11 Mistakes Women Make in Middle Age

Not getting enough sleep

Gone are the days when you could stay up all night and still make it to work with a glowing complexion and a spring in your step.

The fact is, you may have heard a “you look tired” comment even after a good night’s sleep. (It’s OK to grit your teeth on that one.)

While it may be tempting to shortchange sleep, particularly if you’re juggling parent- and child-care duties, this may be one more thing you need to change.

Fewer hours of sleep are more likely to show up on your face, true. But it’s also linked to a greater risk of diabetes and other health problems, which become even more important as you age.

Ignoring your teeth

You may be focusing on your wrinkles or thinning hair, but don’t forget to smile at yourself in the mirror.

One thing that can make you appear older is yellowing teeth, but it is about more than just looks. Dental health is closely linked with overall health, and gum disease—which gets more common as you age—has been associated with a higher risk of heart problems.

So don’t skip those visits to the dentist.

Overdoing anti-aging efforts

This is a common mistake made by celebrities and real women alike.

No one likes crow’s-feet or laugh lines, but a frozen Botox face or scary lip plumping isn’t a great look either.

The right skin products (such as those containing retinol) can help diminish fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re not happy with the result, then explore other alternatives—but don’t aim to look like a teen again.

“No wrinkles can be unrealistic and unnatural,” says Grufferman.

Thinking there are hair “rules”

Do you have to cut your tresses short or above the shoulders once you’re 50? No, because there aren’t really any hair “rules” for middle-aged women, says Grufferman. “It depends on a woman’s height, shape, lifestyle, and the condition of her hair.”

The fact is that your hair will probably get more gray and thin as you age, and the texture may get coarser as well.

Choose a cut and color that’s flattering, keeping in mind that it probably won’t be the cut and color that worked for you in your 20s and 30s.
 http://www.health.com