4 ways to look and feel younger

June is Youth Month in South Africa, and while there’s a very serious history behind Youth Day (16 June), we believe there’s also room for celebrating our youth, and for a light-hearted look at how to hang onto our youth for as long as we can!

So, how can we handle those mornings when we suddenly look in the mirror and wonder how we’ve aged a decade overnight? Here are four tips to try.

1. Make sure you’ve got bright eyes. Moisturiser is the key to brighter, younger-looking eyes and waking up looking beautifully rested. In the morning, use a hydrating eye cream that contains vitamin E (for healing) and hyaluronic acid or ceramides (for ultimate moisture). Keep a cooling roll-on eye gel on hand and apply during the day when your eyes feel tired or dry. For instant de-puffing, apply a 10-minute cooling and hydrating eye mask or pop two spoons in the freezer for half an hour and then hold them on your eyes.
2. Get a good night’s rest. Yes, we know this doesn’t help on the morning when you’re feeling old and grizzly, but the truth is that nothing makes you look older faster than not getting enough sleep. It will give you bags under your eyes, dull skin and a dragging lack of energy. Studies show we need between 7-8 hours of sleep per night so that we’re ready to attack our days with gusto. Make sure you prioritise a good night’s beauty sleep to wake up feeling younger the following day. Here’s how to get your best sleep.
3. Fake it. Hollywood has taught us that make-up and cosmetics can do amazing things. And we’re not just talking about for women, many of whom know the power of a good concealer or foundation very well. For those who don’t wear foundation, give your skin an instant boost by cleansing your skin with a good facial scrub, which will instantly improve blood-flow and perk up your skin. For those who do wear foundation, according to make-up artists, an instant fix for dull, tired-looking skin is to add a drop of beauty oil. Not only does oil thin it out, ensuring it’s not too thick or cakey (which can accentuate fine lines), but it delivers a youthful, dewy glow. Remember to also use an eye cream or under-eye concealer with brightening properties to make your peepers sparkle.
4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Our bodies are more than 55% water, and our cells use that water to keep everything inside – and out – running smoothly. Which means it has to be replenished. And if it isn’t? Well… we turn from grapes into raisins. Make sure you sip water all day long (or rooibos tea, for a warm, caffeine-free option). The bonus? Being well-hydrated will give you more energy too!

For more fun sleep facts and expert sleep advice, visit our Sleep Blog.