Follow these genius tricks from the new 7 Years Younger: Instant Makeovers book, and make it easy to look and feel your best!
At the end of your shower, turn the nozzle and rinse your hair out with cold water for 5 to 10 seconds. (This closes the cuticle, for more shine.) Hair should feel noticeably softer and look shinier once dry.
Protect your face from skin damage
“Apply all of your skincare products from the periphery of your face inward,” says New York City dermatologist Doris Day, MD, author of Forget the Facelift. (This includes SPF and anti-agers!) “Most women apply too much in the middle and not enough around their hairline and jawline—these are the areas where I see the most skin damage.”
Reduce puffy lids
Brew a cup of caffeinated black tea using two tea bags. They contain tannins, a natural diuretic to help drain fluid. Place the cooled down tea bags over your eyes for 10 minutes.
Exfoliate for softer lips
“Dry, rough, chapped lips also respond well to gentle exfoliating products,” says Jeanette Graf, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. She suggests this semi-DIY fix for smoother lips as needed: Mix petrolatum (like Aquaphor) and sugar, and apply the paste to a soft toothbrush. Gently massage the lips with it for 1 minute, then rinse off.
Make exercise a habit
Try working out in the morning. According to one study, 75 percent of morning exercisers stuck with their routines, as compared to only 25 percent of evening exercisers. Plus, “you start your day off with a high burn, and get your energy up and metabolism running,” says Jenn Burke, fitness manager for Crunch Gym in Los Angeles.
Eat for better sleep
The classic sleep prescription of a small bowl of cereal and milk has scientific backing. The combination of protein and carbs triggers your brain to produce serotonin, its sleep-inducing chemical. (Not actually hungry? Try a cup of warm milk, which might help bring on sleepiness too.)
Stop slumping to stress less
Believe it or not, the way you sit can make you feel more stressed. So build in posture checks throughout the day by setting an hourly alert on your phone or computer. When you hear it ding, follow these simple steps: chin up, shoulders down, feet flat on the floor. Proper posture will naturally expand your chest so you take in more oxygen, which in turn helps calm your body’s physical and emotional response to stress.
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