Fine lines, dark circles, age spots, dry skin, and thinning hair are just a few of the unavoidable side effects of aging that keep us awake at night. While plastic surgery is more popular than ever, it comes with significant risks (and a hefty price tag) that make it unsuitable for some. Fortunately, it is possible to regain a youthful glow without undergoing surgery.

What Makes Us Look Older?

As we age, the fibers that give our skin a firm, smooth appearance weaken, resulting in a sagging and wrinkled texture. As other factors come into play, collagen production slows and the elasticity of youthful skin begins to fade.

If you compare two photos of yourself taken five years apart, it is undeniable that you look older. However, the changes are so subtle and gradual that you can’t pinpoint why you’re looking more mature. What are these modifications? It is frequently due to a loss of fat in the face. The full, soft look we associate with youth fades as bone structure changes and facial fat fades, leaving you with loose, sagging skin.

Another important factor that contributes to an older appearance is sun damage. Years of tanning bed baking and unprotected sun exposure leave fine lines, wrinkles, pigmented areas, and rough patches on our faces. To make matters worse, the tiny oil glands that keep our skin soft and supple diminish in number as we age, contributing to dry skin.

Qualities That Make Us Appear Younger

Researchers discovered that women who look young for their age have a few things in common in a study of Danish and British females aged 45 to 81. They have large lips, avoid sun exposure, and have vibrant hair and fewer wrinkles. In addition, the study found that perceived age is a better predictor of skin, hair, and facial aging than chronological age. In other words, age is just a number.

Whatever the number of candles is on your birthday cake this year, there are many ways to reverse the signs of aging for a more youthful, vibrant appearance. What’s the best part? You don’t even need to have surgery. Here are nine non-surgical ways to look younger.

1. VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is being lauded by beauty bloggers and dermatologists for its anti-aging properties. It can improve the appearance and texture of your skin, giving you a more youthful appearance.

Vitamin C is one of three antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the harmful effects of the sun on the skin and prevent future damage. It also promotes collagen production, which helps to increase skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, this wonder antioxidant targets stubborn skin discoloration while also reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, redness, and undereye circles.

A serum is an excellent way to incorporate vitamin C into your skincare routine. After cleansing and toning, apply a pea-sized amount of vitamin C serum to your face and wait a few minutes for it to absorb before applying moisturizer and makeup.

2. VITAMIN A (RETINOL)

The wrinkles and freckles that we associate with aging appear most prominently on sun-exposed skin. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, helps fade these dark spots and stimulates the production of new skin cells. And these are just the creams and serums that are available over-the-counter.

Prescription-strength Retinoids have the ability to rejuvenate the skin by treating acne, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and evening out skin tone. Retinol can not only increase collagen production and treat existing signs of aging, but it can also potentially prevent future sun damage.

Retinol should be used as part of your nightly skincare routine, according to experts. However, because of its potency, begin slowly and gradually build up your skin’s tolerance to avoid redness, flakiness, or a burning sensation. Apply retinol to your eyes, which are often the first to show signs of aging. Retinol takes an average of 12 weeks to produce noticeable anti-aging benefits, so stick with it for at least that long to see results.

3. DERMAL FILLERS

These anti-aging injectables smooth your skin and promote an even complexion by filling in wrinkles and depressions and replenishing lost volume. Dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvéderm® use hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar in the body, to soften facial wrinkles and restore volume.

When hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin, it swells and causes a smoothing, filling effect where lost volume needs to be restored. The effects of hyaluronic acid last six to twelve months. It is critical to find a skilled injector who understands facial anatomy and can provide you with the natural results you desire. When you notice that the anti-aging effect is fading, it is time to schedule a touch-up treatment.

4. MICRONEEDLING

Microneedling, as the name implies, involves pricking the skin with tiny needles to make the skin appear younger. Microneedling is used to create microscopic channels for anti-aging products such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin C to seep through and penetrate the deep layers of the skin.

In a dermatologist’s office, the doctor will apply serum to your face and chest before moving a needling device over the treatment area for deep penetration. Even if no serum is used, the needles’ tiny injuries stimulate collagen production and the formation of new elastin.

Microneedling’s anti-aging effects are most noticeable after four to five treatments. The treatment is especially effective at treating large pores, acne scars, necklines, and mouth wrinkles.

5. LASER RESURFACING

Laser resurfacing removes layers of skin with short, concentrated beams of light to improve texture. Age spots, acne scars, blood vessels, wrinkles, and sun damage respond well to laser resurfacing because it smoothes out your skin, giving you a complexion that not only looks but also feels younger.

In some cases, a single treatment can improve your skin’s texture. However, for the best and longest-lasting results, most lasers require a series of treatments.

6. RADIOFREQUENCY SKIN TIGHTENING

This quick and comfortable anti-aging treatment has no downtime and leaves no scars, making it a popular non-surgical way to achieve younger-looking skin. A radiofrequency (RF) treatment involves heating the skin’s deepest layers to stimulate new collagen production and cell turnover, resulting in firmer, thicker, and younger-looking skin.

While lasers improve the surface of the skin, radiofrequency treatments use a lower frequency to safely penetrate to a deeper level. This improves skin tone and structure and has the potential to lift the tissue. To achieve complete facial rejuvenation, radiofrequency treatments can be combined with injectables, micro-needling, and other minimally invasive treatments.

7. MICROBLADING

Just as your hair thins with age, your brows may begin to appear sparse as you age. Microblading is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that can give you the appearance of thick, lush brows, lifting your face and making you appear younger. The technique involves making microscopic strokes in the skin with a hand-controlled device equipped with ultrafine needles. To create a defined shape and fuller look, the strokes are filled in with semi-permanent pigment that resembles your natural brow hair.

You will need to see your technician for a touchup four to six weeks after your initial microblading appointment. Aside from that, maintenance is minimal. Microblading results last between one and three years, depending on your skin type. Experts recommend a touch-up every 12 to 18 months to keep your brows looking fresh and full.

8. MAKEUP

The least invasive option on our list is likely to be something you already have in your cosmetic bag. Makeup, when applied correctly, can transform your appearance and reduce the visible signs of aging.

Begin with a primer to achieve a smooth complexion. It helps to conceal fine lines and large pores by filling them in before applying the rest of your makeup. Apply tinted moisturizer or foundation with a light touch and a sponge. To avoid an obvious line, blend along your jaw.

To create a fuller pout, find a lip liner that matches your natural lip tone and lightly draw over the border of your lips. For a finished look, apply a sheer gloss on top. Eyebrows that are bold and defined can also make you look younger. To fill in any gaps and create the illusion of fuller brows, look for a brow pencil that is a cross between a pencil and a powder. To accentuate your eyes, use a neutral cream shadow and a powder illuminator in the inner corners.

Cream and silicone-based cosmetics are ideal for aging skin because they “melt” into the skin and provide a flawless, natural-looking finish. Powder, which settles into fine lines and can accentuate the signs of aging, should be avoided.