Last updated on 5 March 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team
As women approach middle age, they start worrying about their wrinkles around their eyes and grey hair. However, there are some common things which they either completely ignore, or overdo, to regain their youth.
Check our slightly cheeky list of the most common mistakes women make in middle age
Not Realising the Need for Change in your Middle Age:
The most common and grave mistake that middle-aged women make is not doing anything at all. Age brings changes in hormones, physical activity and physical appearance. Therefore, the hair, makeup, or dresses looked gorgeous on you when you were in your 20s, might not really work now. If you want to age gracefully, bring a change in your beauty regime. Eat differently, use different moisturizers and cosmetics, change your hairstyle, and get a wardrobe makeover.
Not Spending Enough on Clothes:
You could probably buy anything off the sale rack in your 20s and still look ravishing. Well, those days are gone. Finding flattering clothes for middle-aged women can be slightly difficult and expensive. But if you want to make heads turn and be willing to spend some extra cash on clothes that flatter your curves for all the good reasons.
Comparing to Yesteryears:
There’s nothing really wrong with comparing yourself with how you looked in your 20s, but only if it inspires you to look after yourself and age gracefully. But if you look at old pictures and wonder why you can’t be like that anymore, you’re unfair to yourself. Age is just a number – it’s up to you how you make yourself look fit and healthy.
Skipping Exercise:
You might think that your fatigued muscles and aging bones do not need to work out. Well, that’s when they need it the most. Becoming a couch potato only worsens the pain in your knees or back. Staying active and doing light exercises now and then can help you stay healthy and even relieve pain.
Not Getting Enough Sleep:
In middle age, lack of sleep will start showing on your face more notably than you would like to. Try to manage your job, kids, and chores such that you get a good night’s sleep every day; this will also help you wake up feeling fresh and energized for the next day.
Ignoring your Teeth:
It’s not just your wrinkling skin and greying hair that need attention – your teeth are getting yellower, and your smile is losing its sheen. Look after your teeth by scheduling regular visits to the dentists.
Going Overboard with Anti-Aging Products:
Celebrities and 9-5 working moms alike are guilty of this mistake. Nobody likes crow’s-feet or laugh lines, but a taut Botox face or oversized lips are far from eye candy. Use the right skin products to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and don’t fret over the wrinkles too much – they are as natural as your age.
Using the Wrong Makeup:
Don’t use layers of foundation and concealers to hide the wrinkles or dark circles. If anything, it will make you look caked-on and unnatural. Use a magnifying mirror and just lightly touch upon the undesirables to keep a natural look. If you’re still using the makeup you used in college, you need to visit a cosmetics shop soon!
Wearing the Wrong Intimates:
Aging changes your body; combine that with the effects of gravity, and you get the need for new intimates. Many women continue to wear the same intimate size for decades and wonder why their muffin top has increased. Get new intimates that hold your curves in place, cover the bulges, and make you look slimmer.
Losing the Sex Drive:
Getting older doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun. In fact, it is during the middle age that most women have sex for fun rather than having children. So there’s nothing wrong with trying new things to keep the spark alive. In fact, it can make your skin look younger!
