How much does taking care of yourself affect aging?

[DontPickMe]

I've never really taken great care of my skin etc/drank lots of water. Haven't massively needed to... until now that is. I'm almost 30 and I've started a skin care routine, upping my water intake and adding some exercise into my day.

I just wondered, how much of a difference will these things make? Have other people seen the benefits? Or is aging just one of these things you can't do much to improve?

Anyone?

I think it makes a huge difference. Just think of our mothers' generation or grandmothers and what 50-60 looked like compared to today's generation of 50-0 who have placed a greater emphasis on taking care of themselves by exercise, skincare, and eating well.

You might be better posting this in style and beauty. I think the number one way to keep your skin looking younger is to stay out of the sun. As for exercise, you need to keep the inside of your body healthy too so it’s a no brainer.

You may need to take a more holistic approach to the question! What ages people is life. Domestic / financial / work stress; bereavement, living in an unhealthy environment, illness; disappointment ... All of these will have as much effect on how you look as what you do to your face.

As well as staying hydrated, learn which foods are great for your skin such as those containing omega 3.

I don't know. My gran was beautiful until she died age 97. My mum looks 20 years younger than she is. My daughter is in her 20s and gets a half on the bus... 😀
Self care was Nivea and Simple(DD) moisturiser when they remembered. That's it. Sometimes it's genetic (I missed the good gene lottery, I fully look my age).

Interesting question. I've always drunk loads of water and taken fairly good care of my skin so can't really say how I'd be ageing if I didn't iyswim. I'm 45 and think I suddenly look 'older', I've only noticed this over the last couple of months. Until recently, when age came up in conversation, people were genuinely surprised at my age and said I didn't look it but now all of a sudden when I tell them, they don't comment. Mind you, if I hadn't drunk water and used skin care it'd probably be worse. I do believe though that the price of skincare is irrelevant, it's using it that matters. I swear by Liz Earle cleanse and polish and must have used it for almost 20 years. Used to use expensive serums and moisturisers but now use Aldi serum and moisturiser and an Avon night and eye cream. If you are starting to drink more water and take care of your skin (If you didn't previously) I bet you will notice a difference although as I said, in my opinion you don't need to spend loads on skincare.

Oh and genes play a part as a pp said. My mother is 72 and beautiful with great skin and a youthful figure. She dresses very well too.

So here's hoping!

I agree with a few previous posters in that it's a combination of a few things:

Genes - will give a big head start.

Physical - eating healthily, skincare, physical activity.

Mental - attitude to life, resilience etc

Luck - you have limited control over what life throws your way for example becoming unwell, money worries etc. These can take its toll. But even so, I guess you can do something about the mental and physical well-being.

I think mainly it’s the luck of the genetic draw.

It’s mainly genes

I am now in my 60's & wish I hadn't sunbathed as much as I did when younger - we didn't know about the long term effects.

The other thing is to take care of your teeth, floss every day & keep up with the check ups & hygenist appointments.

I'd say mostly genes.

My mum sunbathed, smoked, drank, ate crap, skin care wasn't what it was, etc and tbh she looks pretty good for mid seventies.

Sunscreen.

Far fewer people smoke these days. That was massively ageing. Other than that I think eating healthily helps and keeping yourself protected from the Sun.

But mostly, it's whether you have 'lucky' genes.