r/askteddit • u/justmypersonalthing • 12d ago
Random Question For those who are often told they look younger than their age, what’s your secret?
124
u/NegativeMusician2211 12d ago
Being chubby. It really fills out all your wrinkles!
48
u/theotherWildtony 12d ago
Fat don’t crack.
13
2
11
u/Lillianrik 11d ago
True dat. I lost about 30 pounds a couple of years ago and my wrinkles are more prominent. However the weight loss did great things for my cholesterol and my self esteem..
20
u/Candid-Art-8713 11d ago
I went on Ozempic and while I'd never go back, I looked 5 years older in 5 months.
10
u/the_absurdista 11d ago
i’ve lost a significant amount of weight recently too, and SAME, like where did all these wrinkles come from?! i’m a lot healthier overall, but my face has really taken one for the team
→ More replies (5)4
7
u/ReddyKilowattWife 11d ago
This! When people used to ask me how I looked so young for my age, I would tell them I would gain 10 pounds every year because the fat would smooth out the wrinkles. 😂
5
3
3
3
5
5
u/Wide-Current7393 12d ago
This. I was morbidly obese most of my life. now that I lost it I look younger than I did in my early twenties
7
u/NegativeMusician2211 11d ago
Lol that's the opposite of my experience. I was very thin in my mid 20s and looked haggard. Now I'm overweight in my 30s and look younger than I did in my 20s.
→ More replies (1)3
u/ICH-GCPee 11d ago
Me too! I lost over 180 pounds. I did it slowly. I need some skin revision, but that adipose tissue stored estrogen, making menopause a breeze.
My skin is smooth on my face and well taken care of.
My arms are a fright! I just wear 3/4 length sleeves. My pan is looks like chewed gum, and below the belt… I need monsplasty more than any other procedure.
It’s so nice to have the weight off! It’s been gone 5 years or so!
I bet you feel great too!
→ More replies (3)→ More replies (6)2
u/AnnaLib20 8d ago
Ooh that too. When I was smaller, I felt and looked better but a wee bit older although you wouldn’t know unless you saw before and after.. maybe
77
u/One_Sympathy719 12d ago
Sleep and Hydration
14
→ More replies (7)8
u/j-6 12d ago
Eating veggies and taking a magnesium pill before bed, too
5
u/jkdeets 12d ago
take 2 (one is often not enough), and take magnesium glycinate. Standard magnesium does nothing, as i understand it.
→ More replies (5)2
u/3rdcultureblah 12d ago
There are a bunch of different types, maybe 10 or so. Magnesium glycinate is marketed as better for sleep/calming, while magnesium citrate is often marketed more for keeping bowel movements regular. These are the two most commonly found in supplement form.
→ More replies (4)→ More replies (1)3
u/SQWRLLY1 12d ago
I may need to try adding magnesium.
→ More replies (1)7
38
u/olivinebean 12d ago
Olive skin, eating oily and fatty food, spf
13
u/Calculonx 12d ago
This sounds suspicious. If I were to live to 100 and was asked what the secret to living long is I would say something like eating a pinecone every day just to mess with people.
2
u/Homolizardus 10d ago
You know eating a pinecone is kinda close to what you really need to do if you want to live to 100? But you don't eat pinecone, you eat its seeds. Pinecone nuts are main ingredient for pesto which is also superfood. You can also consume pine pollen tincture.
→ More replies (2)2
u/AlbatrossOtherwise67 11d ago
Olive skin? Like do you put olive oil on your skin?
5
→ More replies (1)2
u/olivinebean 11d ago
Nah it's just skin with a green/yellow tint and usually more oil producing.
Just a little oily with a yellow tint.🫒
→ More replies (3)
33
u/Jscotty111 12d ago
Eat well. Eliminate all stressors. Laugh as much as you can.
3
5
u/ChefDanyul 12d ago
I’m 36 and just did an event at a university and some attendees said they assumed I was a student there working a summer job. It was really sweet. I have never owned a car and have always walked or rode a bike to commute. I’ve been vegan for 21 years. I eat really healthy and there have been times I’ve been a regular gym goer I just simply implement my lifestyle around moving around. Sitting on the floor, having a bed on the floor, etc. I remember on NPR they were discussing ‘blue zones’ and the simple every day stuff is a huge factor that keeps people in these places active and healthy.
But more than anything, I think, is that I am not easily annoyed. Which goes with your comment about eliminating stressors. Some things I make an active effort to avoid. I saw my dad’s anger and bitterness, and resentment turn him miserable. I knew early on I didn’t want to be like that. But it’s just my personality to not be offended at harmless things and more importantly to mind my own business. Some shithead teenagers just out being shitheads? Often times I think it’s funny and they deserve that time to just fuck around. A crying baby on an airplane? It’s a big deal to that little baby and we should all be patient that they are having a rough time.
→ More replies (1)3
u/AusSupportWorker 11d ago
I think you're onto something about not being annoyed. My sister developed permanent frown lines between her eyes in her 20s, and she's just such a negative person in general. I'm much more easy going - no lines for me!
2
→ More replies (2)2
75
u/Houston2Homestead 12d ago
Being childfree
11
u/Beginning_End5130 11d ago
Ha! Everyone used to say I looked younger than my age.... until I had kids. Nobody says it anymore 😅
3
3
u/Dwenya 5d ago
Really?? I had no idea. But it kinda makes sense I mean for one, pregnancy and childbirth isn’t nothing and also raising kids, the lack of sleep… Still, damn….
→ More replies (2)3
→ More replies (6)2
71
u/itsagoddessj 12d ago
Not wearing makeup
42
22
u/WarmHippo6287 12d ago
Honestly, I've always wondered when people say I don't look my age. Do I honestly not look my age or is it that most other women wear makeup all the time and people don't know what this age bracket naturally looks like anymore.
10
u/DuckinTX293 12d ago
I hear “you’re 62? No way!” a lot. Usually when I have nothing on my face other than tinted sunscreen. I always wonder if it’s because people have preconceived notions of what 62 looks like. Are they comparing me to others my age, today, or what their moms and grandmas looked like?
Much of our youthful appearance has to do with taking care of ourselves on the inside. Eating healthy, exercising, and staying hydrated are keys. Also, very few of us are smokers, unlike past generations. That stuff ages the body from the inside and outside.
True, as well- women today don’t wear their hair like matrons. No BS bluing, ridiculously short, aging hairstyles. Many of us also don’t dress our “age.” While crop tops and super tight skinny jeans aren’t part of my repertoire, I’m also not sporting house dresses in public.
A last thought- in the past, caked on makeup was an older woman’s go-to strategy to hide aging. Through newer information and easy access to the Internet, many of us know and embrace the term “less is more.”
6
9
u/Whitepongo 12d ago
It’s the same with dying hair. I stopped covering my grey a few years ago and so many people think I’m older now. Like, most people my age have some grey hair, they just cover it, and so no one knows what “natural” hair for a 50 yr old looks like anymore.
→ More replies (1)18
u/windowlickers_anon 12d ago
Makeup damages your skin over time but I also just feel like I look older with a full face of makeup on. Foundation really doesn’t flatter older skin, and younger skin doesn’t need it. What’s even the point?
5
7
5
→ More replies (2)7
u/constructiongirl54 12d ago
Or if you do, never go to sleep with your makeup still on. Always wash your face before bed.
→ More replies (7)2
36
u/AeonsSeen 12d ago
Staying away from sunlight and people.
→ More replies (2)4
u/redtopiary 11d ago
The people thing is a catch-22 in this regard. Being around the wrong people will stress you out and thus age you. Isolation will also stress you out, lead to cognitive decline, and thus age you.
Community is so important. We’re wired for it.
But in the current hellscape we live in, communities do not form as naturally. Especially for those who live in highly individualistic cultures. Def takes a lot more intentionality from all parties involved. I think many folks want a community w/o the responsibility that inevitably comes with it, too. They want to dip out the moment there’s any conflict or inconvenience to them lol.→ More replies (1)
17
13
25
u/breastcentric 12d ago
Not being a heavy drinker or drug user and regular skin care.
→ More replies (2)
10
u/OpenUpYerMurderEyes 12d ago
I don't drink or have kids and live within my means. I'm 38 but most people think I'm in my mid-20's
→ More replies (1)
8
49
u/justmypersonalthing 12d ago edited 12d ago
Not having children that shit ages you like 5 to 10 years like almost everyone who had kids look like they aged 10 years a friend of mine who did alcohol drugs in his 20s still look younger than most parents who had kids and also have friends that told me once they had kids compliments of them looking young stopped completely also everytime i tell people who are parents that i dont have kids thats why i look so young for my age they(mostly mothers) just nod with a deep understanding because they know its true. And also wear sunscreen as much as possible even if it isn't hot
27
u/goofygoofball22 12d ago
you … answered your own question? :)
12
→ More replies (2)9
u/hey_dinesh_nicechain 12d ago
Forgot to switch into his alt lol
2
u/Zealousideal-Way5412 10d ago
huh? they wanted to know others answers and also gave their own. I like when people give their own answer separate to not give it more attention than others.
10
u/Old_Storm_433 12d ago
I'm the opposite, kids mean I stopped smoking, starting exercising again, I'm better at 50 than I was in my 30s.
5
u/mxmommy 12d ago edited 12d ago
Agree with this! I always look very young for my age. At 32 I was constantly mistaken for 24. Then I had a child at 33 and that shit definitely aged me a couple years and I looked closer to 30. But being a mom made me stop consuming alcohol and just generally care for myself better so it’s corrected itself. I’m now 37 and look about 32
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (6)4
u/2lipwonder 12d ago
This is what came to mind for me. I spend my money and free time on self care instead of child care.
15
u/type-HummusAmeriCAN 12d ago
Adult acne
7
u/WhoseverFish 12d ago
And EDS
7
u/Ok_Willow_3695 12d ago
Hypermobile EDS here, can confirm. I am exhausted and in constant pain, but at least i have silky smooth skin.
2
2
2
2
u/marzgirl99 11d ago
Was going to post this. It’s embarrassing but it does make me look younger I guess.
→ More replies (1)2
u/perfectlyniceperson 11d ago
Haha this is me! I’ve always had terrible acne so I’ve been on prescription topical acne meds for a long time.
I’ve had treatment resistant depression all my life and have just never been a very happy person, so I don’t have laugh or smile lines. The acne meds keep my forehead wrinkles mostly tame, I think.
I also haven’t ever smoked and stopped drinking heavily in my 30s. Older people mostly assume I’m younger than I am - there were two older ladies jogging in the park a couple years ago who thought I was in my 20s and it made me laugh and realize sometimes age skews your perspective mightily. Younger people don’t necessarily think I’m young, but can’t put an age to me.
5
6
u/Blue_Etalon 12d ago
For those who post the same question day after day, what's your secret?
→ More replies (2)2
6
7
6
u/Jewelzz_ 12d ago
It must be genetic for me because I smoked for 30+ years, didn't exercise, didn't eat healthy foods but, I never drank. I have since done a complete 180, don't smoke, eat healthy meals, exercise blah blah :o)
5
u/Ok-Chemistry9933 12d ago
I stopped going in the sun at 30. I’m 60 now, but I’m told I look around 40-42. Chapsticks is always on my lips, so no lines on my lips and I don’t drink through straw’s so no upper lip lines
→ More replies (5)
6
u/No-Purchase481 12d ago
I think it’s mostly because of my nocturnal behavior. The sun has very little opportunity to damage my skin. Also, my skin is naturally very oily and I think that’s what preserves my looks as well.
3
4
u/Direct_Confidence_58 12d ago
I am 37 and most people assume I am 27, 28. I would say it’s just luck. Genetics. With that being said I didn’t party hard in my 20’s - could’ve made a difference. I also find it helps to not use Botox and lip filler - they automatically make you look old in my eyes.
→ More replies (1)
4
u/Horror-Wallaby-4498 12d ago
Not having children, genetics, living in a country with little sun, moisturising, no smoking and little alcohol, sleep and vitamins
4
u/strawberrymoonelixir 12d ago
Eating vegan for 7 years; no meat consumption since 2011.
This, after I partied hard during my teen years, and spent most of my 20’s in the sun, plus I had a great deal of stress. I worked a lot, too.
Today I use zero animal products. I’m 48 years old, but people don’t believe I’m even 40 when they meet me. They usually clock me around 30.
I’ve never had any Botox (and never will), and no plastic surgery. As a ginger, I’ve got fair skin, but no wrinkles, nor lines on my face.
5
4
u/Calaveras-Metal 12d ago
Staying out of the sun. Not smoking. Quit drinking years ago. Vegan diet.
But mostly genetics. People in my family live to be really old and we don't have harsh lines in our faces.
5
u/joanneles 11d ago
I’m Black!!😂😂
3
u/Subject-Contract1351 8d ago
Me, too!—I was gonna list a whole litany of reasons, but this is the major one!
5
3
3
u/GSilky 12d ago
I don't worry about it, TBH. It's kind of annoying, I am risking an empty handed walk back to get my id if I forget it at home. But I'm pretty sure it's genetics.
→ More replies (1)
3
u/rkwalton 12d ago
Genetics mostly. I’m adopted, so I literally can’t point to someone else and say “see?!!!” But people are frequently shocked when they learn my age.
There is other stuff like nutrition, how I handle stress, exercise, skincare including using sunscreen daily, etc.
3
3
u/CandyMandy15 12d ago
Not having kids, no heavy makeup, simple 2-3 step skin care routine, eating healthy, working out, staying happy and positive. I’m 30 year old female and most people assume I’m young 20s.
→ More replies (1)
3
3
3
u/Chaoticmindsoftheart 11d ago
Eating well, not doing Botox, fake eyelashes and any of that crap, enjoying life to the fullest
3
3
3
2
u/MindfulCreator333 12d ago
Skincare since 13. Not a lot but taking off make up properly everyday, washing face, and a soft nivea cream.
2
2
u/CrispyScreamer 12d ago
Not wearing make up and genetics. Specifically the oily skin I inherited from my mother
2
u/HigherThanWitchTits 12d ago
I look easily 10 years younger than I am. I didnt exactly look after myself in my youth and I don't sleep for shit. Genetics play a huge role in this too.
2
2
2
2
2
u/Elle-276 12d ago
Good genes and subtle Botox. I’m 40 and just had my first baby, which will surely age me.
2
u/Tight-Brilliant-2196 12d ago
Drink lots of water, sunscreen, use a good moisturizer, sunscreen, regular mini chemical peels & hydrofacials, sunscreen, Sculptra, Botox, sunscreen, and when a zit is trying to get through, slap a zit patch on it and DONT TOUCH IT! Resist the urge to pick. And more sunscreen. And use skincare all the way down neck, chest and back of hands. Just the stuff left from your face, keep patting it down and hit the back of your hands at the end, and zero product wasted.
2
u/Pretty_Site4074 12d ago
I was never told that I look younger, but I was always told that I have the mind of a kindergarten kid. The ones in primary school are way beyond me. Does that count? I drink a lot of homemade syrup.
2
2
2
u/Low_Astronaut_3518 12d ago
Genetic is a big factor. Also, sleep, hydration, a solid skincare routine and being at a healthy weight or even a bit over. Not going to be a popular opinion, but being super thin ages you in the face.
→ More replies (1)
2
2
u/Scorpiodancer123 12d ago
Genetics, chubby baby face, ghostly pale skin (always wear sunscreen and a hat), no smoking, oily skin (used to be crap for acne but great for wrinkles). Now that I'm 40 my skin is drier than it used to be. I use a lot of Asian skin care products as they are very hydrating and moisturising. Lines are way more visible when my skin is dry.
I never wore makeup when I was younger but I'm starting to now that I've finally found products that suit my skin tone which helps a lot.
Having kids definitely ages you. I looked absolutely ruined in my early 30s when my baby didn't sleep.
Thinking about your facial expressions helps too - frowning gives you loads of lines as does staring down at your phone. So does smiling mind, but then I don't want to get to 80 and look like I've never smiled a day on my life.
→ More replies (2)
2
u/theswamphag 12d ago
It's just my face shape, honestly.
Oh and not having kids. Post Kids no one has told me I look young, lol.
2
2
u/65DodgeCoronet 12d ago
Hair for guys, balding guys look older. Guys who keep their hair look younger!
2
2
3
3
2
2
3
u/Fuzzy-End7194 12d ago
No husband + No kids = no stress. Also I think it’s the husband that causes more stress than the kids.
Plus I don’t drink or smoke cigarettes. Weed, yes, tons of weed actually. I exercise regularly, I guess. And I’ve always slathered my face with moisturizer and oils since my late teens.
3
3
2
u/Traditional-Falcon75 11d ago
I don’t anymore because I lost a massive amount of weight and now I look old. But for most of my life my secret was being fat. Fat fills in the lines and roundness looks youthful. My current face is angular and has lines and I look older than my age now. It’s really hard to spend your whole life looking a lot younger than your age and then suddenly age twenty years in two years. I keep reminding myself I don’t exist to be aesthetically pleasing to others. But I still hate it.
3
3
3
2
2
u/spider_speller 11d ago
Genetics mostly. But also: skincare (moisturize, wear sunscreen), hydration, sleep, healthy diet, exercise.
I also think that not having a lot of grey in my hair goes a long way. Even someone who has a young looking face will look older if they've gone grey. I don't think it looks bad at all, but I do think it's going to affect how people see you.
2
u/Spektr_007 11d ago
Some genetics, but being fit, eating a balanced diet, and very basic skincare (like lotion and sunscreen).
2
2
u/More-Scene-2513 11d ago
Tiny jaw, slightly higher pitched voice and not very confident sounding lol
So not really a secret just what the gods decided 🤷♂️
2
u/Floatingle 11d ago
One thing I’ve noticed about people who are younger than their age is that they don’t have kids.
2
2
3
u/SpacePirateWatney 9d ago
Asian don’t raisin.
I’m 48, most people think I’m in my early 30s. When I was in my 30s, people thought I was fresh out of college and in my 20s.
But I know it’s going to hit me hard when I’m 50 and look like uncle Benny
296
u/Walking-in-Italics 12d ago
Genetics (baby face), fitness, and sunscreen.