How you look and feel in your fifties is usually the result of how you’ve been treating yourself since you were a young girl.
As a kid and a young woman, I committed my fair share of sins, such as sunbathing without sunscreen, which resulted in blisters on my shoulders and a peeling nose, indulging in too many Happy Hour booze specials, and extreme dieting, which led to an eating disorder that I battled for years.
But, looking at my 62-year-old self in the mirror today (age-related wrinkles and gray hairs aside), I can see the results of the good habits I picked up early in life.
Fortunately, there are a number of simple things you can do as a young woman so you can reach midlife in decent shape. That’s right. It’s never too early to start taking care of yourself.
So if you’re 15, 20, or 30, don´t let anyone tell you it’s too soon to bother with such things. If you do as I did, you will find yourself walking into your fifties looking and feeling great!
Here are my 7 top things you can do starting in your teens to look and feel fabulous when you reach fifty.
1. Moisturize your skin after every shower or bath
If you apply body lotion or baby oil on your skin after every single shower, by the time you turn 50, that’s a lot of body lotion and baby oil. And a lot of showers.
But trust me. It works.
At 50, your skin will be smoother than that of someone who didn’t make applying body lotion a priority. What kind of lotion? Any simple moisturizer you can afford that makes you feel special when slathering it on.
2. Wash and hydrate your face morning and night
Do this every single morning and every single night without fail. Even if you get home at dawn after a night out at the clubs, or you’re are sick with a cold or just gave birth to a baby.
Yes, I’ve been washing my face and moisturizing at least twice a day, every single day, since I was 13. Make sure to choose a moisturizer that is affordable for the age and condition of your skin.
3. Wear foundation or tinted moisturizer
Makeup protects your complexion from the environment. I never leave the house without at least a BB or CC Cream.
I started doing this almost forty years ago when I was 15. And, boy, am I glad I did.
Even now, as my skin is beginning to show – gasp! – age spots, I like to see it glow with the help of a well-blended foundation that matches and enhances the tone of my skin.
The secret is for it to look natural, not like a mask.
Also Read: Lifelong Tips to Feel Happy in Midlife
4. Get regular facials and massages
I was treated to my first facial and full body massage at 19. It was a birthday present from a woman 30 years older than me who had perfect skin.
In Europe, women get monthly facials. Over time, it makes a huge difference.
If you can’t afford to get professional facials, learn to give yourself a facial at home.
A massage helps you de-stress but also honors your body the way it’s meant to be treated and taken care of. So don’t think of it as not a luxury.
Even if you can only massage your feet at night, do it. It’s better than nothing.
5. Exercise at least half an hour three times a week
Exercise is one of the true proven ways to age well. But don’t wait until you’re 50. I took up running and yoga at 12. Since then, I’ve swum, danced, hiked, rock-climbed, walked, lifted weights, stretched, played racquetball, and so much more. I have always done some form of exercise an average of three times a week for over 40 years.
If you get into the habit of practicing a sport from an early age, your body will beg you to keep it up – it will start hurting, aching, and gaining weight if you stop.
Start young. Start now.
6. Don’t go on crazy diets
As a recovering bulimic, I know first-hand the potential hazards of any unnatural and extreme diet. It’s okay to eat a few potato chips. But it’s not healthy to have them as your main diet staple.
Eat three to five times a day in moderation, and stop eating before you’re full. Life is short. There is no need to deprive yourself, so enjoy a little of everything.
My abuelita lived to be 101 thanks to consuming a Mediterranean diet in moderation.
7. Sleep as much as you need to
Yeah, yeah, the early bird gets the worm and all that. But I don’t like worms, and I hate getting up early.
Of course, if you’re a night owl like me and you have a day job or kids in school, then you’re going to have to find a way to haul yourself out of bed early.
But don’t cheat yourself out of sleep. I need eight or nine hours of sleep to function the next day. You may only need six. Listen to your body.
By the time you’re fifty, the solution for looking wide-eyed and refreshed doesn’t come in a jar; it’s the result of a good night’s sleep.
These habits won’t make you look 30 at 50, but they will make you look and feel splendid at midlife. You will be the best possible you, physically and mentally.
Take it one day at a time … for life.
Wow! I want to age like you! I already follow some of the things you mention, but I guess I have to do more. Congratulations!
Thank you so much for your compliment, your time and your comment!
Washing your face at night consistently is super key! And I put on lots of creams not only on my face but on my whole body every day. I do read the ingredients and try to stay away from mineral oil, though. Great tips Lorraine..and I don;t mind smile wrinkles…but to smile than be serious 😀
That´s why you look so great! 😀 … Yah, I have fine lines and wrinkles too, especially around my eyes, but that IS from smiling. Besitos and THANK YOU for stopping by!
Con las cremas vamos bien…el ejercicio hay que implementar. Y con todo y las cremas me estoy comenzando a ver lineas de expresión y no llego a los 40. Pa’lla vamos todas! Estas divina. Gracias por los consejos.
Bueno, pero como pongo en el post, arrugas tengo yo también, claro, y si no, que le pregunten a mi hija de 9 años. Jeje. Pero eso sí, la piel suavecita. :’D
I’m turning 40 next month and I need to implement this right away! I admire your enery and fullness of life! Most of the things that I enjoy doing are very passive and my nature is not exercised-driven…so I always have to look for things that help me to move, move, move…like walking to the store or use my bicycle to go to Whole Food….. learning a sport while a kid is a perfect tip to help our kids to practice it since they are young. I did not have that and I regret it today. Thank you for the motivation.
Ah, it´s never every too late … Once you get used to it it becomes second nature. I had an active father and we used to run together when I was a kid. He still exercises. But I also have a friend who´s started running later in life and now she´s hooked. There is no time like today to make a change for the better. I believe in making exercise fun, so whatever works for YOU is the best type of exercise. Thank you for reading and commenting. Much much appreciated.
I have a problem with the sleep thing. I just can’t stay in bed! But I’ll try!
Jeje. All I say is get as much sleep as YOU need. I need a lot, you need less. I guess. Said Dr. Seuss …
Mujer, I’m in trouble. ; ) BB2U
Ahaha. I need to write another post on what to do in your fifties to make up for less than perfect self-care habits in your youth!
Great tips.I’m 42 and am already following most of them. Just looking at you makes me feel it gets better at 50 😉
Ah, I don´t know whether it´s better, but it´s nothing to be scared of. On the contrary, one feels more confident at 50. There´s that!
Wonderful advice. I really enjoyed reading this.
Thank you Letty! I really appreciate the read and the comment!