While getting older does come with inevitable changes such as wrinkles, sagging, and greying hair, maturing does not have to mean forgoing your looks.
GB News has spoken to age-defying beauties in their 50s, 60s and 70s about how they maintain a youthful appearance. They all look younger than their years, but how do they do it?
For a 69-year-old who looks years younger, the secret is never leaving the house without her go-to skin care product.
This time, 59-year-old Larissa Banting exclusively revealed the lifestyle habits that keep signs of ageing at bay.
She told GB News: “I’m 59 years old, but people think I’m 45 – 49 max. I’ve never had Botox or any cosmetic surgery.”
Larissa admitted that her skin care routine is a bit “lax”; however, she makes up for it with excellent hydration, plenty of sleep, healthy eating, and regular exercise.
“I drink a lot of water throughout the day (at least two litres), don’t eat junk food, cook my own meals, don’t smoke, and get eight hours of sleep a night,” she stated.
Larissa’s non-negotiable daily habit boosts collagen and prevents wrinkles
GETTY IMAGES / Larissa Banting
‘I exercise regularly, taking up horseback riding two years ago’
Larissa Banting
Sleep is not only essential for your health and wellbeing, it’s also an effective – not to mention free – anti-ageing strategy.
At night, when your body is resting, your skin is busy restoring and rejuvenating itself – hence the term ‘beauty sleep’. According to experts, the benefits of adequate shut-eye include collagen boosting and wrinkle prevention.
Previously speaking to GB News about how women can look 10 years younger, sleep expert Dr Chelsie Rohrscheib said: “Ensuring you get seven to nine hours of good quality sleep each night is one of the best ways to maintain a youthful appearance.
“A lack of sleep causes inflammation and swelling, leading to puffy or dark under eyes. It also affects the quality and elasticity of our skin because sleep promotes blood flow and collagen production.
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7-9 hours of quality sleep each night is ‘one of the best ways to maintain a youthful appearance’
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“Chronically poor sleep can lead to premature skin ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles, a dull or dry appearance and discolouration.”
As well as implementing healthy habits and getting enough sleep, Larissa maintains an active lifestyle.
The 59-year-old said: “I exercise regularly, taking up horseback riding two years ago. Losing 2st 7lb this last year has also helped me look younger, as I feel I looked older with the extra weight.”
Enjoying an active lifestyle has obvious health and weight benefits, but many people overlook its positive effects on the complexion.
An article entitled ‘The Potential of Exercise on Lifestyle and Skin Function: Narrative Review’, published in the National Library of Medicine, pointed to exercise as an effective skin care strategy.
Experts stated: “Regular exercise is associated with increased blood flow to the skin, elevated skin temperature, and improved skin moisture.”
Providing a tip for fellow anti-ageing enthusiasts, Larissa said: “Age is truly nothing but a number and taking up a new hobby is a great way to stay young inside and out.”
While regular exercise and healthy daily habits have paved the way for Larissa’s youthful looks, hair and makeup hacks can also provide an instant boost.
The quinquagenarian doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, but swears by powder, mascara, and lipstick to look her best.
As for her hair, while many are happy to go grey gracefully, Larissa’s “not ready for a head of white hair” yet.
Sporting a chic brunette bob, she stated: “I do get my hair coloured every three weeks as my hair grows ridiculously fast.”
Larissa concluded: “I’ve been blessed with good genes, as both my parents looked much younger than their years.
“I had my daughter at 42 years old, so she’s helped keep me young. In general, my outlook on life is pretty positive and sunny, which I think has a massive effect on how I look.”