How to Look as Young as you Feel

How you think influences how you feel, and how you feel influences how you look — so why not have an ageless mentality? Instead of worrying about getting older, celebrate how young you feel in the given moment, and all of the amazing things you’ve accomplished and have to look forward to. Anytime the phrase “I’m too old to…” comes into your mind, immediately change your thinking, then go out and do something that makes you feel young and vibrant! For me, that means dancing my heart out on the dance floor, whether it’s in my home with my husband and kids on a Friday night, doing my favorite bellydance workout on Saturday morning, or taking over the dance floor at a family wedding.

As someone who has battled acne since the age of 12 and got my Esthetician license in my twenties just so I could care for my skin better, I’m extremely passionate about skincare. That said, using the best products for maintaining your skin’s moisture and elasticity as you age, is key. While I love and embrace the changes I see in my face, only 20% of visible aging occurs from natural processes, the rest comes from environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet, stress, sun damage and air pollution, so I want to do everything in my power to make sure I’m not accelerating the aging process inadvertently by using the wrong products or not protecting my skin properly.

I’ve always trusted Mary Kay products (one of my aunt’s has been a rep for over 15 years!), so  when  I  heard  about  the  new TimeWise® Miracle Set 3D™,  which  helps defend  against  harmful  environmental  elements  to  delay  the  look  of  skin  aging  through  hydration,  and  UVA/UVB  protection,  I  couldn’t  wait  to  give  it  a  try! The set includes a Minimize 3D 4-in-1 Cleanser, Day Cream with SPF 30, Night Cream, and Eye Cream, and while I’ve only been using it for 4 weeks, it’s already worked wonders on my skin, improving fine lines, wrinkles, luminosity and more! The products are packed with antioxidants to keep skin feeling supple and smooth, while hydrating fine lines, and has UVA and UVB sun protection, which is an everyday must, no matter what time of year it is. It also contains Vitamin B3, which helps to brighten complexion, while a special age-minimizing peptide boosts the skin’s natural collagen and elastin, so it stays luminous 24/7 — even if you don’t get a full night’s sleep because you have a newborn in tow, like me!

Speaking of sleep, as a mom of two young kids, I do everything I can to make sure I’m getting quality sleep, because lack of sleep has a huge effect on the body, the skin and the overall aging process. This means incorporating exercise and a “wind-down” routine at the end of the day so I can truly unplug and fall into a deep slumber during the hours I do get. It not only rests my brain so I can feel refreshed and sharp in the morning, it also helps my skin properly regenerate so it can look its best everyday.

There’s nothing selfish about taking time to care for yourself. In fact, taking care of yourself allows you to be the best version of yourself for others, especially your loved one’s — and that shines through in your energy and attitude! Whether it’s taking a few minutes a day to go for a walk, sing favorite song in the shower or reading a few pages of a book every night, taking time for yourself will help you feel more present and maintain a feeling of youthfulness throughout your life.

We all have hard days when we simply feel like time is against us. That’s when having a close friend, or group of friends, can really help you find positivity through the hard-times. A good friend can remind you of what’s truly important, make you feel beautiful, and remind you of the things that make you feel young, like laughing hysterically at an inside joke! Anything that promotes laughter, happiness and love, promotes endorphins, which heal our bodies cells and keep the mind and body feeling youthful.