A YOUTH-DEFYING mum-of-four who looks younger now than she did over a decade ago has shared her budget anti-ageing secrets.
Jennifer McKenzie, a 41-year-old holistic therapist and life coach from Wilstead, Bedfordshire, is regularly told she looks likes she's in her late twenties – and is even mistaken for her teen daughter's sister.
But while many of us are guilty of spending hundreds, if not thousands, on fancy skincare products and cosmetic procedures in a bid to turn back time, Jennifer swears by five budget beauty tips.
Speaking to Fabulous, Jennifer, who is mistaken for being about 28, says: "I look ten years younger now than I did ten years ago.
"I kicked alcohol, let go of the past, I stopped having Botox and lip fillers and leaned into ageing naturally.
She adds: "And no, this wasn’t easy to do in a world where we are constantly bombarded by adverts to ‘stop’ the ageing process.
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"Now don’t get me wrong I’m all for looking great but for me this comes from FEELING good within too."
And according to the youth-defying mum, people are often shocked to learn her real age.
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"I’m now in my early 40s and often get mistaken for someone in their late 20s," she says.
"Strangers comment on how young I look and when I divulge I have two adult children, they're shocked."
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And for anyone hoping to shave a few years off their own age, then you're in luck, because Jennifer's revealed the five budget tips she credits for her youthful looks.
First up, Jennifer recommends implementing stress reduction methods.
"Stress contributes to the ageing process," she says.
"Where you can, let go of some of the stress in your life or learn to manage with meditation or mindfulness."
The mum-of-four goes on to urge people to practice emotional regulation.
"Breath work is my favourite," she continues.
"I teach breath work for emotional release…what you are not speaking or releasing, you are storing, and it shows on the outside."
Jennifer also praises cold water therapy for being great for the skin and the body.
"Cold water improves blood flow and boosts collagen," she says.
"You’re essentially preventing your skin from ageing each time you take a cold shower.
"If you can’t stand the thought of a cold shower, use cold water daily to splash on your face."
Next, the 41-year-old advises limiting toxic overload.
"Cut down or cut out alcohol, smoking and junk food," she warns.
"Invest in natural products for your skin – your skin is your biggest organ and absorbs everything."
Jennifer also highlights the importance of staying hydrated.
"This one is not to be underestimated," she says.
"You should drink a minimum of 2 litres, filtered or bottled water without the toxins or heavy metals in."
Among her other beauty tips and tricks include investing in a good SPF and getting enough sleep.
"Rest when you need to without feeling guilty," she says.
"When you sleep, your body continuously releases hormones that promote cell turnover and renewal.
"So the term ‘beauty sleep’ is backed up by science."
Finally, Jennifer urges everyone to move their body.
"Find a form of exercise that you enjoy and have fun exploring new ways of exercise," she notes.
"Exercise releases endorphins and the more endorphins get released the more supple and dewy your skin is.
"Dance – get outside in nature."
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Jennifer is a holistic therapist, life coach and reiki practitioner at Lunar Spirit Wellbeing.
She is also a podcast host and author. You can listen to That Inner Voice podcast here and buy the book Love Thy Body here.
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