A couple of years ago, after a long week of travel, I caught my reflection in a hotel elevator mirror and thought, “Wow… when did I start looking this tired?”
Not older. Just tired.
And if you have ever had a similar moment, you know the feeling. Aging is not something we control, but how old we look is a different story.
Science says we have more influence over that than most people realize.
Today, I want to break down seven science-backed strategies you can use over the next 60 days to look fresher, healthier, and yes, younger.
Ready to turn back the clock a little?
Let’s go.
1) Improve your sleep quality
Here is the funny thing about sleep: you do not notice how much it affects your face until you are not getting enough of it.
But dermatologists do.
Sleep is basically your body’s overnight anti aging treatment.
Growing up in the restaurant world, I used to believe that pushing through exhaustion was just part of the hustle. But when I finally cleaned up my sleep routine, my dark circles faded within weeks.
A 60 day upgrade you can try: Set a consistent bedtime, keep your room cool, and avoid screens at least 45 minutes before bed.
If you are like me and sometimes read nonfiction before sleep, switch to a physical book. Your skin will thank you.
2) Boost hydration (from the inside and out)
Ever looked at yourself after a salty meal, long flight, or a few glasses of something fun and noticed your face looked puffier? I have, too.
Hydration is one of those unsexy tips we all know, but it is also one of the fastest ways to look more youthful.
Higher water intake increases skin hydration and improves overall appearance, especially in people who previously drank less than the recommended daily amount.
Moisturizing topically also makes a noticeable difference within days. When the outer layer of skin is well hydrated, it reflects more light. That means you literally glow more.
A quick 60 day fix: Add one extra liter of water to your day and use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. It holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water and naturally plumps the skin.
3) Eat more antioxidant rich foods
Here is something I learned working in luxury food: you can enjoy incredible meals without sacrificing your health or your skin.
And when it comes to looking younger, antioxidants matter. Oxidative stress accelerates skin aging, while antioxidants like vitamins C and E help neutralize that damage.
Foods high in antioxidants include berries, leafy greens, nuts, dark chocolate, tomatoes, olives, and coffee.
One of my favorite parts of traveling is sampling different local foods. Whether I was eating street market papaya in Thailand or an incredible tomato salad in Italy, I noticed the same thing.
People with diets full of colorful produce tend to have that naturally vibrant, youthful look.
Try this for 60 days: Add at least two more servings of antioxidant rich fruits or veggies to your daily meals. Your skin tone can noticeably improve in as little as eight weeks.
4) Use sunscreen daily (yes, even indoors)
Nobody loves hearing this, but UV exposure is responsible for up to 80 percent of visible skin aging according to the World Health Organization.
And here is the surprising part. Indoor light sources, including the blue light from your computer or phone, can contribute to pigmentation and collagen breakdown.
Daily sunscreen use not only protects skin but can actually reverse existing signs of aging over time.
I grew up thinking sunscreen was only for the beach. Now it is the first thing I put on each morning. It is like brushing your teeth. If you skip it, you will eventually see the consequences.
A simple 60 day commitment: Wear a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it is cloudy or you are staying inside. You will start noticing more even skin tone and less dullness faster than you think.
5) Strength train 3 to 4 times a week
This one might sound like it is about your body rather than your face. But the connection is real.
A study found that resistance training actually changes gene expression in skin cells, making them behave more like younger cells. Participants saw improvements in skin structure and thickness within 16 weeks, with visible changes even earlier.
Strength training also boosts circulation, helping nutrients reach your skin more efficiently.
Working out has always been my reset button. But once I learned it helps skin function like it is younger, it became a non negotiable part of my routine.
Your 60 day plan: Include at least two full body strength sessions per week. Even 20 minute routines count. Think push ups, squats, dumbbell presses. Simple movements with big impact.
Your posture improves, your muscle tone improves, and your overall vitality becomes visible.
6) Reduce added sugar
I know. This one stings.
I love pastries. I love crafted desserts. I love exploring bakeries when I travel. I am not giving any of that up and I am not telling you to either.
But added sugar, especially in excess, ages your skin faster through a process called glycation. Glycation damages collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep your skin firm and youthful.
A study in Clinical Dermatology links high sugar intake to accelerated skin aging and deeper wrinkles.
Here is what I noticed when I cut back, not eliminated but reduced. My skin stopped looking inflamed. The puffiness around my eyes dropped. Even my jawline looked a little sharper.
A realistic 60 day challenge: Reduce added sugar Monday through Friday. Enjoy your treats on the weekend. It is flexible, sustainable, and your skin will show the difference.
7) Manage stress intentionally
Stress eventually shows up on your face. That is not poetic. It is biological.
Cortisol breaks down collagen and increases inflammation. Chronic stress does not just make you feel older.
Research from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences confirms that it literally makes you look older faster.
The real question is how do you lower stress without disappearing to a beach in Bali for two months?
For me, it comes down to tiny, daily habits. Five minute breathing sessions. Short walks with my phone left behind.
Saying no more often. Reading a chapter of something interesting instead of scrolling endless feeds.
Little moments that help my nervous system settle.
Try a 60 day approach: Pick one simple stress relief ritual and practice it daily. Meditation, breathwork, journaling, even cooking something nourishing can work. It does not need to be complicated.
You will feel better and people will start asking why you look so refreshed.
The bottom line
Looking younger in 60 days is not a miracle. It is a byproduct of stacking small, evidence based habits that improve your health from the inside out.
Better sleep. Better hydration. Better food. Better protection. Better movement. Better balance.
Nothing extreme. Nothing trendy. Just science and consistency.
If you stick to even a few of these habits for the next two months, you will not just look younger. You will feel younger.
And that is the real goal.
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