7 (not so secret) secrets to staying youthful


If you stop and think about it, once, that face in the mirror had a natural glow, there wasn’t a wrinkle or blemish to be seen – or a gray hair, nothing drooped or bulged or ached. But slowly, day after day, year after year, that all changes. There’s no escaping it: we’re all aging.

But while it’s true there’s no escape from the effects of time, it doesn’t mean we can’t slow it down here and there. Here are Shop Talk’s 7 favorite ways to do just that:

  1. Stop smoking: Set aside the risks of lung cancer and heart disease, smoking takes its toll on our looks, prematurely aging skin by 10 to 20 years and making it three times more likely to get premature wrinkles, not to mention hollow cheeks and stained teeth. Do anything you can to stop.
  2. Load up on antioxidants: Free radicals in the environment and our food break down the skin’s elastin and collagen making it age. Antioxidants like vitamins B and E can slow down the process and protect the skin. Among the foods with the highest levels of antioxidants are goji berries, blueberries, dark chocolate, cranberries, artichoke and cilantro.
  3. Eat more good fats: You may have heard how omega-3 fatty acids (so-called good fat) may reduce the risk of heart disease but they can also make your skin look smoother and younger. Find them in fish like mackerel and salmon, as well as flaxseeds and walnuts.
  4. Eat fewer carbs: Foods with a high glycemic index like white bread, pasta and potatoes form products in the body that can lead to sagging skin and increased susceptibility to sun damage.
  5. Exercise more: Regular physical activity is a way to lose weight and stay healthy, of course, but another positive side effect is feeling and looking younger. So, find a sport or hobby that gets your heart pumping and stay young while you do it!
  6. Stress less: Life has a way of taking turns we don’t expect or welcome – that’s inescapable. In fact, hormones naturally released in stressful situations can have serious aging effects on our bodies, right down to the cellular level. Try to find ways to effectively manage or reduce stressful situations, through more sleep, meditation or relaxation.
  7. Stay hydrated: Water doesn’t just have a profound impact on how our body functions, it keeps us healthy looking too. Not drinking enough can make our skin dry and flaky. If you often forget to drink enough during the day, keep a bottle nearby and refill it often. Your skin will thank you.

What are your most effective tips for staying youthful? Please share them now the Shop Talk blog community forum!

Did you know: Avoid skin damage

About 25% of our lifetime sun exposure occurs before 18 years old – if your kids aren’t wearing sunscreen regularly, they should be.   (Source)

17 thoughts on “7 (not so secret) secrets to staying youthful

  1. I think all the advise of staying youthful is great. I also think that wearing clothes that make you look younger than you are would help.

  2. I normally drink 96 oz of water a day. I have 1 Dr Pepper a day. It does not quench my thirst. Soda will not do that. It is also not good for you. I will add calories too. You should drink 6-8 (8 oz) glasses of water a day. It is good for you and should quench your thirst.

  3. All the above plus take daily vitamins and use lots of lotion from head to toe, especially on the face with sun protection factor.

  4. I still like, “Find a time machine and go back to being 18” better. 🙂

  5. Yes it’s super important to drink a lot of water!! My skin hates me when I don’t drink enough..also I am a smoker (ugh) 35 years old and trying to quit..it takes a toll health wise most important but also yucky teeth dry skin and oh boy WRINKLES! Thank you for the tip on vitamins B&E!

  6. It’s so hard to drink the appropriate amount of water throughout the day. The effects of more water are wonderful so it is worth it, just gotta get in a routine. Great post!

    1. The older that I get, the more I see the value in getting my H20 as offer as I can..

    2. Not exactly a reply, why was nt one of the tips staying happy? A smile can help you & whoever you see feel good.

    3. You may early onset diabetes you should see a Dr soon ! The being thirsty is a symptom of high sugar so getting a Dr ck up with a,blood test having you’re A1C checked out !

    4. I have found that being in a happy, loving relationship and my faith in God, first, keeps me forever youthful. Aging is a life cycle process we all must go through. I do not dread my grey hairs and few wrinkles. I am 63 years old and a 17 year stroke survivor (Aug 26, 2000). I have many reasons to be thankful and youthful. Having been married twice before which ended in divorce, I am now happily married for 21 years to my own “Prince”. Always eat right, monitor your health and get the much needed rejuvenation time…..sleeptime. Due to health reasons I can not exercise like most people do, so I try to do all the other things needed to ensure a better and more youthful life, like in the article above. Always be grateful for this moment, for tomorrow is not promised. Keep your past in your rearview mirror and make a point to learn lessons from everything you attempt to do. For those lessons are your springboard to the rest of your life. Mind over matter….you are what you think you are. I know I AM BLESSED!

    5. Only water and tea are good if you are thirsty. Soda has to much sugar, diet soda is not better

    6. Sodas? If you are thirsty, soda is very bad for you. Just one can of soda a day will add 14.5 pounds per year on you and plus it does not fill you up as your body does not register fullness from sodas and is why you want to drink more of it. Diet sodas are filled with artificial sweetener’s which impair an individuals health. Put a dash of orange juice or any juice you have handy in your bottled water. It is refreshing. Sometimes I just add a mint leaf for taste!

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