Dr. Stephanie was also on “For the Health Of It” podcast to discuss Aging Gracefully! Listen here:
Part 1: https://forthehealthofit.podbean.com/e/for-the-health-of-it-149-aging-gracefully-the-mindset-shift/
Part 2: https://forthehealthofit.podbean.com/e/for-the-health-of-it-150-aging-gracefully-tools-for-vitality/
As I approach my fifth decade of life, I have been paying more attention to what makes “older”
people look more youthful. Our culture is obsessed with anti-aging creams, cosmetic
procedures, and miracle treatments. But I wonder if there is a simpler truth, perhaps the
healthiest approach to looking younger starts from within. Our attitude, the way we eat, move,
sleep, and care for our bodies has a direct impact on how we look and feel over time. Not to say
that a current wardrobe of well-fitting clothes, in skin tone flattering colors to our skin, doesn’t
help a bit too.
While aging is a natural part of life, here are five natural ways to help your body look and feel
younger—without extreme measures.
An Attitude of Adventure and Positivity
How you approach life each day matters. You will create your own energetic glow when you
stay curious, grateful and laugh often. Stress affects nearly every system in the body and may
accelerate visible aging. Chronic stress can increase inflammation, disrupt sleep, affect
digestion, add weight, and contribute to tension lines and fatigue. Choose to not focus on
things that you cannot control. Surround yourself with uplifting friends and family. Seek
adventure. Do more of the things you love and less of what you don’t.
Prioritize Quality Sleep
They don’t call it “beauty sleep” for nothing. During deep sleep, the body repairs tissues,
balances hormones, and produces collagen—the protein that helps keep skin firm and elastic.
Poor sleep has been linked to dark circles, dull skin, increased inflammation, and accelerated
aging. Adults who consistently get seven to nine hours of quality sleep often appear more
refreshed and energetic.
To improve sleep naturally establish a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screen time at least one
hour before bed and limit caffeine later in the day. You might be surprised how just one week
of improved sleep can make a difference in your energy level and your appearance.
Stay Hydrated and Focus on Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Free radicals from stress, pollution, processed foods, and sun exposure can contribute to
premature aging. Antioxidants help neutralize those damaging compounds and support
healthier skin and cells. Some of the best anti-aging foods include blueberries, spinach, wild
caught salmon, green tea and pomegranates.
Dehydration can make skin appear dry, tired, and less elastic. Proper hydration supports
circulation, digestion, detoxification, and skin health. June is a great time to experiment with smoothie recipes. This recipe is packed with skin-supporting antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamin C and fiber.
Berry Glow Smoothie
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1 handful spinach
- 1/2 avocado
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Get Regular Chiropractic Adjustments
Here’s one you probably hadn’t considered in your anti-aging routine! Chiropractic care can
contribute to a more youthful appearance and better overall vitality. Poor posture and spinal
misalignments, called subluxations, can make people appear and feel older than they are.
Forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and joint stiffness contribute to a fatigued and aged
appearance. Find a chiropractor who does a thorough exam, including postural assessment and
x-rays when necessary. Corrective chiropractic adjustments not only improve posture, reduce
aches and pains and improve mobility, they also promote better brain-body communication.
Leveled-up nervous system function can enhance digestion, immune system function and sleep
quality.
Protect Your Skin Naturally
Sun exposure remains one of the biggest contributors to premature aging. Fine lines, dark
spots, and loss of elasticity are often linked to years of UV exposure. Use a hat, sunglasses and
UV protecting fabrics. Rather than reach for chemical-laden sunscreens, try wearing a mineral
sunblock. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Sunscreen Guide, some
common sunscreen ingredients have raised concerns because of their potential links to
hormone disruption, skin irritation, and absorption into the bloodstream. Ingredients such as
oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and octocrylene have been flagged by EWG and studied
by the FDA after research showed they can be absorbed through the skin at levels that may
warrant further safety testing. EWG notes that mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and
titanium dioxide are generally considered safer options for sun protection. The Environmental
Working Group ranks toxic ingredients in sunscreen by brand. Go to www.EWG.org for a
complete list.
Exercise More
Movement is one of the most powerful anti-aging tools available. Regular exercise improves
circulation, supports muscle tone, reduces stress hormones, and helps maintain bone density.
Exercise also increases blood flow to the skin, delivering oxygen and nutrients that support a
healthy glow. You don’t need intense workouts to benefit. Walking, yoga, strength training,
swimming, and stretching can all help support youthful movement and posture.
Skip the Botox
Lastly, let me share a secret natural hack that dates back to 1889 – “Frownies.” They are
adhesive facial patches worn overnight typically on the forehead and between the eyes. They
gently hold facial muscles still, somewhat similar to “face taping.” The idea is that limiting
repeated muscle movement while you sleep may help reduce creasing and make wrinkles
appear smoother over time. No harm in trying this for $25 before invasive options!
Looking younger naturally isn’t about chasing perfection or avoiding aging altogether. It’s about
supporting the body in healthy ways that promote vitality, energy, confidence, and health
—and it’s never too late to start.
-Dr. Stephanie