15 local things that will make you look younger than your age
Growing old is normal — it happens to all of us. But the way you grow old depends on how you live your life every day. You can’t stop time, but you can slow down how it affects your body, skin, and mind. If you want to look younger than your real age, here are some things you can start doing right now.
1. Drink Plenty Water
Water is life o! If you want your skin to look fresh and smooth, then drink more water every day. When your body doesn’t get enough water, your skin becomes dry and looks older. Try and drink at least 8 cups a day. And if the sun is too hot or you’re sweating plenty, drink even more.
2. Eat Good Food
You see all those vegetables, fruits, fish, groundnuts, kontomire, avocados and beans? They help your body and skin look fresh. Foods with Vitamin C, Vitamin E and omega-3 (like salmon or local fish) will make your skin firm and help fight wrinkles.
3. Get Good Sleep
When you sleep well, your body repairs itself. That’s when your skin refreshes, too. If you don’t sleep enough, you’ll get eye bags and your face will look tired. Try and sleep between 7 to 9 hours every night.
4. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
This Ghana sun is no joke. Too much sun can damage your skin, give you black spots, wrinkles and make your skin sag. Always wear sunscreen if you have some, especially when you’re going out. You can also wear hats or use umbrellas to protect your face.
5. Exercise Small-Small
Even simple walking or dancing every day helps. Exercise improves blood flow, which means your skin gets more oxygen and nutrients. It also helps your body stay in shape and gives you more energy.
6. Reduce Stress
Wahala can make you look old quickly. When you’re always stressed, your body produces something called cortisol. This thing spoils your skin and makes you age fast. Try praying, doing deep breathing, listening to gospel or cool music, or just sitting somewhere quiet.
7. Smile and Stay Positive
Your attitude shows on your face. People who laugh, joke and stay around positive friends usually look younger and more attractive. So try and be happy and grateful, no matter what life brings.
Let’s Talk About the Face — How to Make It Look Younger
The first thing people look at is your face. If your face looks tired or old, people will think you’re older than you really are. Here are more tips for your face:
8. Fix Your Hair Style
Your hairstyle matters o. Don’t keep the same hairstyle from 20 years ago. Shorter styles or ones that suit your face can make you look younger. If your hair is turning grey, don’t just dye it black-black — sometimes adding some highlights or lighter shades works better.
9. Dress Well, Dress Your Age
Wear clothes that fit your age but still look nice. A nice scarf can cover your neck if it’s sagging. Don’t wear things that are too tight or expose too much if your body can’t carry it like before. Wear things that bring out your beauty in a mature way.
10. Do Small Makeup to Hide Wrinkles
Use makeup wisely. Just small concealer can hide those lines near your eyes (crow’s feet) or dark circles. But don’t overdo it, because too much powder can even make the wrinkles more visible.
11. Take Care of Your Eyes
The eyes show your age quickly. As we grow older, the eyelids can sag or your lashes can fade. Use a good mascara or eye cream to bring life to your eyes. If it gets too bad, some people go for medical treatments like eyelid surgery — but that one is not for everyone.
12. Clean and Moisturize Your Skin
Don’t sleep with dirt or sweat on your face. Wash your face every evening and use a soft cream to keep it smooth. Exfoliating (using scrubs) once or twice a week can help remove dead skin. Your new skin underneath will shine better.
13. Watch What You Eat and Drink
Too much sugar, alcohol, or fried foods can make your skin age faster. Eat more natural foods and drink more water. Avoid too much coffee and soft drinks. Also, smoking or even staying around smoke is bad for your skin — it brings wrinkles early.
14. Be Careful with the Sun
If you’re selling in traffic or working under the hot sun like many of our hardworking Ghanaian women, always cover up. Wear a hat or use a cloth to shield your face and arms. And when you get home, clean your skin well.
15. Some Skin Creams Can Help
There are special creams with vitamins like Vitamin A (retinoid) that help your skin look young. You can get them at a pharmacy, but talk to a skin doctor (dermatologist) if you’re not sure what to use.
Final Words
Looking young is not only about creams or makeup. It’s how you live your life — what you eat, how you sleep, how you think, and even how you laugh. If you follow these simple tips, you’ll not only look fresh but you’ll feel good inside too. And when you feel good, you shine naturally.