Not long ago, I was asked where I’d just graduated from and if I’d started working. Considering I have not seen the inside of a University for erm… umpteen years, I was terribly amused. I mean, I felt it was a bit of an exaggeration, but when I told them my actual age (40) they didn’t believe me. Perhaps they meant I was a mature student at Uni eh?
But naturally, I felt good about being thought I looked younger than I really am, wouldn’t you LOL! 😀 But what prompted the disbelief, I was later told, was in the lack of some tell-tale signs of aging in my physical make up. I thought it would be fun to share that bit of trivia with you! But it’ll interest me to know if you have, or are regularly perceived to be younger than what you actually are? 😉
Physical signs of age #1 – Lined, dry, gnarly hands
Want to know if someone is faking their age? Look at their hands. It’s a sure-fire give away of their true age. But the sad thing is that it goes both ways. If you don’t care for your hands, they may actually look older than you are!
So, take care of your hands. Wear gloves whenever you do household chores (it makes a HUGE difference, I promise you!), and apply hand cream to moisturise your hands and keep the skin supple. After all, if you moisturise your face, why not your hands right?
The thing for me, is that I don’t use hand cream a lot. I’m not one of those who slather on hand cream throughout the day, with a tube in their handbag at all times. I only apply it once, at night, before bed. That’s all I can handle. So I guess I’m just lucky to have fairly smooth hands (if I don’t say so myself! Ahem! 😛 )
Physical signs of age #2 – Lined, sagging skin around the jawline, neck and décolletage
Your neck. How many of you care for the skin on your neck and décolletage? Do you use a dedicated cream for your neck or do you just forget about it and hope for the best? You might be interested to know that our neck, jawline and décolletage area can tattle on your real age.
These days, you can even get creams and serums and potions just for the neck! But you know what? Let me tell you a secret that will save you loads of money. Don’t waste your time and money on these “neck creams”.
Instead, just extend your skincare routine down to your neck! Whatever you apply on your face, just extend it downwards to your neck and décolletage. Toners, serums, moisturisers… everything! Yes, even sunscreen!
I have been doing this for a while, without really thinking about it, and I must say that it pays dividends. I tend to be quite liberal in the use of my facial skincare, which is why I started doing this. I’d find that after apply my product to my face, I still have some excess on my hands, so instead of wasting it, I’d apply it to my neck. Soon, it became my routine. Do you do the same?
Physical signs of age #3 – Pigmentation spots
This would really be a dead give away of my age, because I have pigmentation spots. But I try to keep it under control using products and always being diligent about using sunscreen. Using a whitening product would help too. There is a fine line between when freckles stop being cute and start making your skin look dull. Unfortunately, unless you undergo laser treatment (which, despite many many requests, I won’t, sorry if you’re hoping I’ll tell you about my experiences some day) there’s no way you can get rid of your pigmentation. So, prevention via a good sunscreen used daily without exception, rain or shine, summer or winter, is your best bet. If all fails, hello, makeup! 😀
Physical signs of age #4 – Lined, dry lips
This one’s very visible too and might be something you notice. When you’re younger, with your skin plumped up with springy collagen, everything looks better. Lips look more plump, pink and smooth. Then it goes downhill from there LOL!
So, treat your lips. Drink lots of water, don’t lick your lips, and don’t wear too much lip balm. I know, that last tip sounds counter productive, but seriously, I’d suggest you look into using a lip treatment product instead of slathering on lipbalm umpteen times a day. I’m in that camp that believes that too much lipbalm is not good, and can actually make you dependant on using it. I am also one of those who do not use lip balm at all (unless I’m where the weather calls for it) but otherwise, here in the humid tropics, you don’t really need a lip balm.
I use the Lucas Papaw Ointment as my nightly lip treatment. I apply some on, and go to sleep. It’s the only “treatment” I do, and it seems to help my lips stay supple and pretty much flake and line-free. Also, always use a proper makeup remover to remove your lipstick at the end of the day. You might be surprised when you run a piece of cotton pad over your lips, just how pink it turns out to be. The build up of product can dull the skin of your lips.
Speaking of lipstick, I find that using a lighter, glossy textured lipstick in a brighter shade of rose, red or pink actually makes you look younger than if you were to go for something opaque and matte and deep coloured like plum or brown or deep red. Don’t believe me? Try it and see for yourself! 😀
Physical signs of age #5 – Lines around the eyes
This one’s a sure-fire sign of age. But at the same time, I believe sometimes we can’t help ourselves because it could just be our genetic make up. For some of us, the mere act of smiling causes the skin around the eyes to crinkle and the eyes to disappear. For others, it doesn’t happen.
In the former category, you will notice lines forming much earlier in life (I don’t consider this a bad thing – smile lines are always a good thing!) While eye creams help soften these lines, nothing really eradicates it, except maybe botox. But using an eye cream diligently is good practice, to keep the skin around the eyes hydrated, similar to the rest of your face.
I won’t preach too much on this point, because I’m TERRIBLE at using an eye cream diligently. Horrible! So, I should put my money where my mouth is, and actually DO something about it! LOL 😀
Physical signs of age #6 – Dry, Lined skin
The most obvious signs of age would show on your facial skin. Skin looks lined and dry. What you need therefore is to take proper care of your skin.
I have switched my cleansers to cleansing balms and cream type cleansers, because they’re less drying and more gentle on dry skin. Also, I amp up the hydration (I always use both a face mist and a hydrating lotion/toner/serum) and on top of all that, I have introduced retinols, chemical exfoliants, facial oils and anti-aging serums and creams into my routine.
It all sounds a lot, I know. I’m always playing around with my skincare, tweaking and testing as I go, but it will make a difference to your skin in the long run and really, that’s what we’re here for right? The best way to care for our skin! Looking younger is a bonus, actually 😀
Physical signs of age #7 – Thin brows
The funny thing is, many aunties I know tattooed their brows back when they were younger, so they don’t have thin brows now that they’re older, they now sport blue brows 😛 I personally have never tried brow tattoos (whew!) or brow embroidery so I’m not going there.
But one of the thing that happens as you age is loss of hair. That includes your brows. So, learn to pencil in your brows, and extend the “tail” of your brows just a little longer than their natural length. Longer, thicker brows look more youthful than thin, short brows so it’s a simple tip to bear in mind!
Physical signs of age #8 – Loss of skin elasticity and collagen
This one’s tricky and very true unfortunately. If you look at a young child or baby, their skin is plump, elastic and if you pinch it, literally SPRINGS. Man, what wouldn’t I give to have that boing boing skin again! Well, sans the naivete of youth, naturally 😛
So, we fake it, with skincare products and sometimes, makeup 😛 But I’d like to mention another area that can affect the quality of your skin – lifestyle.
If you want your skin to remain supple and elastic for longer, take a look at your lifestyle. Do you drink excessively? Do you smoke? If your answer to both questions is yes, stop. I know, it’s easier said than done, but it ultimately comes down to your skin (and general) health right? I know of people who tell me that smoking (or social smoking as they call it) helps them keep the weight off. I tell them, it’s no use being thin if you’re going to dry out to a husk and die young 😛
As for drink, I partake of the occasional tipple myself but I try not to overdo it. When I drink, I also drink a lot of water to flush my system, and to rehydrate because alcohol is very dehydrating. It also kills brain cells, so if I start behaving a little strangely, erm… yes, I drink! LOL 😀
I would also say that regular exercise will not only keep your body in tip top shape, but will be good for your skin as well. All that blood circulation, you know. But I’m not your best example because I’m the laziest bugger you ever did meet 😛 I try, I try… but I’m not the best person to preach this.
So, I do the next best thing. I watch my food. No, not in the sense of being super careful about what I eat. I ensure I eat everything, but I eat in moderation. I don’t shy away from fried foods, or junk food or what is perceived to be unhealthy food. I eat a lot of fruits, vegetables and whole foods (unprocessed or less processed foods) where possible without going overboard and getting on any dietary bandwagon.
I don’t take a lot (or any) dairy foods because I’m mildly lactose intolerant, but I later learned that dairy isn’t good for the skin so if you’re breaking out a lot, but eat a lot of dairy, try stopping and see if that helps.
Ditto sugar. I’m not a sweet person. Yes, that’s a true statement, whether or not related to food LOL! 😀 But even when it comes to food, I’m not into desserts. I may take the occasional cake or cookie, but I don’t generally eat sweet foods because they don’t satisfy my tastebuds. I’m more into savoury food, so I’d happily whack off a main course of meat and potato stew, but you know how they say everyone has space for dessert? I don’t. I’m happy to walk away thereafter. But that’s a good thing, because sugar is also bad for your health and your skin. So if your skin is similarly breaking out and you enjoy your sugary sweet desserts, consider cutting back.
Eat everything in moderation – fats, oils, vegetables, fruits, meat, carbohydrates – but eat. Your body needs nutrients from food to heal itself and to manufacture collagen and renew skin cells… you can’t expect to be on a 500kcal a day diet pumped with weird hormones and still expect to look good, can you? Sure, you may look thinner, but your skin will be shit. So, don’t be so silly. Eat, drink and be merry – your skin will thank you for it! 😀
Sometimes, it’s just in your genes
Are you often mistaken for being younger than you are? Do you consciously take steps to address these physical signs of ageing?
To be honest, I don’t consciously go all out to look younger. I just do what I can to improve the quality of my skin and health, as much as I can. But I suppose my cultivated habits have translated themselves into better, younger looking skin, which I’m happy about. Just because I’m older doesn’t mean I actually have to LOOK older right? 😛 But on the flipside, I also believe that our genes and genetic make up plays a big role as well. So, do what you can but don’t go overboard. Sometimes, the buck stops at our genes 😛
Paris B
A few days ago, I stopped by to get a bottle of wine. I was asked to show my ID. I did a doubletake because I sure as hell am older than the checkout chick. I attribute that to my casual outfit. Grinning like an idiot, I handed over my ID and had a chuckle when SHE did a doubletake on my ID.. And you’re absolutely right, it’s genes as well. I know I look way younger than most of my counterparts and peers simply by being Asian. (and being sun-savvy). I do what I can to be healthy and to take care of my skin but at the end of the day, you do need to play the hand you’ve been dealt with. You make the most of it with the help of science and by being careful 😉
LOL!! She might have thought your ID was fake 😉 But yes, genes (your parents don’t look their age!) and also being Asian does help. Asians do tend to look younger for longer although we do have other sets of problems 😛
#2 – why was i born with so much neck lines 🙁 no amount of products can help!!!!
Time for neck botox? 😛
I got whacked pretty hard by a massage lady in Phnom Pehn because she thought I was lying about my age! @.@ I have my parents to thank I guess… they (and my grands) look pretty young for their age 🙂
Is there any reason you won’t consider laser treatment for your pigmentation? I’ve been really toying with the idea to get mine lasered off but the husband doesnt allow (too near to the eyes, he says -___- )
Hahhaha so mean of her! You, my dear, look like a school girl! >.< As for laser treatment, I'm just not certain I'm ready to go with it and the possible side effects. Even if it's just 0.1% of a side effect, the risk is there. I had an experience once where my skin turned darker and yellow. It scared me. Also, it's not a one time thing. You have to undergo a few sessions to actually see any results, and then possibly keep up some sort of maintenance so it's costly. I figured since hyperpigmentation isn't affecting my life in any negative way, I'll just learn to live with it 😀
Icic!! Thanks so much for the input. Yeah, the maintenance is the thing that is putting me off for now 🙁 I really hate mine but the husband insists that he can hardly see them (confirm lying lo, he is not THAT blind!! Haha). Lets hope that next time he will do the same when I start losing my teeth!! Wahaha!! XD
Hahaha good for you! Every time we go to California I get asked for my ID when ordering a beer, so I guess I’m doing ok for my age! I think a lot of aging has to do with good genes though. My mama had gorgeous skin up to the day when died which was too young(68). Me, I stay out of the sun as much as possible, wear sunscreen and drink A LOT of water. And I exercise too! I love Zumba and walking. Without them my brain would go crazy. Keeps me sane to move my body. And I try to take care of my skin too. I don’t wear makeup every day even though I’m a blogger. If you take care of your skin, you won’t want to cover it up haha!
Haha Tracy, they probably can’t believe your age once they see your ID! 😀 Genes aside, it looks like you’re practicing a good and healthy lifestyle and skincare routine and it’s naturally paying dividends. I’m really into skincare too. Sure, my skin isn’t perfect, but I can work to get it as good as it can be!
I’m going to be 40 next year. People just don’t believe me. While I’m flattered here are just a few examples as to why I do not like looking younger
-I got carded for buying a rated R movie at Walmart
-I was told to not pick up breakable objects in Bath and Body works without adult supervision
-when I went to purchase my wedding band I was asked if my dad would be paying for it
-I was carded for buying wine and after showing the cashier my license they still didn’t believe me (why on earth would I lie about being 39)
-when I went to pick up my rental at the airport I was told that I had to be at least 25 to rent the car even though it was under my name
-at the grocery store the man behind me asked me if I had been in his senior class the previous year. High School Senior. I kindly told him that I had just attended my 20th reunion last year.
Hahaha you totally cracked me up Tracy! 😀 Looking young most certainly can have its pitfalls too eh? 😀
I’m actually surprised at myself that I actually follow most if not all of the tips above. And although I’m not in my twenties yet, every time I look in the mirror, I look at least 5 years older than my age. UHH… maybe it’s heredity, don’t know. But when I ask my friends about it, they said I looked my age. Maybe it’s just me. Time will tell lol. If it’s genes, what can you do right ? *sigh*
Hahaha Robert, this post should carry a disclaimer “For those 30 and above” LOL! I’m serious though. When I was younger, I actually looked older, in the sense of looking more matured. But I grew into it as I got older, and now I look younger than I am. So, don’t fret and don’t give up and when you’re my age, people might still think you a baby-faced 20 something 😉
:))
LOL well there are 3 types of age:
Numerically (from the date of birth)
Physically (skin, hair, bones – to grow, regenerate, ability to heal & etc.)
Mentally (ability to capture, learn, interpret & memorize)
I don’t worry about my age. More of my health.
I noticed many remarked that my Mom’s side appear younger than their age. I would say living within means (less stress), eating real food & fruits (less artificial ingredients, fruits from village plenty of antioxidants e.g. mangosteens, soursop,bananas etc), regular exercise e.g. stretching, walking & swimming & stuffs like tht helps & they do not even apply creams.
Many of my cousins are in engineering/meds field but none are fans of laser surgeries/cosmetic etc knowing the side effects & it is a huge investment esp every 3-5-7 years hv to go bck for maintenance. But all of them are aware of benefits of exercise, detox, alkaline diet to balance the wine/meat/sugar intake (esp.during festive seasons ahaha).
My bro smokes but his hair & skin are better thn mine coz he used organic stuffs & home made enzyme to wash his hair. I tried tht. my hair scalp is pretty happy wth tht too.
I don’t think age is anything worth worrying over to be honest. We all age anyway LOL But looking younger or better does make us feel better 🙂 I’m not a fan of anything artificial which is what I consider lasers/surgery to be. As you’ve pointed out, there’s a maintenance cost involved and really, all that money could be put to much better use!
I think it’s actually quite hard to tell a person’s age nowadays. Many seem to look younger than they are 🙂 It’s definitely flattering to be mistaken as being younger, just like how nobody would believe I’m married with 3 children already, and close to 40. Feels good, for sure! Looks are only superficial though. While taking care of appearance is important, I’m paying more attention to my health. Apart from health benefits, plenty of exercise and water make your skin glow from inside out too 🙂
Yep, I have noticed that, and possibly so also because a lot of people now know about taking care of themselves, whether their health or skin. It’s always a good thing, and always makes me feel good anyway not being guessed my real age HAHA! Vanity eh?
For me it’s all about how fresh the skin looks and how good your hands appear. I can have a beard and long hair, get guessed my age yes.. but the second I shave I’m back to 23.
Oh yes, general appearance and dressing helps too. And having shorter hair. I find that in girls, long hair can be aging past a certain age, while shorter hair makes someone look younger. Same with shaving for guys, I guess 😀
I try to do the same thing with my face products – I apply to my neck and my hands, as well. I think it’s important! I can only talk about prevention at this point, but I need to look for another spot treatment serum. I have a few sunspots (it’s hard to be active AND stay out of the sun, unfortunately) that I want to mitigate.
I’ve actually given up on my spots LOL Just making sure that they don’t multiply for now 🙂 But it’s good practice applying skincare to the next and hands. I think these areas are the most overlooked!
Yes. I am still being asked for my identification card when I purchase wine. I do most of what you have – sunscreen, eye cream, apply skincare on neck, hand cream, moisturiser, etc. However, I cannot escape having lines around my neck. It upsets me.
I think, what I really need to do is to have more sleep!!!
I guess genes came into play in the end 🙂 But hey, you’re still being carded! Not a bad thing! 😀 Oh yes, sleep is very important. When I have poor or bad sleep or am going through a rough patch, everything suffers and I look like hell. Naturally, I look older then too LOL!
It’s the genes! Let me tell you a story. My sister is two years younger and she, currently at 25, looks older than me. I take from my mother’s side (who looked like she was in her 20’s wayyyy into her 40’s until a hysterachtemy destroyed her supple youthful skin & looks). However all my aunts at my father’side struggle(d) with aging and weight related issues.
Also I have noticed that people with oily skin tend to age slowly. Despite the absolute horrors of acne and blemishes, I do thank the extra oil for keeping my skin from being parched.
I do believe prevention is better than cure however, when I see people stocking up on anti aging serums that are super popular these days, I wonder, is it a fad? Are we being promised things that won’t happen?
Thank you for sharing Rage and you are so right about genes and oily skin! Indeed, anyone with oily skin will age more slowly because the lines won’t show up as quickly. Dry skinned gals like me have a harder time ensuring our skin looks line free and therefore younger 🙂 As for prevention being better than cure, I think it’s both. Anti-aging serums do a good job, if they are good products and if you already have signs of aging. However, I don’t believe in being pushed to use anti-aging products when you’re too young. As an example, locally (and in Asia generally) we are pushed anti aging products as early as in your early 20s. This is a time when your skin is usually at its most supple and there are other concerns – hydration, radiance, clarity – and anti aging skincare tends to be heavier and oilier. It’s often no wonder I see people complain about oily skin when they might be using products that are just too rich for them, because they want to “prevent” aging. I think also people are just too scared about aging. I blame the media for that 😛
I don’t know about Physical signs… your haircut is just stunning! Big hugs from (the long suffering) Greece!
Hi Amalia, thank you for liking my hair! 😀 I’m so sorry to hear about what’s happening in Greece – I do hope that you guys pull out of it soon and that life returns to some sort of normalcy! Big hugs! x
:((
Today I just realised this about me: “Physical signs of age #3 – Pigmentation spots”
WOE.
Haha got meh? 😛 well there’s laser, but if you don’t want that route, go for skincare that will give skin hydration and radiance. Alcohol is dehydrating ok 😉
I second Lily’s view . Nowadays,it’s hard to guess people’s age as we have become more health conscious and overall everybody wants to look young ,healthy and presentable. I loved your tips and trying to implement all of them in my everyday life. Sometimes successful and sometimes just too lazy to bother.
I know how yu feel when that lazy bug bites! But I always remind myself it’s worth it in the long run! 🙂
The other day I read that you and Tine think people aren’t commenting a lot I have to admit I sometimes I forget to. But I had to comment this time I’m now 21 and even though I won’t be looking old soon I think the main key is prevention.
Right now my routine is quite crazy because my skin broke out and become dry and red on the chin so I started experimenting with Palmer’s new oil and know my skin looks better and the ingredients are interesting 10 oils, retinol and vitamin C, also is cheap.
When my skin becomes normal I’m thinking about in the morning micellar water, thermal water, face oil with moisturizer and tea tree oil and in the evening I do triple cleansing (milk, water and face wash, don’t know if it’s a good idea but I think it works), thermal water, face oil and tea tree oil. I’m also thinking about using and exfoliating toner but there aren’t many here and my first option is Clinique’s mild lotion but I’m thinking about buying Pixi’s one. Any idea? (alcohol-free please).
Hi Efrain! 🙂 Thank you for your comment and actually I do feel that there’s been a significant drop in commenting, not only on my blog but across the blogs I read. It’s almost as if people don’t feel the need to comment anymore which can be frustrating haha! But I do get that people have different priorities so perhaps it’s just a phase. Besides, there’s always other forms of social media that some people may feel more comfortable to use 🙂
Aww at 21 you’re a baby! 😛 Ok, not really but you know what I mean. Keep doing what you’re doing to take care of your skin. In 20 years, when people still think you a babyfaced 21 year old, you’ll know you’ve done something right! 😀 As for exfoliating toners, I’m not sure what you can get where you are, but I love Pixi Glow Tonic. I’m almost finished with my bottle and planning to get another. I haven’t used Clinique’s but other options I’ve tried are REN and Hada Labo, both of which I’m not sure if you get!
Yes I’m a baby, well the only place I’m the oldest is with my high school friends, in every other group I’m the youngest.
We don’t get any of them but you know internet solves all, I’m thinking about Pixi’s one but to get the free shipping is a considerable quantity of money. In fact I think I must drop you a mail to ask you something.
Btw have you tried powder sunscreens? I’m trying one that although it makes me look a little pale in your pale skin would work easily. Before you freak out, I use for retouchs over my normal sunscreen.
Hey, it’s always nice being the youngest! I’m always the eldest so I have big sister syndrome LOL I tend to agree about Pixi and the shipping but since their shipping costs are 14.50 pounds, it makes sense to buy 2 bottles and get the free ship 😛 or Cult Beauty stocks Pixi too and there is a wider variety of things to buy there 🙂
I have used powder sunscreen once. By Peter Thomas Roth I believe but because I hated the brush it came with, I stopped using it. A friend uses it for top up throughout the day. I also tried another that came in a pan, by Laneige I believe. It was ok, but I just wasn’t very good at keeping it up LOL!
My hands are definitely showing my age. I’ve sadly neglected them and they look like my mum’s hands. 🙁 I normally love the cold months but my hands hate it because of how wrinkly they look when it’s cold and dry.
Keep at the hand cream and moisturising! I’m actually glad I don’t live where it’s cold because considering that I’m so bad at using hand cream, and the cold, heater, hot water etc, I’d probably have old lady hands over the space of 1 winter!