Some people just have dull skin and dull eyes, and others are bright and fresh looking even if they’re older.
Being well hydrated….it plumps and clears the skin. A little flush on the cheeks from the sun or exercise certainly gives the impression of good health. Clean teeth and fresh breath…if those are bad, it seems sickly or unwell. Good hygiene, in general gives the impression of good physical and mental health. Strong, competent body movement…no obvious painful areas like limping or stooped over. Hmmmm, not sure if this is what you’re looking for or if this just seems like my personal opinion…
Do not, I repeat, do NOT take any advice that says sun exposure makes you look young. It’s the very thing that most rapidly ages the skin, and I don’t mean visually. I mean it actually damages the dna of your skin cells by way of UV irradiation. You might look rosy or bronzed and slim in the short term, but you will be hyperpigmented, splotchy, saggy, wrinkly, sallow, lacking in volume, etc. in the long run. I’ve been avoiding unprotected sun exposure most of my life (my mom had melanoma) and I’m almost 40 and look younger than some teens. I do have genetics in my favor, but I’m telling you, look at an old man’s legs who tended to wear long pants all the time. Their face can look 80 while their legs are fair and even and smooth. An old woman that wore bikinis and tanned her legs regularly often has legs that look like leather. Some people tolerate sun exposure better than others as well, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t doing damage. Also maintaining a favorable fat layer (not too thick or thin) helps. Remaining fairly lean and well muscled is good but some of the oldest looking people I see relative to their age are those who are far too lean. I do agree with nutrition, hydration, and rest being a factor. I also use lotion with HA regularly, at least once per day, and mist with rose water if I feel dry whatsoever and don’t use face powder, which I view as anti-lotion.
just to chime in from a different perspective (there are already lots of great replies): most things are 60% genetic and 40% behavioural, or so I’ve heard. Some people just don’t age “prettily” despite their good habits.
It can also depend on cultural differences in perceptions of beauty (for example, some cultures view dark circles around the eyes as attractive, while others see them as sickly-looking).
In general, people look younger (more baby-like) when they are a bit overweight.
Wealth also plays a big role - from better medical care to less stress.
other cultural and asethetic factors that can make someone seem older is having a bony or narrow face structure (again, less baby-like), having a long nose (noses lengthen with age), having long teeth (ditto).
not always about habits, is what I’m trying to say.
I think there is a number of things going on here:
Of the above, breathing is likely the one to raise questions. Rather than try to explain this further, Breath by James Nestor does a far better job, give it a go.
Having young kids ages you- for women, it’s super common to have iron and vitamin D deficiency during & after pregnancy even if you take prenatal vitamins. I have a 9 month old and have aged 10 years since 2020. Oh yeah, and not getting enough sleep.
47 here and everyone tells me I look younger. Bone broth, butter, organ meats, seafood, eggs, fruit. Small amount of veggies and grains. All organic. No vegetable oils, no ultra processed stuff, just whole foods.
Healthy fats, collagens, fresh produce, exercise.
Basically, don’t follow the USDA diet. Eat a moderate to high fat diet that’s mostly unrefined. Like whole fat dairy, fatty meat, butter, eggs including the vital yolk, and instead of vegetable oils just eat the whole vegetable/fruit.
Stay away from: packaged foods, fast food, refined sugars and oils, processed foods, etc.
Start a garden? Even if it’s just planters on a balcony. Even if it’s just some herbs and lettuces.
Vitamins A, D, E and K are critical. Animal fats are good sources. Lean meat isn’t. Fat is also where essential fatty acids (omegas) are concentrated. For instance, eat chicken skin if you want healthy skin, instead of throwing it away. Save bones and make stocks/broths, which are excellent sources of collagens.
Liver is an excellent source of almost all of these, but it’s low in fat. Organs are all very nutrient dense and contain all the vital nutrients for your organs.
Avoid too much sun exposure(use sun screen). Get real soap made from animal fat, not surfactants like SLS. Limit alcohol. Don’t smoke. Look into skin care.
Without questioning about what diet is best for this,.. because it’s obvious that having bad eating habits never do any good on the long run.But adding certain supplements that actually help, and are being researched, for a longer live and/or keeps you young longer. I think this makes the biggest difference!Like nicotinamide (vitamine B3), that is known to make NMN that helps longevity. Sugar is known to be the worst type of food added to almost everything, sugarmob is nothing new…. and they found the medicine for diabetes type 2, Metformine, to also be beneficial for anyone without being diagnosed diabetes 2, …. sugar has not 1 healthy reason, so this medicine can benefit a lot of problems that come with aging.Same deal with DHEA, melatonine isn’t just good for sleep but also anti oxidant.I’m 46, i did fitness for 25 years,… That’s why I first focused on what i saw in the mirror,and had lots of supplements, and diets,… just a strict lifestyle without exaggerating.But now, I’m no longer busy with the looks about muscles, but more for healthy life, as i feel that age is catching up,…. A healthy diet and lifestyle is just basic necessary, and plenty of information for that.But finding things that can’t be found in food only, and your body produce less with age, is a real usefull supplementation. Not everything on the menu like vitamin c and de etc etc etc…So adding that what your body loose with age, is a good ‘investment’!
And the more I find or learn about that, is what i can add by a tablet or injection.If you do all this, you will look and feel at your best!! When young it’s hard, i thought… but one day you’ll be old,…. Then the real needed changes will help!!
Hydration and healthy oils and fats. Vitamins, sunshine, a smile. Enough protein. Enough healthy fat and muscle to not look gaunt and sickly. Complex carbs instead of simple ones and low sugar intake. Eat vegetables and fruit every day. Balanced for what your body needs.
Enough sleep. Lower stress. Dental hygiene. Mental health maintenance.
I think regular exercise and eating healthy food, drinking lots of water will be the main factors here. Also getting enough sleep, not being too tied/stressed/over-worked, and being happy/having a positive attitude.
If I had to pick one I’d say regular outdoor exercise.
Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate rest all contribute to good health. People receive medical treatment to maintain the balance, when necessary. Physical well-being involves pursuing a healthful lifestyle to decrease the risk of disease.
Hydration! I argue it’s the most important thing. I drink 2-3 litres of water everyday and people always compliment me on my skin and being young looking. It makes me really happy and I can’t recommend drinking loads of water enough.
Living a balanced life - regular routine, healthy gut, good quality food, quality water, lots of sleep, exercise, social life, spirituality, etc.,
Minimize, deal with the stress in your life proactively - meditate, walks in nature, pets, practice positive thinking, being grateful, etc.,
It’s not just ‘one’ piece of the ‘puzzle’…