eyes which surely aren’t attractive or youthful looking. Set a bedtime for yourself and stick to it. I’m currently working on this one. Your body will thank you.
Take care of yourself. A little effort goes a long way!
For makeup tips please read Makeup Tips For Women Over 40
