4 Things That Make Men Look Older Than They Are (And What Men Can Do About Them)

Aging is a natural process that no man should be afraid of. If anything, it’s something to be embraced. With age comes wisdom, experience, and a certain kind of assured confidence. There’s no reason why any guy should be ashamed of growing older and having it show.

Unfortunately, many men suffer from looking older than they really are. It’s not at all uncommon to see men in their 30s with grey hairs, crow’s feet, and even facial lines.

Fortunately, these signs of aging can be addressed or even reversed. And no, there’s no need to go under the knife or spend hundreds of dollars on costly cosmetic procedures. If you are a man who’s noticed certain changes and are looking to reinject a bit of youth back into your appearance, this is the guide for you. We’ve narrowed down some of the most common things that make men look older than they are, as well as how to nip those issues in the bud. Read on below:

They Dress in Monotones

Wearing the right colors is usually a challenge for a lot of guys. That’s why so many of them tend to fill their wardrobes with dark tones such as black, gray, navy blue, and brown by default, as they’re the easiest colors to wear. And while there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with owning essential pieces in those shades, adding other colors can inject a bit of whimsy and youthfulness to your daily uniform.

Break up the monotony with clothes in colors that complement your skin tone and bring out your eyes. Men with dark skin tones can benefit greatly from pastel hues, while guys with medium to light skin should look great in deep, rich jewel tones such as burgundy and royal blue.

If you’re not too confident about showing up to work in a pink shirt, though, remember that there’s no need to go big on your first try. Just changing up your ties or going for pairs of men’s socks in colors you normally wouldn’t wear can be a great way to add visual interest to your outfits without being too flashy.

They Don’t Take Care of Their Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and also the one that shows the most obvious signs of aging. This is only further exacerbated by the fact that men tend to neglect their skin, thinking skincare to be the domain of women.

Fortunately, it’s never too late to get started. Wearing sunscreen regularly is one of the easiest things that you can do to protect your skin from certain environmental factors that contribute to visible aging. Specifically, a sunscreen product with an SPF of 30 and higher can prevent the kind of UV damage that speeds up the photoaging process and causes hyperpigmentation. A good-quality sunscreen can also prevent fine lines and wrinkles from developing on your skin.

In addition to using sunscreen, it’s also a good idea to develop a basic skincare regimen. Keep your skin looking plump and youthful by making a habit of washing your face every night with a dedicated facial cleanser and slathering on some moisturizer afterward. Your future self will thank you for it.

They Don’t Watch What’s Going into Their Bodies

The detrimental health effects of a diet made up of processed foods and refined sugars are well-documented. In addition to increasing your risks for conditions such as increased blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes, subsisting on the old college diet can also negatively affect your appearance. They cause you to gain weight faster on top of inhibiting your skin’s ability to heal and repair itself.

To combat this, change up your diet to include more whole foods, as well as nutrient and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. You’ll also want to limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks. Instead, stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water whenever you feel thirsty. You may have to up your intake as necessary, such as during and after a workout or on hot and humid days.

They Don’t Get Enough Sleep

Whether it’s to catch up on work or fulfill social obligations, a lot of men tend to push the limits of their wakefulness and stay up longer than they should. However, studies show that a good night’s sleep is also crucial to keeping you looking young, as our skin cells need that time to repair themselves from the day’s stresses.

Whenever possible, aim for between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. An easy way to develop better sleeping habits is to get into bed at the same time every night and turning all of your devices off once your head is on the pillow. Those who have trouble falling asleep may benefit from white noise machines or listening to sleepy podcasts or ASMR soundscapes.

Growing older may be inevitable, but premature aging is completely within your control. All you have to do is kick some of these bad habits early, and you’ll surely end up looking and feeling much better over time.