As we approach the end of our self-care series, today’s topic is about the fascinating journey of looking, or not looking, your age. After all, age is just a number, right?

Growing up, people often thought I was a decade older than I was. This perception may have stemmed from the challenges of my childhood, the older partners I chose, and the weight of responsibilities I carried. Now, as I approach 50, people often guess that I am in my mid-30s, the same age they guessed when I was in my 20s. So, how have I managed to maintain a relatively youthful and consistent appearance for 25 years? The answer lies in lifestyle choices and self-care habits.

The Impact of Lifestyle Choices

A significant part of maintaining a youthful appearance is attributed to the choices I’ve made throughout my life. Drinking plenty of water, limiting alcohol consumption, and abstaining from smoking and drugs have all contributed to healthier skin and overall well-being. Over the years, I had learned to cook from scratch and grow and preserve a lot of my own produce. And forget about highly-processed fast foods (although an occasional fresh burger from Culvers or A&W works for me.) Leading a relatively clean and, some might say, boring life has paid off in the long run.

My great-grandmother, who lived into her 90s, always had incredibly soft skin. Her secret? Ponds facial cream, which she used daily. Inspired by her, I’ve tried to follow a consistent facial routine, especially as I’ve gotten older. While I wasn’t always good at sticking to a skincare regimen, I’ve found it easier to maintain as time goes on. Using facial soap in the shower, applying toner before makeup, and using a moisturizing concealer as a foundation have all become part of my routine.

Investing in a private one-on-one lesson with a makeup artist at Sephora was a game-changer. Learning how to properly apply makeup to enhance my features has made a significant difference. Additionally, thank goodness for hair dyes and awesome stylists who help keep the gray away. While the bags under my eyes might be a giveaway to my age, I’ve picked up a few tricks to minimize their appearance.

Dressing well and incorporating a bit of trendiness into my wardrobe have also helped maintain a youthful look. Combining this with healthy eating, plenty of water, and a good skin routine has contributed to the compliments I often receive about looking younger than my age.

Looking your best can have a profound impact on how you feel. By making mindful lifestyle choices, investing in good skincare, seeking professional advice when needed, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can embrace a youthful appearance and boost your confidence. Remember, self-care is not just about feeling good on the inside but also looking your best on the outside.

Finally, age is just a number – you are only as old as you feel. And now that my headaches are gone and I am enjoying my life to the fullest again, I feel like I could be 35 instead of 49! And since I keep telling my kiddos that I plan on living to be over 100, they better be prepared to have me around for a very long time. (Who knows, maybe at 100, I’ll feel and look like I’m only 75!)