Forget the creams, needles, and miracle serums — according to Dr. Daniel Barrett, a world-renowned cosmetic surgeon from California, the biggest enemy of youth isn’t time. It’s stress.

“Stress ages you faster than anything else,” he shared in a recent video, explaining that it doesn’t just affect your mood — it disrupts your gut health, metabolism, and even the way your skin renews itself. Over time, that constant tension steals nutrients your body needs to stay radiant.

Dr. Barrett insists that looking younger isn’t about expensive treatments, but daily habits. “Sleep, exercise, sunscreen, no smoking, and cutting sugar — that’s the real anti-aging plan,” he said. Each one helps your body heal, regenerate, and fight inflammation naturally.

Experts agree that to fix your complexion, you must treat the cause, not the symptom. Meditation, hydration, and antioxidant-rich foods — think colorful fruits and leafy greens — all protect the skin from the inside out. Herbal teas like chamomile or ginseng can calm the nervous system and restore balance to the gut, where much of our immune and skin health begins.

And perhaps the most underrated beauty secret of all? Sleep. Deep, consistent rest allows your body to rebuild collagen and repair cells, giving your skin that rested, natural glow no cream can fake.

As Dr. Barrett puts it, “A calm mind is the best cosmetic.”