While getting older is a gift and something to celebrate, it's no secret that many women are keen to look younger than their years.
Many go down the cosmetic procedures route - which can achieve great results provided you do your research and ensure a qualified professional is administering the service.
However, it's also possible to see major improvements using less invasive, costly methods. Lifestyle tweaks such as cultivating a solid hair care routine, eating well, and getting enough sleep are hugely beneficial.
Taking care of your skin is another essential, so investing in the right products and booking yourself a facial could work wonders, too.
Speaking exclusively to GB News, a 58-year-old woman who appears decades younger than her age has revealed the secrets behind her youthful appearance.
Among other things, she treats herself to regular facials (professional skin treatments that cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish the skin).
Monica Romano, who celebrated her 58th birthday this year, is regularly mistaken for someone in her early 40s.
The confusion over her age became particularly apparent when she relocated to a 55+ living community.
"Residents kept asking who I was visiting or assumed I couldn't possibly be old enough to live there, let alone have a 37-year-old son," she said.
Sharing her "secret" to age-defying looks, Monica explained that her youthfulness is down to a comprehensive approach rather than any single factor. It's not one thing - it's a lifestyle," she said.
Monica's skin care strategies and healthy lifestyle habits help her maintain a youthful glow
GETTY IMAGES / Monica Romano
Skin care
Monica's skin care regimen forms the cornerstone of her age-defying approach: "I treat myself to semi-regular facials and use high-quality products; Sanitas is my go-to."
A facial, as defined by Laser Clinics, is a "professional skin treatment that focuses on cleansing, exfoliating, and nourishing the skin".
The experts explained: "Facials involve a series of carefully selected steps for every skin type and concern. They can include deep cleansing, exfoliation, extraction to clear pores, hydration, and targeted treatments like masks or serums for specific skin issues."
Following a gentle cleanse, you can expect steps like "exfoliation to slough off dead skin, serums to address specific skin concerns, a mask to soothe and hydrate, and possibly an LED to stimulate skin rejuvenation and recovery".
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'Facials involve a series of carefully selected steps for every skin type and concern'
GETTY IMAGES
No two facials are the same - your skin therapist can guide you on the best option for you - but they all have the same ultimate aim: to "refresh" and "rejuvenate".
Hair care
Aside from having regular facials and using excellent skin care products, Monica maintains a youthful look by supporting her strands.
"I switch up my hairstyle often and wash my hair every other day to keep it healthy," she said.
Diet
Her dietary choices play a crucial role in maintaining her appearance, too. The 58-year-old starts each morning with "a single cup of antioxidant-rich coffee" and finishes off the day with fresh fruit rather than traditional desserts.
"It's my little trick for staying energised and nourished," she noted.
Lifestyle habits
Quality shut-eye also remains essential to the 58-year-old's routine. "Sleep is another non-negotiable. I aim for quality rest each night and nap often," Monica explained.
But despite this comprehensive approach, Monica cites laughter as her most powerful anti-ageing tool.
"You really want to know what keeps me young? Laughter. It sounds simple, but it's powerful. Laughter keeps your mind light, your energy lifted, and your skin glowing," she said.
Staying positive and limiting stress is widely considered to be an effective hack for looking younger.
Skin gurus at Dermatica explained that "stress is one of the many factors that have been shown to contribute to extrinsic skin ageing".
Psychological stress has a knock-on effect: it increases levels of cortisol, triggering oxidative stress, which can in turn throw off the natural balance of free radicals (harmful chemicals) and antioxidants (protective chemicals).
The experts explained: "Excess free radicals build up, and these damage cells."
Monica views youthfulness as a holistic philosophy: "It isn't about chasing trends or perfection; it's about living with intention, listening to your body, and choosing joy whenever possible.
"Youth is a vibe, and I'm just getting started," she concluded.
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