Looking younger than your actual age is possible, even in your 40s and 50s.

What really works when it comes to looking and feeling beautiful? I can tell you, from my experience as a woman in her 40s, it doesn’t come in a cream or a bottle. Consistently, when I’m out with my daughter, I get asked if I’m her older sister, and, conversely, she hears, “That’s your mom?!” Needless to say, that makes me feel great!

“What’s Your Secret!” I get asked over and over again, and I’m more than happy to share them with you here:

In order of priority…

1. Think Young and Be Active

Being young at heart is not just a cliché, but, when it’s truly put into practice, can work wonders for your whole body. Do you remember how you felt when you were younger? Did you laugh more? Were you more active? That excitement of wonder and joy, the energy that releases endorphins affect your entire body.

Studies have shown that the drop in metabolism is less related to our age and more related to our tendency towards living a more sedentary life.

Endorphins are natural stress-fighters, and, as we all know, stress ramps up the aging process like no other. So, seek laughter, get regular exercise, and find things to get interested in every day.

Related: 2 Ways to Slow Biological Aging

2. Increase Up Collagen Production and Retention

As our bodies age, our collagen production decreases, resulting in thin, weak hair, nails, and skin, as well as, sensitive joints. Also, it becomes harder to retain moisture in these areas.

The good news is that collagen can be replaced, and moisture can be retained through nutrition.

I include 2 scoops of hydrolyzed collagen peptide to my diet every day with Amino Collagen C with Hyaluronic Acid. This supplement does many things for the body that helps me look and feel youthful:

  1. Strengthens skin and new hair growth. 
  2. Stimulates my body’s natural collagen production.
  3. Helps retain skin moisture and hydrate joints

Also make sure you eat plenty of other types of protein to support muscle and tissues, this will give your body the raw materials it needs to repair and renew.

Related: The Beauty of Protein: Hair, Skin, Nails, and More

3. Adding Fat and Protein to My Diet

More healthy fats and essential fatty acids (EFA). I will eat a whole avocado in one sitting, I’m not shy when it comes to healthy fats because they actually support healthy metabolism and endocrine health among MANY other things.

I take a high potency omega-3 fish oil supplement as well (Norway Pure Omega-3). Omega-3 protects something called telomeres, which is basically the tails of our DNA. Over time, these tails get worn out and hinder their ability to replicate. Long telomeres equal long life and healthy aging. Fish oil is also known for its ability as an anti-inflammatory.

Related: How is Inflammation Related to Aging?

On the occasion that I eat or drink dairy, I opt for the full fat version of yogurt. Yogurt contains healthy cultures that protect and control inflammation in the gut, which is the source of all health in the body

Related: Perfecting the Anti-Aging Diet

4. Stop Sabotaging Beauty

Depriving yourself of needed sleep, exposing skin to the sun, and smoking are all great ways to age yourself faster. But, this isn’t a news flash… so set your mind on taking care of YOU!

Related: What is the Best Pillowcase Fabric for Your Skin?

These tips for staying young in your 40s, 50s and beyond are sure to keep your mind and body in tip top shape, and looking younger than your actual age.