How Can I Look 10 Years Younger at 40?

Those over the age of 40 will find that some changes such as developing new skin care and eating rituals are needed to stay looking young. As your skin and body age, changing the way you take of your body and style yourself can help you take a decade or more off of your look.

Smiling 40 year old woman. (Image: Jon Feingersh/Blend Images/Getty Images)

Step 1

Get your teeth whitened. Since teeth darken as you age, yellow teeth are a good indication of your age. By the time you reach 40, the effects of coffee and maybe smoking are clearly visible on your teeth. For serious cases, a bleaching treatment done at your dentist's office can take 10 years off of your appearance almost immediately. Otherwise, you can buy special toothpaste and gels to use at home.

Step 2

Control your weight. Metabolism slows down as you age, especially after the age of 30. If you don't up your exercise intensity, you might end up gaining a couple of pounds a year. By the time you reach 40, that could mean a weight gain of 10 or more pounds.

Step 3

Dress young but don't overdo it. Avoid see-through tops, too-short skirts and flashy fabrics. When wearing this type of clothing you may send the message that you're trying too hard and can actually show your age. On the other hand, avoid "mom" jeans and baggy clothes that will give the impression you have something to hide. Browse through fashion magazines geared toward the 40-and-over crowd that will give you ideas on how to dress youthfully and keep it classy.

Step 4

Get a good bra. Better yet, get a professional bra fitting (available at upscale stores and underwear shops) so you can buy something that fits well. Because breasts sag as you age (and especially if you've had children), wearing the right bra will instantly take years off of your appearance.

Step 5

Choose a hair color that fits your skin tone and maintain it. By the time you reach 40, chances are you have a good amount of gray to cover. If you dye your hair a dark tone, you will need to make more frequent visits to the hair salon to cover your roots. Lighter colors, or hair that is highlighted, will hide gray better but might be more expensive to upkeep.

Step 6

Treat aging skin. Deeper lines start appearing in your late-thirties. By 40, you may have to deal not only with more prominent wrinkles, but also with skin discoloration and dryer skin. This is the time to talk to your doctor about prescription creams such as Retin-A, which can get rid of dark spots, lines and rough skin. For deeper lines, Botox or gel fillers might be a better option. Always wear sunscreen to prevent further damage.

Step 7

Switch to lighter makeup. Heavy foundation and powder can sink into wrinkles and lines, making you look older than you are. A softer eye shadow and lighter lip color will hide imperfections and minimize attention to problem areas. Moisturize well before applying base color so your skin is well hydrated and your wrinkles less likely to show.