54 year old mum Pamela Jay from Yorkshire who is often mistaken for the girlfriend of her 22 year old son, has revealed that the key to her youthful looks is a healthy diet and good beauty regime.
Pamela who could pass off for a woman half her age revealed that apart from waking up to coffee and a gluten-free diet coupled with an exercise routine routine, her body care routine also involves body brushing, showering, exfoliating and moisturising with coconut oil. Pamela, who works as a civil servant, said to Sun UK:
“People often think I’m lying when they find out my age – sometimes people are so stunned I almost have to get out my ID to prove it to them.
“Sometimes even I look in the mirror and can’t believe I’m 54! “I’m not sure I look like I’m in my 20s – although people do say that to me – but I feel like I could pass for mid to late 30s, and that’s how I feel energy-wise. “My son and I went to view a property recently, and were asked if we were a couple – when I said he was my son, the estate agent went bright red and looked really embarrassed.
“He always jokes to me, ‘mum either I look really old, or you look really young!’ “I don’t think we act like a couple – it’s not like we go around holding hands! “Often women will ask me what my secret is, and I’m happy to tell them all about my diet and lifestyle – coconut oil is my big secret weapon. “I use it for everything – on my body, on my hair, in my food. It’s fantastic, it’s about £15 a tub and it lasts me around six weeks. It really is a miracle product.
“I also use a lot of different products – I don’t buy them often, but when I do I buy quality and they last a long time. “I use Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser, By Terry Densiliss concealer, Nars blusher and lip gloss, Decleor micellar water and oil cleanser, Pixi Glow tonic, Liz Earle cleanser, as well as Sukin super green moisturiser, and I use Living Proof and Aveda shampoo and hair treatments. “I also use an SPF every day – I use SPF 50 Dermalogica on my face, and Korres on my body – I do love to sunbathe, but it’s important to be protected from UV.
“I try to use natural, paraben-free brands and products where possible. “I have a regular routine of body brushing, exfoliating and moisturising with coconut oil that helps keep my skin looking smooth. “Another really important factor is my diet – I try to eat clean and organic food, and eat a lot of salad and healthy proteins. “I usually have organic eggs and gluten free toast for breakfast, with a glass of coconut water and added liquid iron, then prepare a fresh salad for lunch every day. “I avoid too much sugar, or wheat products which can cause bloating. “I use a lot of spices in my cooking like ginger, cumin and turmeric, which can act a bit like food supplements. “Dinner is normally something along the lines of oily fish, or organic chicken or steak, served with tonnes of vegetables.
“I try to follow an 80/20 rule – I’m strict with myself 80 per cent of the time, but I’ll allow myself the occasional pudding or square of organic dark chocolate if I feel like it.” She said: “At the end of the day it’s down to my clean diet and lifestyle – if I ate unhealthy all day, I probably wouldn’t look or feel as good. “I think laughter’s really good for you – I have a wicked sense of humour and I’m always laughing, I try to look on the positive side of life.”
Pamela, who is single, said dating can be difficult because most her admirers are somewhat younger.
She said:
“A lot of men who come up to me are younger, often in their 30s. “When I tell them how old I am they’re pretty stunned, and straight away tell all their mates. “They always think I’m making it up, they look at me in disbelief – on a couple of occasions I’ve had to show my driving licence! “I’m not perfect, and I don’t think I look as young as some people say – but I am really proud of how I look.”
