There’s no question that our society has an obsession with helping people appear younger than they really are – I mean sure, age is just a number, but why not fool people into thinking yours is lower if you can?

Impressions and appearances can matter, even if we wish they didn’t, and that’s why we’re sharing these 22 simple habits to keep you looking young and fresh!

22. You can’t avoid exercise.

Exercise isn’t something many people enjoy, but there’s no doubt that it helps us stay healthier – and, according to this study, helps us look younger, too.

You’ll prevent muscle loss and sleep better, in addition to keeping your heart healthy.

21. Find the right bra.

This can be a lifelong battle for a woman, I know, but the more gravity has its way with your body, the more important a good bra is, says style expert Sharon Haver.

“Pop culture research states that over 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra.”

20. Fill up that water bottle.

We’ve all heard by now that it’s important for our general health and happiness to drink plenty of water every day, but our skin especially benefits from good hydration, reminds fitness and nutrition expert Erin Palinski-Wade.

“The more hydrated you are, the more plump, subtle, and youthful your skin will appear.

In addition, staying hydrated can improve energy levels and fight against cravings, which makes it easier to stay on target with your exercise goals and healthy eating habits.”

19. Just smile.

When strangers are asked to assess the ages of people in photographs, happy faces were rated younger than they really were every time.

Neutral expressions earned fairly accurate guesses, while fearful ones tended to make subjects look older.

18. Dress smart.

Hiding in big, oversized clothing might be comfortable, but it’s not flattering – go for tailored, clean lines, says Haver.

“It’s not about volume but the cut of a garment. It’s better to break free from hiding yourself in your clothing and stand tall and proud in well-fitting garments – not only will you look better but you’ll give yourself an emotional boost by allowing you to step into your star power.”

17. Keep grapes on hand.

Grapes, pears, plums, and berries are all sweetened by sorbitol, which is a humectant. The substance attracts water, which helps the skin absorb and retain moisture.

16. Lycra is your friend.

The stretchy material will give your bottom a boost, but Haver says you definitely want to try on before buying.

“If you have a curvy body type, a bit of Lycra makes for a better fit. However, if pants with Lycra are too tight, it creates an unsightly ripple effect.”

15. Pay attention to your hair.

Our hair changes, become coarser in texture and more naturally dry, as we age.

Hair stylist Jenna Mast recommends air drying, only using an iron on trouble spots, and deep conditioning regularly in order to combat the dryness.

14. Read the ingredients in your skincare.

Dermatologist Purvisha Patel says you always want to include a SPF to protect your skin from damage from UV radiation, but there are other things you want to see there, too.

“Retinol and alpha-hydroxy acids can rejuvenate the skin and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain moisture, which gives it a smooth, glowing look.”

13. Stay plucky.

Well-groomed and shaped eyebrows help frame your face, drawing attention to your eyes and not any flaws you might want to hide.

12. Pick your neckline carefully.

Your face shape, hairstyle, neck shape, and shoulder structure all matter when you’re choosing a neckline, but Haver says there is one that works on pretty much everyone.

“A classic V-neck with a collar creates a linear line that makes us look taller and thinner, and the bit of a collar detracts from the appearance of an older neck while spotlighting our face.”

11. Take care of your skin.

Make sure you wash and moisturize on a daily basis, but never with anything that will dry out your skin.

Find a morning and night moisturizer and avoid toners that contain stringent or alcohol.

10. Study the color wheel.

As you age, pops of color do you more favors than an all-over hue.

“You can accent your outfit with a modern trend color, but you don’t want to look dated and old by holding on to a trendy color way past it’s expiration date. It’s really not about age but about sophistication – classic neutral colors are always chic.”

9. Dress to flatter your shape.

For example, if you have a wrinkly or sagging neck, don’t wear tight-fitting or crew-neck tops that will squeeze your skin upward, and if you have a large midsection, opt for dark colors.

It’s easy to find tips like these online that should work across the board.

8. Have fun with accessories.

Accent pieces don’t have an age or body type attached, says Haver, so you can really use them to showcase your personality.

“If you opt for classic clothes, which are always chic, a dash of an interesting accent by way of an accessory will instantly keep the look modern and fresh so you maintain a relevant and youthful appearance.”

7. Don’t forget about your hands.

A woman’s age shows up most often on their hands, so a good hand cream is essential.

You’ll want to find one that contains SPF, and also consider exfoliating regularly.

6. Don’t sacrifice style for comfort.

The older we get, the more we just want to be comfortable everywhere we go, but Haver says that’s not the way to go – you can find something comfortable that also looks great if you’re willing to search for it.

“It’s well worth trying on different footwear brands to find the shoes that are the most stylish and comfortable for your particular foot.”

5. Embrace a colorful plate.

Vitamin K, which is found in abundance in kale and other green vegetables, helps your blood coagulate and reduce the impact of bruising.

Red veggies, like tomatoes, contain something called lycopene, which protects the skin from UV rays.

4. Stress is your enemy.

Plenty of studies have shown that stress ages your cells – but also that this aging can be reversed with lifestyle changes that include stress management, says psychiatrist Judith Orloff.

“When you reduce stress and conflict, you are turning off stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, and activating endorphins, the natural painkillers in your body, which makes everything about you more youthful.”

3. Put down the makeup.

Go simple, with pink, radiant hues that remind people of natural youth, says makeup artist from What Not To Wear, Carmindy.

“As we age our skin loosens and is no as taut as it once was, so the more makeup you apply, the more it can move, settle, and travel. Less makeup will adhere to mature skin much better so you stay looking fresh all day.”

2. Use highlighter.

Carmindy’s signature move is to “highlight the eyes using a cream or powder pearlescent champagne hue. Apply it only under the eyebrows and on the inside corners of the eyes.”

When you’re going for eyeshadow, she recommends lighter neutral hues like light brown, quartz, or taupe in a pearl or matte formula.

1. Fishy benefits.

Salmon and other oily fish are rich in DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol), a compound that helps tone muscle.

Eating the fish a couple of times a week gives you the same benefits as expensive creams that contain the product.

Some of these actually do seem like things that would be simple to incorporate.

If you’ve got a simple tip that would fit on this list, share it with us in the comments!

The post These Simple Habits Can Help You Look Younger and Feel Better appeared first on UberFacts.

There’s no question that our society has an obsession with helping people appear younger than they really are – I mean sure, age is just a number, but why not fool people into thinking yours is lower if you can?

Impressions and appearances can matter, even if we wish they didn’t, and that’s why we’re sharing these 22 simple habits to keep you looking young and fresh!

22. You can’t avoid exercise.

Exercise isn’t something many people enjoy, but there’s no doubt that it helps us stay healthier – and, according to this study, helps us look younger, too.

You’ll prevent muscle loss and sleep better, in addition to keeping your heart healthy.

21. Find the right bra.

This can be a lifelong battle for a woman, I know, but the more gravity has its way with your body, the more important a good bra is, says style expert Sharon Haver.

“Pop culture research states that over 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra.”

20. Fill up that water bottle.

We’ve all heard by now that it’s important for our general health and happiness to drink plenty of water every day, but our skin especially benefits from good hydration, reminds fitness and nutrition expert Erin Palinski-Wade.

“The more hydrated you are, the more plump, subtle, and youthful your skin will appear.

In addition, staying hydrated can improve energy levels and fight against cravings, which makes it easier to stay on target with your exercise goals and healthy eating habits.”

19. Just smile.

When strangers are asked to assess the ages of people in photographs, happy faces were rated younger than they really were every time.

Neutral expressions earned fairly accurate guesses, while fearful ones tended to make subjects look older.

18. Dress smart.

Hiding in big, oversized clothing might be comfortable, but it’s not flattering – go for tailored, clean lines, says Haver.

“It’s not about volume but the cut of a garment. It’s better to break free from hiding yourself in your clothing and stand tall and proud in well-fitting garments – not only will you look better but you’ll give yourself an emotional boost by allowing you to step into your star power.”

17. Keep grapes on hand.

Grapes, pears, plums, and berries are all sweetened by sorbitol, which is a humectant. The substance attracts water, which helps the skin absorb and retain moisture.

16. Lycra is your friend.

The stretchy material will give your bottom a boost, but Haver says you definitely want to try on before buying.

“If you have a curvy body type, a bit of Lycra makes for a better fit. However, if pants with Lycra are too tight, it creates an unsightly ripple effect.”

15. Pay attention to your hair.

Our hair changes, become coarser in texture and more naturally dry, as we age.

Hair stylist Jenna Mast recommends air drying, only using an iron on trouble spots, and deep conditioning regularly in order to combat the dryness.

14. Read the ingredients in your skincare.

Dermatologist Purvisha Patel says you always want to include a SPF to protect your skin from damage from UV radiation, but there are other things you want to see there, too.

“Retinol and alpha-hydroxy acids can rejuvenate the skin and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid helps your skin retain moisture, which gives it a smooth, glowing look.”

13. Stay plucky.

Well-groomed and shaped eyebrows help frame your face, drawing attention to your eyes and not any flaws you might want to hide.

12. Pick your neckline carefully.

Your face shape, hairstyle, neck shape, and shoulder structure all matter when you’re choosing a neckline, but Haver says there is one that works on pretty much everyone.

“A classic V-neck with a collar creates a linear line that makes us look taller and thinner, and the bit of a collar detracts from the appearance of an older neck while spotlighting our face.”

11. Take care of your skin.

Make sure you wash and moisturize on a daily basis, but never with anything that will dry out your skin.

Find a morning and night moisturizer and avoid toners that contain stringent or alcohol.

10. Study the color wheel.

As you age, pops of color do you more favors than an all-over hue.

“You can accent your outfit with a modern trend color, but you don’t want to look dated and old by holding on to a trendy color way past it’s expiration date. It’s really not about age but about sophistication – classic neutral colors are always chic.”

9. Dress to flatter your shape.

For example, if you have a wrinkly or sagging neck, don’t wear tight-fitting or crew-neck tops that will squeeze your skin upward, and if you have a large midsection, opt for dark colors.

It’s easy to find tips like these online that should work across the board.

8. Have fun with accessories.

Accent pieces don’t have an age or body type attached, says Haver, so you can really use them to showcase your personality.

“If you opt for classic clothes, which are always chic, a dash of an interesting accent by way of an accessory will instantly keep the look modern and fresh so you maintain a relevant and youthful appearance.”

7. Don’t forget about your hands.

A woman’s age shows up most often on their hands, so a good hand cream is essential.

You’ll want to find one that contains SPF, and also consider exfoliating regularly.

6. Don’t sacrifice style for comfort.

The older we get, the more we just want to be comfortable everywhere we go, but Haver says that’s not the way to go – you can find something comfortable that also looks great if you’re willing to search for it.

“It’s well worth trying on different footwear brands to find the shoes that are the most stylish and comfortable for your particular foot.”

5. Embrace a colorful plate.

Vitamin K, which is found in abundance in kale and other green vegetables, helps your blood coagulate and reduce the impact of bruising.

Red veggies, like tomatoes, contain something called lycopene, which protects the skin from UV rays.

4. Stress is your enemy.

Plenty of studies have shown that stress ages your cells – but also that this aging can be reversed with lifestyle changes that include stress management, says psychiatrist Judith Orloff.

“When you reduce stress and conflict, you are turning off stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, and activating endorphins, the natural painkillers in your body, which makes everything about you more youthful.”

3. Put down the makeup.

Go simple, with pink, radiant hues that remind people of natural youth, says makeup artist from What Not To Wear, Carmindy.

“As we age our skin loosens and is no as taut as it once was, so the more makeup you apply, the more it can move, settle, and travel. Less makeup will adhere to mature skin much better so you stay looking fresh all day.”

2. Use highlighter.

Carmindy’s signature move is to “highlight the eyes using a cream or powder pearlescent champagne hue. Apply it only under the eyebrows and on the inside corners of the eyes.”

When you’re going for eyeshadow, she recommends lighter neutral hues like light brown, quartz, or taupe in a pearl or matte formula.

1. Fishy benefits.

Salmon and other oily fish are rich in DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol), a compound that helps tone muscle.

Eating the fish a couple of times a week gives you the same benefits as expensive creams that contain the product.

Some of these actually do seem like things that would be simple to incorporate.

If you’ve got a simple tip that would fit on this list, share it with us in the comments!

The post These Simple Habits Can Help You Look Younger and Feel Better appeared first on UberFacts.

Everyone wants to think that they’ll be able to keep looking in the mirror and recognizing the person they see there – that, even as you get older, you retain something of your youthful self.

It turns out there are some simple things you can do every day that will help you age slower, and look more youthful as you do – here are 18 of them you can start incorporating today.

style expert Sharon Haver, founder of FocusOnStyle.com.

18. Up your protein intake.

Lean muscle requires protein, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough in your diet to feed your muscles, says Erin Palinski-Wade, author of Belly Fat Diet for Dummies.

“A loss of muscle can lead to a loss of strength and balance, accelerating the aging process. Less defined muscle on the body can also cause the appearance of looser, sagging skin, making you appear older than your biological age.”

17. Rethink your eyeliner.

You’ve probably been using a basic black eyeliner for years, but makeup artist on What Not to Wear Carmindy says it’s time to re-think it.

“Keep eyeliner light, like chocolate brown instead of black, and apply it as close to the roots of the upper lashes as possible. Keep away from using liner under the eyes, which can look aging.”

16. Get strong.

Exercise in general is great for keeping young, but if you’re not already strength training, Palinski-Wade says you should be.

“Regular strength training, with your own body weight or using external weights, can help to increase metabolism, increase strength, and improve balance. In addition, increased muscle tone helps to provide a more youthful appearance.”

15. Grab some antioxidants.

Vitamins A and C are great warriors against free radicals, which help you maintain a younger appearance, according to Palinski-Wade.

“When free radicals from diet or the environment threaten to damage skin cells, antioxidants may help to fight against damage from the sun and the environment, and protect against inflammation which accelerates aging.”

Oranges, strawberries, blueberries, bell peppers, and spinach are great choices to get more!

14. Look into pilates.

Pilates improves posture, and standing up straight with more energy smacks of younger folks, reminds Palinski-Wade.

“Pilates can help to increase core strength and improve posture. Holding your body more upright with improved posture improves balance, protects against falls, and helps you look younger.”

13. Lighten up your makeup.

If you’ve got wrinkles, heavy face makeup will settle into them and make them pop. Carmindy says your best bet is a primer followed by a light foundation and then some concealer.

“If you use a sheer dewy foundation first all over the skin, chances are you will need much less concealer. Then just add a spot of matte concealer over any areas that are still visible.”

12. Make sure your hairstylist is up to the task.

As we age our hair changes, and if you’re keen to keep your hair long, the cut becomes super important, says stylist Jenna Mast.

“Some women feel attached to length because they think it makes them look younger, when in fact, it just hangs and doesn’t do anything to flatter or soften features. Long, heavy hair really pulls down the face. Lifting up layers and adding texture to frame the face will take years off.”

11. Reach for the pink lipstick.

Sure, red is fun. That said, Carmindy says it’s not the best choice if youthfulness is your goal – pink is a girl’s best friend.

“Dark shades will make lips recede. Use a clear or flesh-color lip liner to seal in the color without getting that ring-around-the-lip look.”

10. Get plenty of rest.

Beauty sleep isn’t a myth, says sleep expert Richard Shane, creator of the Sleep Easily Method.

“Lack of sleep dries out your skin, making wrinkles deeper and more visible. Collagen production increases during sleep, preventing sagging, and blood flow increases so your complexion looks better and younger.”

9. Reduce your sugar and salt intake.

Palinski-Wade reminds us that what we put into our bodies has a huge effect on what people see on the outside, so don’t ignore it.

“Added sugars and excessive salt intake can increase inflammation in the body, which can accelerate the aging process. Inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen in the skin. The end result is accelerated wrinkling and sagging of the skin, leading to an aged appearance.

This study found that people with high blood sugar look older, and another that found that salt increased cell aging in people who are already overweight.

8. Bangs might be a mistake.

You might think that bangs will mix up your look and keep things fun and fresh, but hairstylists Mast says you should take a breath and assess before jumping in with your scissors.

“Too often I see women with these awful, unflattering, boxy bangs that they have because they think it makes them look younger, when really it just ages them further. If you have bangs that suit you, the bangs will bring out your facial features and distract from your problem areas.”

7. Apply your blush correctly.

Placing blush just under your cheeks makes you look bony, rather than like you have high cheekbones, says Carmindy.

“Place it high on the apples of the cheeks and use a big fluffy powder brush to apply it in a nice natural flush. Small brushes blend on too much, and placing blush under the cheeks makes faces look too angular and severe.”

6. Whiten your teeth.

The whiter your teeth, the longer you look, and now it’s fairly affordable to have it done professionally or at home.

Dentist Nancy Rosen does recommend that if you decide to do it yourself you read and follow all of the directions on the box – you don’t want to mess with your chompers.

5. Paint your nails.

One study found that painted nails makes hands appear younger – and not only that, it’s fun and allows you to express your individual personality and passions.

No rules here!

4. Embrace the gray.

Mast says that “for some women, upkeep becomes impossible and you actually look younger and fresher with a full head of gray or white natural hair with a gloss over it, rather than fully covered. It depends on maintenance and the the time you are willing to spend.”

Add up all the hours you spend waiting on color and decide if you wouldn’t rather spend them somewhere else!

3. Let go of toxic relationships.

Your body and mind will thank you for kicking that stress to the curb – research shows that love releases oxytocin, which makes everyone feel good. It also lowers your blood pressure and improves blood flow, says Dr. Orloff.

“Positive relationships nurture the positive energy in you. Love and appreciation from others makes you happy, more relaxed, and more attractive.”

2. Wear your hair down.

Messy buns and ponytails might be easy, but Mast says they aren’t doing you any favors as far as a youthful appearance.

“If hair is too coiffed, there is a definite feeling of ‘I put a ton of effort into looking younger,’ versus something that is less tight, less uptight, and more casual with a feeling of effortlessness.”

1. Just say no.

Alcohol might take the edge off, but it has poor effects on our bodies at even a cellular level, according to several studies. You don’t have to quit altogether, says Palinski-Wade, but like with sugar and salt, you’ll want to watch your intake.

“Alcohol can dehydrate skin and increase inflammation, both of which can accelerate aging and give skin a dry, wrinkled appearance.”

I’m definitely going to add a few of these into my daily routine, how about you?

Tell us in the comments which tips are going to work for your life!

The post Things You Can Do Every Day to Look Youthful as You Get Older appeared first on UberFacts.