Getting older may be inevitable… but looking older doesn’t have to be!
There’s a whole bunch of things a man can do to keep looking his best whatever his age.
Below we give you the four essential anti aging areas to work on to make sure that you stay looking, and feeling, younger. And as a bonus, they’ll make you feel healthier, not to mention happier too!
So if, like Keanu Reeves, you view aging with an equal mix of “wonder and terror”, don’t worry.
Our four part plan will make sure that you’re one of those guys that keeps improving with age.
Sound good? Then let’s get started.
At some point you walked into the bathroom, looked in the mirror, and saw that first grey hair, that first hint of a wrinkle around the eyes.
It can be really defeating because these things can have a negative effect on your self-esteem. In a society that values youth so highly it’s often the first thing people see when they look at you.
And it’s not just vanity that makes you want to look younger… judgements are made.
Some men seem more immune to the signs of aging than others. So to make sure you’re one of those guys that improves with age (think Paul Rudd), follow these anti aging tips.
Your face and body changes at different ages, but these tips are constant and will always serve you well.
Put simply the four areas to work on are:
- TAKING GOOD CARE OF YOUR SKIN – now that means using the best skincare, but it doesn’t have to be a complicated routine. The essentials below are going to make you look younger and help prevent wrinkles, but with minimal effort.
- BEING WELL-GROOMED – we’ve listed simple grooming changes that can make you look sharper, more vibrant and younger looking.
- LEADING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE – below are the lifestyle changes you can adopt which will revitalize you and improve your well-being. You’ll feel healthier as well as looking younger.
- KEEPING A YOUNG SPIRIT – Mindset is everything! We’ve got some great ideas for staying curious, staying interested and staying young in spirit.
Let’s break that down…
Your complete guide to looking younger
From taking care of your skin and looking sharp, to keeping your body in optimal health and your spirit young, this is your guide to looking your very best at every age.
SKINCARE
Taking care of your skin doesn’t need to be complicated. This anti aging skincare routine will keep wrinkles at bay, with minimal effort.
#1 Wash your face twice a day
Your skin is exposed to free radicals every day which cause your skin to age. Washing your face prevents them from doing more damage. It also removes dirt and oil build up which can clog your pores causing acne and other blemishes.
So the first step in your morning and evening skincare routine should be cleaning your face.
For a complete run down, including step by step instructions on the right way to wash your face, see – see "CLEAN: the best way to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy".
#2 Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin not only eliminates dead skin cells, it also accelerates cell renewal and stimulates your skin’s natural repair mechanism. Both of these become slower and compromised as we age.
Exfoliating leads to an instant improvement in the appearance of your skin. The texture of your face looks smoother, your pores appear smaller and it allows for better absorption of your moisturizer, keeping your skin well hydrated.
It also increases blood circulation to your face, bringing essential nutrients to the skin’s surface. The result is a healthy, vibrant and glowing complexion.
The best way to exfoliate is gently!
We recommend our Daily Face Wash which not only thoroughly cleans your face removing oil and dirt, but also gently exfoliates, in one simple step. It’s so gentle that you can use it twice a day, even if you have sensitive skin.
For more on exfoliation, we’ve got your questions covered here – “ Your Ultimate Guide to Exfoliation: FAQ's".
Exfoliating Daily Face Wash for Glowing Skin
$31.00
#3 Moisturize
When your skin is dehydrated it exaggerates all the signs of facial ageing. Dry skin accentuates fine lines and facial wrinkles, and gives you a dull, grey complexion. Using a moisturizer twice a day is essential to counteract this dryness and keep your skin hydrated smoothing out any fine lines and wrinkles.
When choosing the best anti aging cream always focus on scientifically proven ingredients. Anti aging products should include ingredients that will lock in moisture, like Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid, as well as Peptides that will encourage collagen production which tends to slow down as your skin ages. (link to men’s skin)
Our Hydrating Daily Moisturizer includes these excellent anti aging ingredients, along with Jojoba Oil to nourish and regenerate your skin, Vitamin E to improve the texture of your skin, D-Panthenol to calm and reduce any redness, and Aloe Vera to soften and soothe.
It’s also extremely light, absorbs easily, and can be used day or night without leaving your face looking greasy.
Best Moisturizer for Smoother, Firmer Skin
$62.00
Eyes
The delicate skin around your eyes is one of the first places that you notice signs of aging. Fine lines and wrinkles usually show up here as early as in your mid 20s. The best line of defence is making sure to use a moisturizer on this delicate area every day. This will reduce the signs of aging as well as reduce the appearance of under eye bags.
Again look for ingredients that lock in moisture such as Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin.
We believe that there’s no need to use a separate eye cream though. Our Hydrating Daily Moisturizer is light enough to be applied to the delicate skin around your eyes and because it absorbs easily, without the need for excessive rubbing, you won’t pull on your skin either.
Just apply one pump of moisturizer to your fingertips, then tap gently around your eyes.
It will also help to prevent dark circles and puffiness, smoothing and nourishing the whole eye area.
#4 Use SPF protection every day
Sun exposure is by far the leading cause of premature aging. So wearing sunscreen is one of the best things you can do to keep your skin looking young. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays speed up the aging process by breaking down collagen and slowing new cell growth, causing skin to lose its firmness and elasticity – and leading to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and poor skin texture.
But wearing proper sun protection every day can protect your skin from this.
Do you need to use it every single day? Yes, even in winter, even on cloudy days, UV rays are present, and damaging your skin.
It’s never too late. Whenever you start it can make a huge improvement in your skin, halting further damage and improving skin texture.
For the best skincare routine tailored for your age check out...
And for a quick 5-minute facial routine to tighten and smooth your skin instantly, check out: "Tighter, Smoother Skin in 5 minutes".
Now, because it’s not only your skin that gives clues about your age, let’s look at some age-defying grooming tips…
GROOMING
Invest in a good haircut – Grey hairs and a receding hairline aren’t the only things that are going to make you look older. Letting your hair get too long is going to age you too. So find a stylist who is going to give you a really sharp haircut that is flattering for your face – and then have it trimmed regularly to keep the shape. A good haircut can take years off your age.
Tame your beard - the same thing applies to your beard. You want to keep it neatly trimmed. A nice, sharp beard style is going to flatter and accentuate your best features.
For more on how to take care of your beard yourself see "How to Trim Your Beard Like a Pro".
And for a friction-free shave go to "The Shaving Solution For Sensitive Skin. No More Razor Burn".
As you get older, and your face starts to sag, you lose definition in your cheeks and jawline so keeping your beard neatly groomed will help you look a lot younger.
Groom your eyebrows - Unruly brows are a quick route to looking like an unkempt old man! Keep them neatly trimmed and groomed and they’ll emphasise and open up your eyes, making you look younger and well rested. We’ve got the best way to groom your eyebrows at home here – “Transformative Power of Perfectly Groomed Eyebrows".
Get rid of unwanted hair - The same goes for unwanted ear and nose hair. Along with those extra-long eyebrow hairs, these are due to hormonal changes and tend to grow faster and thicker as you get older. Choose the right tools and get rid of them yourself or ask your barber to do it.
Brighten your smile – Stained, yellowing teeth can add years to your face, as well as denting your confidence. Make your smile sparkle by tackling those stubborn stains with whitening toothpaste or strips. Alternatively, look into having a professional whitening treatment. Even OTC products can make your smile one or two shades lighter.
Add color to your wardrobe – it’s easy to get stuck in the same dull color palette with your clothes. But as we age our skin and hair color changes and generally become more washed out. The colors that suited you ten or twenty years ago may be draining you now. Try to revamp your wardrobe by experimenting with adding a splash of color here and there. Start by focusing on colors that bring out your eye color and play around from there.
Wear dark blue, not grey – And talking of color, just like grey hair, the colour grey tends to be associated with ageing. If you always wear a grey suit it can make you look more mature by association. Instead try a dark navy blue. This is going to make you look much sharper, and appear younger, especially when paired with a clean, white shirt.
Make sure that your clothes fit – Remember the scene in “Crazy, Stupid Love” where Ryan Gosling gives fashion advice to Steve Carell? Well that advice holds true for every man at every age. Choose clothes that fit you properly. The easiest way is to make sure that you’re wearing the correct size for you. Try to choose ‘slim-fit’ when you can. Alternatively, find a good tailor and have your clothes altered to exactly fit your body. Whatever your age, these alterations will instantly make you look taller, leaner and fitter.
LIFESTYLE
Stay hydrated - Drinking plenty of water will keep your skin properly hydrated. This means it will stay looking smooth and supple. It’s a good idea to drink more than you think you need - especially if you’ve been exercising. Start your day with a warm glass of lemon water to rehydrate after sleeping, then space your water intake throughout the day so that your body can effectively absorb each glass.
Sleep well – Lack of sleep not only leads to bags under your eyes and dark circles it also exaggerates fine lines, uneven pigmentation and reduced skin elasticity. That’s because sleep helps your skin to regenerate and repair itself. It helps to boost cell production and reduces inflammation (which can lead to dryness). It also lowers your body’s cortisol levels, the stress hormone (which can lead to the breakdown of collagen). The good news is that you only need one night of good quality sleep to notice an improvement. If you're having problems getting to sleep we've got some great tips here – “Why you need your Beauty Sleep: and 14 ways to Sleep Better".
Eat healthily – the quality of the food you put into your body is going to have an effect on your face and show up in how young and supple your skin looks. Pay attention to the nutritional value of your diet, eating healthy foods full of vitamins, minerals, Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fibre and antioxidants. These are the building blocks of healthy, younger looking skin.
We’ve listed an ” A-Z of the 27 best anti aging superfoods" to guide you.
Avoid refined sugar - sugar has been shown to damage collagen (the substance that gives your skin structure) and so making your skin look a lot older. So you want to reduce the amount of refined sugar that you include in your diet. Avoid the obvious culprits – like soda, candy, desserts – but also the sugars disguised as healthy foods – in juice, protein bars, and breakfast cereals - too.
Prioritize exercise - one of the big keys to looking younger is staying fit and trim. Working out will build muscles, but also reduce belly fat and improve your posture.
(We've got a great ab workout here: "Defined Abs at Every Age").
It also increases metabolism and can help to slow down cell ageing as well.
Remember to wash your face post-workout to get rid of excess oil and any buildup of sweat, both of which can have an ageing effect on your face.
Kick bad habits – most obviously you should avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption. As well as heart disease, smoking causes your skin to age prematurely, gradually breaking down both the elasticity and collagen that your skin needs to stay looking it’s best.
Excessive alcohol does the same when consumed in excess. It can also dehydrate your body, dilating the blood vessels in your face causing excessive redness especially around the nose. Not a good look!
Take a nap – This may not be practical every day but whenever you get a chance to catch up on some sleep, try to take it. The benefits of a good night’s sleep are the same even if you only manage a peaceful 20 minutes.
Meditate – anything that helps you to relax is going to keep your face looking younger and smoother. And meditation is one of the best ways there is of reducing stress.
Stand up straight - As you age, the cartilage between the vertebrae of your spine starts to stiffen and shrink. This makes it harder to stand up straight and can lead to joint pain and difficulty in walking. You can correct this by consciously pulling your shoulders back, holding your head high and standing up straight.
Whilst you can’t halt this process there are moves that you can do to lessen the effects. Exercises like squats and plank target the muscles that help keep you correctly aligned and upright.
As a bonus, walking tall will give you the appearance of being younger, stronger and more confident.
Relax - the stress of everyday life causes the release of stress hormones that increase the breakdown of collagen and reduces your body's ability to repair cell damage, making you more prone to wrinkles. If excess stress becomes a regular problem it can also add weight around your midsection, as well as cause you to lose muscle mass.
It’s impossible to get rid of stress completely but developing coping mechanisms to help deal with it are really important for your physical and mental health.
Whether it’s meditation, yoga or mindfulness, try to find a method of introducing calm that works best for you. Sometimes just simply going for a walk can make all the difference to how you’re feeling.
The important thing is to take even a little time out of your day to relax and focus on yourself.
Get outside - indoor workouts are great but taking things outside is going to improve your mind and your spirit, as well as your body. Go for a run, take a bike ride, hike in the hills, take a deep breath of fresh outdoor air and soak in the natural beauty all around you.
We've got more lifestyle changes to improve your energy levels here - "7 Science-Backed Ways To Reclaim Your Vigor".
SPIRIT
Find your purpose - be confident and stand for something. Nothing makes you look and feel younger than having a purpose. Commit to causes bigger than yourself.
For more on this, and other secrets of living a long, healthy life check out "Blue Zones: 9 Secrets of the World’s Healthiest People".
Stay interested - Stay curious and stay willing to try new things that you've always wanted to do. Whether it’s a new food, or a new sport you’ve never tried before or better still something you avoided because you didn’t think you’d be any good at it. Surprise yourself!
Act like a kid again - playing games and acting like you did when you were a child has been shown to improve your mood and concentration, and it reduces stress and therefore improves how young you look.
Always be learning - always be learning something new, always stay interested. This is going to show in your face and your attitude to life and that's the best anti aging secret there is. Testing your limits and going outside your comfort zone is going to always make you feel younger and excited about life!
FAQ's
At what age do men get wrinkles?
A man’s skin has a higher collagen content than a woman’s so it tends to age more slowly. However, once you hit your 40’s that collagen content reduces dramatically and wrinkles start to become much more noticeable.
However, you may start to notice fine lines and wrinkles appearing around your eyes from your early 20’s.
What really works to reduce wrinkles?
To reduce fine lines and wrinkles you need to reverse, or mitigate, the changes that happen in our skin as we age. So …
- Use a moisturizer to hydrate your skin
- Use anti-aging products with anti-oxidants to reduce free radical damage
- Maintain skin cell turnover and encourage collagen production by using skincare products which include peptides.
- Reduce sun damage by always wearing sun protection, even on cloudy days. And protect the delicate skin around your eyes with sunglasses fitted with UV protection lenses.
When should I start using anti aging products?
Prevention is always going to be better than cure. Your skin starts to show the first signs of aging – sun spots, fine lines - from around 20 years old. So it’s better to start the road to prevention early. It’s in our 20’s that skin cell turnover starts to slow down and the effects of free radical damage start to show. Its then that you need to take action.
And for some age-defying instant fixes, check out: "12 Ways to Look Younger INSTANTLY".
The Takeaway
It’s not about fighting the aging process, it’s about feeling and looking your best and improving with age.
Take care of your skin with a daily skincare routine to reduce wrinkles and prevent signs of aging. Support your body with the food, movement and sleep it requires. Nourish your mind and your spirit with the meaning, purpose and community they crave.
Whatever your age, your reward will be a huge amount of energy, and a renewed sense of resilience, vitality and joy.
Use these principles as a guide and they’ll serve you well.
- TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR SKIN
- STAY WELL-GROOMED
- ADOPT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
- HOLD ON TO A YOUNG SPIRIT
The four pillars to looking, and more importantly, feeling more vibrant and knocking years off your age.
All you need to stay looking handsome.
SHOP THE ROUTINE.
PRESTIGE SKINCARE FOR MEN.
MADE IN FRANCE.
