A GLOWING complexion came at a price for one woman who turned to tanning beds in her 20s. Stephanie Mearse said it took more than applying beauty products at home to regain a youthful appearance. The 41-year-old, from Sacramento, CA, is a motivational speaker, Vice President at Desert Capital Management Group , and CEO of Empower Hour.

Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she shared tips for defying the visible signs of aging .

BALANCING ACT Mearse committed to taking care of herself in her 20s by making a good cleanser and moisturizer a staple in her routine. She would get regular facials, wash her face every night, and reduced her alcohol and caffeine intake to avoid breakouts. Read more anti-aging tips However, she admits that a bad habit counteracted her efforts.

“I used tanning beds frequently and spent a lot of time on set, which took a toll on my skin,” she said. “The less alcohol I drank, the better my skin looked. “Eating healthier made my skin glow, and I noticed I had fewer breakouts when I was mindful of what I put into my body.

Most read in Hair & Beauty “What we consume impacts our overall health, and our skin reflects that in a big way.” SIMPLE STEPS A dedicated skincare routine has been a major factor in helping Mearse to have a youthful appearance. “I start with a gentle cleanser to wash away impurities, then follow it up with a toner to balance my skin’s pH levels,” she said.

“Next, I use a good moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated throughout the da.