What makes people look/appear younger?

[SmellyWellyWoo]

This is not a stealth boast! Ive been musing on this today. I'm in my early 40s and sometimes people think I am younger when they meet me. I've got forehead and 11 lines as well as crow's feet. I'm very average in looks. Don't wear a lot of make up. Not polished or overly groomed.

I do have brightly coloured hair and stretched ears (had them for years). I also have naturally very thick dark eyebrows which are in fashion at the moment. I wonder if these help?

I also wonder if it's down to a perception of women in their 40s looking a certain way? I didn't used to get as many people thinking I was younger in my late 30s.

Or maybe it's something that everyone days out of politeness? 🤷🏼‍♀️

I'm 43, 10.5 stone, never wear make up (or possibly normal nice not working clothes), haven't had my hair cut since Feb 2020, plenty of greys though! I got ID'd today, I do often, I've got a squeeky voice and look like a tramp 😳😁

Candle light 😀

Think Kathy Bates' character in Misery.

Post your pics for us to see if anyone says 10 years or so younger as otherwise I don’t believe. I don’t think I look younger than my 57 years but just fit for that age. I am surprised when people think I’m younger but assume that is because I’m slim and confident. I think moving in a younger way is someway towards being perceived as younger. Also doing new activities such as VR sports etc

People always seem surprised I have a 14 yo and I’ve had comments about how young I must have been when I had her (like teenage age). I was 26 and had been married for 4 years! But I’ve also had someone else comment about “my generation” being different… I was 3 years older than her! I think it’s fashion but also who you are seen with and their ages, plus age of dc.

Why do people on here say think they are younger looking as ID’ed? It’s usual if you don’t look 80 odd as providers need to be on safe side. It’s not a validation on your age. I get this all the time at 57, it is in no way that anyone thinks I’m 25 😂🤣

I get ID'd for scratchcards and lottery tickets sometimes. Have also had the 'can I speak to your parents' line in the past too. I'm mid 30's, petite and I think the height definitely plays into it. But definitely noticing a few subtle lines start appearing..

Also agreeing.

Would add general exercise, good skin (the former helps this, I find), well looked after, healthy hair. Well put together clothes

My father's children all age well because we have a round plumper face (without being overweight) I think long and thin faces age quicker.

It would be so nice to be able to have a thread like this without people coming on and accusing people of being deluded / lying / being gullible / requesting that pictures be shared.

Just let it go, for once, it would be nice to be able to engage in a discussion without all this needless negativity.

To add good bone structure.

On first impressions I Occassionally get mistaken for younger (from far away!) because I'm basically the height of a child!

@gianaInfertilitySucks hahaha so funny! Do you still talk to this aunt of yours?!

A million times weight training as the best way to preserve ourselves x

The rounder faces, with more weight eventually sag, and have jowls. The thinner faces are more likely to sink, as in hollow.

Though the high cheekbones are best and most youthful IMO with scaffolding effect.

I do think people just quickly put you into broad categories OP, so bring a bit alternative-presenting is helping you “code” as younger.

Different things can have the same effect. It’s about overall impression, not wrinkles etc.

I'm in my forties and find that lighting makes a huge difference. I look fresh-faced in natural light but some artificial lighting really makes my neck look middle-aged, wrinkled and saggy.

*Honestly, I just think people are being polite.

It's a socially acceptable flattery that we all use. I do it myself.*

+10000

I am yet to meet a woman who doesn't 'get told she's younger than she is'

Think of what ages you and do the opposite.
Don’t smoke
Done be poor
Don’t be fat
Don’t have underlying health issues
Don’t have lank grey hair
Don’t eat a poor diet
Don’t wear clothes that are old fashioned, shapeless, too scanty or too sensible.

I’m surprised long hair has been suggested as making you look young. I think it’s quite ageing on a lot of older women.

Mumsnetters who can afford to look after themselves and dress well will age better than people who can’t, so arguably, will look younger than their contemporaries who are not able to do these things. Truthfully, few of us in our fifties look like twenty year olds though!

I look younger than I am and I hate it at work. People are always shocked when I tell them how old my children are (teens) and I always feel like I lack gravitas.

I know just one person who looks younger than she is.

She's 34 but could pass for 10 years younger. Same age kids as me, but she just has a young face. Some people do. I (39) have always passed for a bit older - I have dark hair and glasses. It's just how it is.

Overwhelmingly the people I know just look around the age they are. Well groomed or not.

Rubbish.

I easily pass as 10 years younger than I am. I went to uni in my 30s and very few people know I wasn't 18.

I was asked for proof of age in my early 40s buying alcohol.

I live on benefits, have not had regular work since I was 30, due to disability exercise is off the cards

There are only two things I can think of that make me look younger

1. genetics I was blessed with my Nana's age defying genes.

2. Not sunbathing, ever. I have been burned because along with the age gene I got the Scottish and Irish ancestors' skin.

I easily pass as 10 years younger than I am. I went to uni in my 30s and very few people know I wasn't 18.

I think this is just normal. I’m a mature student and often have the ‘you have kids? An 11 year old? Oh wow how old are you? Oh I didn’t know!’

It’s because you’re at uni. If you’re sitting in a seminar you’re a student, students are usually 18-21, so most people will be surprised to find out you’re a mature student because it’s less usual. I would be really surprised if you’re in your 30s and genuinely look 18.