...This article is derived from my studies as a beautician,makeup artist and hairdresser.

'Firstly we have to be aware of what actually ages our skin, there are some factors we can control and others we cannot.'

SOME HARD FACTS ON WHAT AGES OUR SKIN;

1.Sun : Well most of us are aware of this enemy to our skin through suntanning and over exposure.Effects of the sun on the skin is brown sun spots,leathery looking snake skin,premature aging,skin cancer,pigmentation spots.

2.Smoking : If you look at people who have been smoking for some time you will see reduced wrinkles around the lips, and eyes.Smoking can also be very drying to the skin.

3.Stress : Another culprit. People also who tend to frown a lot often develop that 'pinched expression' of lines in the centre of the forehead. We have all heard of the phrase "frown lines."

4.Alcohol: Excess drinking can actually dilate the blood vessels which can appear at anytime on the skin from heavy drinkers

5.Lack Of Sleep : Not only produces dark circles but can create a dull lustre to the skin also.

6.Dehydration: Lack of fluids especially water also has a marked effect on the elasticity of the skin's surface.

HOW SKIN LOSES ITS SUPPORT AS WE AGE

There are basically three layers of the skin the Epidermis, top layer, the Dermis, the middle layer and the Subcutaneous Layer, the bottom layer.The Subcutaneous is made of fatty tissue supporting top layers of skin.

When we age the Subcutanous layer begins to shrink, and decrease in density, thus the layers above no longer have the same support as they once did.

My Bag Of Tricks To Take Off The Years:

1.Hairstyle : Honestly there are women who wear the same hair do from their prom days to their retirement age.It is possible to achieve a much younger look with a modern flattering hairstyle alone.

'Still hanging on to those long tresses you coil into a little bun on top of your head.'

As your face changes over the years, and new styles are invented, the greatest thing you can do is update your hairstyle. Hairdressers are there to advise you of what's best for you, taking your facial shape, age and texture of hair into consideration.

Here is a great site you can upload your photo to, free of charge, where you can try on numerous styles, hair colours and makeup. Unleash the Bridgette Bardot, sex-kitten, hidden inside of you.

Try this site it is so much fun and gives the best idea of what a style will look like on you

'http://www.dailymakeover.com/'

2. New Hair Colour:

Yet again a colour alone can soften your face,bring out your best features in an instant.Women sometimes are too scared to try a new colour change in case of 'ungodly' results.The link above also is fabulous for seeing what you look like with different colours.Try before you buy.The best advice here is when considering a change like this seek an experts advice on what will work best for you.

Platinum blonds,while sex kittens in their day,need to switch to more of a subtle tone as they age. Pure albino blond grans is a very harsh look.

3.Less Makeup As Years Progress:

Heavy makeup on an older woman is not a good look. Like your 'size 10 Levis' you wore as a kid that got stored away, so should the thick makeup on your face. Heavily applied makeup on a older woman looks pasty and actually makes women look older.

4.Water:

I think we all know this one. It is absolutely amazing the benefits water has for the skin. In my opinion, yes, water has an amazing impact on skin,and most Hollywood actors/actresses,models know it too.

Water carries nutrients to your body,softens the look of skin,giving eyes a sparkle as well.There are so many benefits it would take forever to name them all here on this page.

5. The Art Of Wearing Your Colours:

Skin can basically be divided into two types "Warm and "Cool".

To each unique skin tone, is a unique set of colours for your wardrobe.

Like your skin there is 'warm' and 'cold colours' for your clothing.

When you wear a colour from your palette,your skin is softened,and your beauty is magically enhanced.

'Just by wearing the right colours that are uniquely yours you never have to do the guess-work again.'

The right colour takes 'years off your age'. When you wear the colour meant for you, well these are the times you often receive compliments from friends, saying "how great you look."

Here is a fabulous website that gives you all the information you need to get into colour analysis, and learn the right colours to wear, to make you look your best.

http://www.style-makeover-hq.com/seasonal-color-analysis.html

6. A White Smile:

'Teeth tend to yellow more as we age.'

These days there are so many teeth whitening treatments around to choose from you can take your pick. It all comes down to how much you are prepared to spend, and how damaged your own teeth already are.

There are many home bleaching kits available these days.If you want to do an 'ok' type of job at home.

For those who want the whole hog,to be able to lighten their teeth up to 6 shades,for a 45minute session,at a cost of AU$890.00 have a look at this link

'http://www.toothwhiteningaustralia.com.au/'

This is an Australian site,but there are plenty of them all around the world.

7. A Younger Man :

If all else fails find yourself a younger man bound to make you look years younger and more desirable.

'All the celebrities do it so why cant we?'

Having all that energy grinding around you, it is definitely going to keep you young at heart