How to Look Younger at 60 - Without Surgery or Botox

Who doesn’t want to look younger at 60? Surely botox is the simple fix? Or a quick nip and tuck?

Honestly, I don’t have any problems with cosmetic surgery or botox. I’ve had botox myself several times, and I had my nose ‘done’ when I was in my late twenties.

But at the age of 60? The idea of chasing an elusive dream in the hope that somewhere there’s a treatment or a procedure that will make me look like I’m 35 again? It’s just not going to happen, is it? I’ve learned to accept the ageing process; not always exactly ‘happy’ with it, but accepting nevertheless.

Looking younger at 60 and over means ensuring you get good quality sleep, eating nourishing food, cutting out alcohol, smoking and vaping, staying well hydrated, adopting a good skin care regime and prioritising your mental health by focusing on gratitude and kindness.

I’ve learned that these simple basics, if ignored, will age your face practically overnight, no matter how many procedures you may or may not have.

And whilst one of the basics involve some financial investment (as little or as much as you want), the rest come without a price tag.

Sleep

Sleep is essential for the body to repair and regenerate cells, including skin cells. While we’re sleeping, the body releases growth hormones that help to rebuild collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping the skin plump and firm. Additionally, when we sleep, our body produces more melatonin, which is an antioxidant that protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Lack of sleep can also lead to stress, which can cause inflammation and premature ageing of the skin.

Furthermore, getting enough sleep can help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes, giving us a more youthful appearance. During sleep, the body increases blood flow and circulation, which can help to reduce swelling and inflammation in the face. It also helps to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags and puffiness by improving lymphatic drainage.

Sleep is also crucial for the body to detoxify itself. When we are in deep sleep, our body flushes out toxins that can lead to skin damage and aging. Adequate sleep also ensures that our body maintains a healthy balance of hormones, including cortisol, which can affect the health of our skin. High levels of cortisol can lead to inflammation and skin damage, while sufficient sleep can help to keep cortisol levels in check.

In conclusion, sleep is a crucial factor in maintaining a youthful appearance for women over 60. By getting enough rest, the body can repair and regenerate skin cells, reduce inflammation and puffiness, and detoxify itself. Therefore, it is essential that we prioritise sleep as we get older, and that we regard it as part of our daily beauty routine.

Additionally, establishing healthy sleep habits such as sticking to a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, and creating a relaxing sleep environment can also improve the quality of sleep and help women reap the benefits of a good night’s rest.

Hydration

There are countless ‘anti-ageing’ creams and treatments on the market, but the simplest, quickest and most effective way to keep your skin looking young and fresh is by staying hydrated.

Water is essential for maintaining healthy skin, and as we age, our skin becomes more prone to dryness and wrinkles. When you drink enough water, it helps to hydrate your skin from the inside out, making it look plumper, smoother, and more youthful.

Dehydration can lead to parched-looking, dull skin, as well as dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. Water helps to flush out toxins from your body, which can also contribute to acne and additional skin problems.

In addition to its benefits for your skin, drinking water has many other health benefits for women over 60. Staying hydrated can help to reduce joint pain, improve digestion, and boost your energy levels. It can also help to reduce your risk of urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to drink plain water to stay hydrated. You can also get water from foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as from herbal teas and other beverages. However, it’s best to limit your intake of sugary drinks and alcohol, as these can dehydrate you and have negative effects on your skin.

Every day I aim to drink at least two litres of water. When I don’t manage to, I quickly notice the difference, both in my mood and how my skin looks. It really is worth the effort!

Skin Care

I don’t profess to be a skin care expert, BUT I have tried pretty much every ‘solution’ to help ageing skin that’s available to purchase over the counter, and these are my go-to’s, in no particular order:

Hyaluronic Acid – my skin easily becomes dehydrated, and without a doubt, the best Hyaluronic Acid I have found is the Premium Hyaluronic Acid from Hada Labo, it’s so good it’s a permanent fixture in my Amazon store. You can use HA day or night, and it doesn’t react with other products.
Vitamin C – helps to neutralise free radicals in our body that lead to oxidative stress, and may help to delay visible signs of skin ageing. It may also lighten patches that are darker than the rest of your skin, called hyper-pigmentation, which typically occurs as we get older. Regular use of vitamin C helps my skin look brighter and fresher. My current fave is Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum.
Peptides – peptides are short chains of amino acids that play a vital role in skin health. In skincare products, peptides are used for their ability to help support collagen production and improve skin elasticity, which can help skin look more youthful and plump. Currently I’m loving The Ordinary’s Argireline and Matrixyl.
Retinol – I’m fortunate in that I don’t have sensitive skin, and so I’ve never suffered from any adverse reaction to Retinol as many ladies do. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that encourages the production of new skin cells, which in turn helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. My favourite (so far) is Sunday Riley’s A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum – not cheap, but it is excellent.
Moisturiser – an absolute non-negotiable! My favourite is relatively cheap and cheerful, CeraVe’s Moisturising Cream – at the time of typing this you can pick up a big 170ml tube on Amazon UK for around £9.50. At that price you can afford to use it as liberally as I do!
SPF – another non-negotiable! My current go-to is La Roche Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50+ Cream, it feels lovely on my skin, and not at all greasy as some SPFs can. It also doesn’t sting the eyes.
Collagen Supplement – I wouldn’t be without my daily collagen drink. I’ve tried tablets before but have found liquid form to be more effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation. Also, marine collagen is far superior to bovine (bovine is the cheaper of the two). My preferred supplement is Gold Collagen Forte 40+ from Gold Collagen, it supports skin hydration and elasticity, protects against oxidative damage, and supports the immune system. It’s just wonderful.
Micro-current Device – a huge indulgence and considerable financial investment, I’ll admit! I recently purchased the Nuface Trinity after much deliberation. I’ve been extremely impressed, my jawline has improved significantly (my no. 1 reason for buying it) plus my eyes look brighter and lifted. It’s a commitment to use it daily (recommended for the first month, I believe) as it takes between 20 and 30 minutes, after that 2-3 times a week will suffice to maintain results. It can be used in the morning or evening. Facial micro-current devices use low-level electrical currents to stimulate the facial muscles, improve circulation, and promote collagen production.

food Facts

As women go through menopause, our bodies undergo significant changes that can impact overall health and appearance. One way to help counteract these changes and retain a youthful appearance is by following a healthy, and nutritious diet.

A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help us maintain a healthy weight, which is important for overall health as well as looking after our skin. Additionally, certain foods, such as those high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce inflammation, which can contribute to ageing.

Furthermore, a healthy diet can help us to maintain strong bones. After menopause, women are at an increased risk for osteoporosis, a condition that diminishes bone strength and increases the risk of fractures. Eating foods high in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products and leafy green veggies, can help keep our bones strong and healthy.

A nutritious diet will also help improve skin health. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more prone to dryness and wrinkles. Eating foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, citrus fruits, and leafy green vegetables, can help protect skin from damage caused by free radicals and promote healthy skin. Additionally, foods high in healthy fats, such as salmon, seeds and nuts, can help keep our skin supple and moisturised.

In addition to its physical benefits, following a healthy and nutritious diet can also have positive mental and emotional effects. Eating a balanced diet can help improve mood and energy levels, which can contribute to a youthful, vibrant appearance. It can also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, which can impact our overall health and longevity.

A healthy and nutritious diet is essential for us after menopause to maintain not just a youthful appearance but our overall health. By making sure we regularly eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, we can help counteract the physical changes that come with menopause and help to preserve our skin!

Gratitude & Kindness

The secret of how to look younger at 60, or 70, or 80, in my humble opinion, lies very much in your state of mind, and the younger, happier, and more grateful that mind is, the more beauty will radiate from the face.

I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that mean-spirited people don’t tend to have a lovely ‘glow’ about them.

Gratitude and kindness are two powerful emotions that can help us look and feel younger as we age. Studies have shown that these positive emotions can have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being, including our physical appearance.

Gratitude is the act of being thankful for what we have in our lives. When we practice gratitude, we focus on the positive aspects of our lives, rather than dwelling on lack and negativity. This positive mindset can have a profound effect on our stress levels, which in turn can impact our physical appearance.

Chronic stress can lead to premature aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and dull skin. By practicing gratitude, we can reduce stress and minimize the physical signs of aging.

Kindness is another emotion that can help us look younger at 60 and beyond. When we show kindness to others, we release feel-good chemicals in our brains, such as dopamine and oxytocin. These chemicals have been linked to improved mood, reduced stress levels, and even a strengthened immune system.

By being kind to ourselves and others, we can improve our overall health, which can impact our physical appearance.

In addition to the health benefits of gratitude and kindness, these emotions can also impact the way we interact with others. People who are grateful and kind tend to have more positive social connections, which can improve mental health and overall well-being. When we feel good about ourselves and our relationships, we project that positive energy outward, which can make us appear younger and more vibrant.

Both gratitude and kindness can help us look younger as we age by reducing stress, improving our overall health, and enhancing our social connections. By bringing these positive emotions into our daily lives, we not only feel better, but it’s entirely possible to look younger and more vibrant as we grow older.

To Conclude…

There are a number of cheaper, and easier options to try before opting for botox, or anything more invasive in pursuit of looking younger at 60.

I’ll end this post by saying that most, if not all, the above suggestions will bring you an element of happiness and good health, which in my humble opinion, which brings an energy that so often translates as beauty.