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Younger for Life: Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity, Nutrition and Self-Care for a Youthful Life

A plastic surgeon's daily plan for slowing visible aging through food choices, meal timing, five supplements, a two-minute skincare routine, sleep and stress care, with cosmetic procedures kept for last.

Table of Content

If the mirror has started showing you a first wrinkle or a gray hair, you may assume the clock is simply running. In Younger for Life, plastic surgeon Anthony Youn argues that genes decide only about 20 to 25 percent of how we age, so most of it comes down to how we live. Fast food, industrial chemicals, chronic stress and short nights push that larger share the wrong way, and they can be pushed back.

Youn calls the pushing back autojuvenation: helping the body renew and repair itself through four everyday habits. Eat smart, take the right supplements, follow a short skincare routine and live well, which for him means sleep and stress. His case is that these four, kept up consistently, give most people the results they want without a surgeon. Cosmetic procedures come last, if at all.

What follows is his full daily plan, from what goes on your plate at breakfast to what goes on your face before bed, with a clear rule for when, if ever, to book an appointment.

Cake at a wedding is fine, but a steady diet of treats shows up in the mirror. Youn sorts anti-aging foods into four jobs, and the right one depends on what your skin is doing.

Fasting sounds like hunger and willpower. Youn’s version begins while you are unconscious, and the gentlest form asks almost nothing of your day beyond moving one meal.

For a decade, this surgeon told his patients to avoid supplements after cosmetic surgery. Then he read the research and reversed himself. What he recommends now is short, specific and easy to forget without one simple habit.

His clients gave his skincare routine a nickname that sounds like an advertisement. The steps behind it are few and ordinary, and one small word on a sunscreen label matters more than the price.

Diet, pills and creams can feel like the whole job. Youn argues the two habits most people skip give the biggest return, and one of his suggestions costs nothing but a flick of a switch.

A plastic surgeon telling most people they will never need him sounds strange. His reasons are practical, and so is his short guide to which treatment fits which problem for those who still want one.

Youn’s plan sounds modest, and that is its strength. A surgeon who earns his living from procedures spends most of his advice on breakfast, bedtime and a bottle of sunscreen. He does it because he believes the larger share of aging, the part genes do not fix, responds to ordinary daily choices. Aging itself cannot be stopped. How early and how strongly it shows is, in his view, largely up to you.

The easiest place to begin is the one with the quickest payoff: cleanser, vitamin C and broad-spectrum SPF 30 in the morning, then cleanser, retinol and moisturizer at night, kept up for six to eight weeks. Alongside it, leave a 12-hour overnight gap between dinner and breakfast, and put your five supplements somewhere you cannot miss them. Treat sleep and stress as part of the routine. And if a clinic still tempts you after a few months, go knowing exactly which problem you want fixed and whom you trust to fix it.

These are one doctor’s recommendations, so check them with your own physician before you start. His closing message travels well: you are never too old to begin living young.

About this book

What is this book about?

The first wrinkle or gray hair can feel like a verdict. Plastic surgeon Anthony Youn sees it differently. In his view, genes account for only 20 to 25 percent of aging, so most of it depends on lifestyle and environment. Fast food, industrial chemicals, chronic stress and short nights are speeding that part up for many people, and he argues it can be slowed and even partly reversed. Youn calls his method autojuvenation: helping the body renew and repair itself. It rests on four everyday habits. Eat foods that nourish, cool inflammation, firm the skin and heal it, inside a daily fasting window. Take five chosen supplements consistently. Follow a short morning and evening skincare routine built on cleanser, vitamin C, sunscreen, retinol and moisturizer. Sleep better and manage stress. Unusually for a surgeon, Youn believes 90 percent of people can get the results they want without a clinic. For the rest, he explains which treatments suit wrinkles, sagging or thin lips, and why they should come only after the natural approach has had a fair chance.

Book Information

Rating:

Genre:

Health & Nutrition

Topics:

Longevity, Nutrition

Publisher:

HarperCollins

Language:

English

Narrator:

Jenna

First published:

December 9, 2025

Pages:

384

Length:

12 min 20 sec

Get the book:

Amazon

Who it's for

  • Adults noticing early aging

    Adults noticing their first wrinkles, sagging or gray hair who want a natural plan before considering cosmetic treatment.

  • Professionals short on time

    Busy professionals who want a short, repeatable daily routine for skin, food and sleep.

  • Weighing Botox or fillers

    Anyone weighing Botox or fillers who wants a surgeon's view on when they make sense.

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About the Author

Anthony Youn

Anthony Youn is a plastic surgeon and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and several national publications have named him a top plastic surgeon. His earlier books include the memoirs In Stitches and Playing God: The Evolution of a Modern Surgeon, and The Age Fix, a USA Today and Wall Street Journal best seller. He hosts a plastic surgery podcast and has appeared on television programs including The Doctors and The Rachael Ray Show.

Ratings & Reviews

Ratings at a glance

3.8

Overall score based on 79 ratings.

What people think

Listeners describe the book as educational and thoroughly investigated, with one listener observing that it is packed with explanations and supported by evidence. They value the actionable tips on aging healthily, and one listener emphasized its all-encompassing scope ranging from nutrition to skincare routines. Listeners are pleased with the material, finding it accessible and appreciating the solid guidance and excellent perspective on beauty. They also enjoy the author’s sharp wit displayed throughout the work.

Top reviews

Amara

As someone who has followed Dr. Youn on YouTube for years, I was expecting his signature wit, and he definitely delivered in this book. It is so much more than a skincare guide. He really digs into the science of how we age and provides a holistic roadmap to fight back. I loved the specific focus on 'superfoods' and the recipes included at the back—they are actually tasty! The 21-day plan gave me a much-needed kickstart to my routine. I feel more energetic and my skin looks noticeably clearer after just a few weeks of following his advice on hydration and supplements. It’s rare to find a medical book that feels this empathetic and encouraging. A must-read for anyone feeling a bit 'blah' about getting older.

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Nattapong

The chapter on mindset and attitude was a total game-changer for me. Dr. Youn mentions the Jimmy Buffet song 'Growing Older but Not Up,' and it really set the tone for the whole book. It’s not just about getting rid of wrinkles; it’s about maintaining a youthful spirit and a body that functions at its peak. I appreciated the deep dive into skincare ingredients to avoid—I ended up throwing out half of my vanity cabinet after reading his explanations! The 3-week rejuvenation program is easy to follow and doesn't require you to buy a bunch of weird, expensive equipment. This is a serious guidebook for anyone who wants to look and feel better without the 'medical' feel. Highly recommend.

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Paisley

Finally got around to finishing this guide, and it's easily one of the most comprehensive manuals on aging I've encountered. What sets it apart is the 'autojuvenation' concept—the idea that our bodies have an incredible capacity to heal if we just give them the right tools. The 3-week program is excellent because it addresses everything: diet, skin, and sleep. I’ve been following the advice for a month now and I’ve noticed a real difference in my skin's elasticity. Plus, I’m sleeping better than I have in years! It’s an empowering read that makes you feel like you actually have control over the aging process. Thanks to Dr. Youn for making this science so accessible to the average person.

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Ooi

Dr. Youn has managed to do something quite rare for a celebrity plastic surgeon: he’s written a book that tells you how to avoid his office. The truth is, I expected a lot more talk about Botox and fillers, but the focus here is firmly on what he calls 'autojuvenation.' It’s a refreshing shift. He breaks down anti-inflammatory eating—specifically the benefits of Omega-3s and fiber—in a way that feels doable rather than restrictive. I particularly enjoyed the sections on gut health and how our microbiome dictates the glow of our skin. While some of the advice feels like standard wellness fare, his expertise adds a layer of credibility that’s often missing from these types of guides. It’s a solid, comprehensive manual for anyone wanting to age with a bit more grace and a lot less surgery.

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Mattanee

Picked this up on a whim after seeing a segment on the news, and I’m glad I did. The chapter on thinning hair was worth the price of the book alone for me. Dr. Youn explains the 'why' behind aging in a way that doesn't require a medical degree to understand. Frankly, the most valuable part is his perspective as a surgeon who sees surgery as the last resort. He provides so many alternatives to going under the knife. I’ve started incorporating the resistant starches he recommends into my diet, and my digestion has never been better. My only minor complaint is that the recipe section could have been a bit more extensive, but overall, it’s a fantastic resource for practical health.

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Joy

Frankly, I appreciated how the author bridges the gap between high-end medical procedures and simple, at-home holistic care. Dr. Youn has a way of making you feel like he’s right there in the room with you, giving you the 'real talk' on what works and what’s a waste of money. The section on 'cooling' inflammation through Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and sardines was particularly enlightening for me. I’ve always known inflammation was bad, but he explains exactly how it destroys collagen. The book is full of these little 'aha!' moments. It’s a quick read but one I’ll definitely be revisiting as a reference guide. His sense of humor makes the technical parts much easier to get through.

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Pakinee

Look, we all know we can't stop the clock, but this book makes a compelling case for slowing it down significantly. Dr. Youn's transition from a pure surgeon to a holistic health advocate is inspiring. He doesn't judge you for wanting to look younger, but he gives you the tools to do it naturally. The advice on gut microbes and fermented foods was new to me and very helpful. I do think the book could have used more photos or diagrams for the facial exercises he mentions, as they can be a bit tricky to visualize. That said, the writing is clear and the tone is incredibly supportive. It's a great investment for anyone interested in longevity and looking their best.

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Scarlett

Ever wonder if there's a secret fountain of youth that doesn't involve a needle or an expensive laser? Dr. Youn suggests it's mostly on your dinner plate. This book is undeniably well-organized and written with a very accessible, nonjudgmental tone that I appreciated. However, if you already follow a clean-eating lifestyle or subscribe to basic wellness podcasts, a lot of this will feel like a recap. He covers the usual suspects: intermittent fasting, reducing sugar, and getting enough sleep. I found the 3-week program a bit derivative of other plans I've seen. To be fair, having all this information in one place is convenient, and his sense of humor keeps the reading light. It’s a good starter guide for beginners, but seasoned health nuts might find it a bit basic.

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Patcharaporn

To be fair, I initially listened to the audiobook version of this, and while the content is great, I wish Dr. Youn had narrated it himself. The narrator was fine, but Youn’s personality is so specific that it felt a bit lost. I ended up buying the ebook so I could highlight the nutrition and skincare sections. The information is definitely science-backed and easy to digest. He covers everything from dental health to exercise. However, I felt some sections were a bit rushed, especially the part on stress management. It’s a very broad overview of aging, which means it doesn't go super deep into any one topic. It’s a good 'all-rounder' book, but you might need other resources for specific issues.

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Aom

Not what I expected given the massive hype surrounding this release. While the doctor is clearly knowledgeable and quite funny, I felt like the book was a bit of a missed opportunity. My biggest gripe is the constant mention of his own skincare line and specific products. It started to feel less like medical advice and more like a very long marketing brochure. The nutrition advice is fine, but it’s stuff you can find for free with a quick Google search on anti-inflammatory diets. If you’re looking for groundbreaking scientific revelations, you won't find them here. It’s mostly common sense wrapped in glossy packaging. I gave it two stars because the layout is nice, but the content just didn't live up to the promise for me.

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Questions about this book

Autojuvenation is Anthony Youn’s term for helping the body renew and repair itself instead of relying on outside fixes. It rests on four daily habits: eating foods that nourish, cool, firm and heal, taking five chosen supplements, following a short morning and evening skincare routine, and improving sleep and stress. Youn argues that because genes account for only 20 to 25 percent of aging, these habits can slow and even reverse much of the rest.

It is Youn’s daily skincare routine, named by his clients. In the morning you cleanse, apply a vitamin C serum and finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or more. At night you cleanse again, apply an anti-aging cream such as retinol, then moisturize. Exfoliating one to three times a week in the evening completes it. Youn says results can show in six to eight weeks.

Youn suggests five: a multivitamin, antioxidant support, omega-3 fatty acids from fish or algae, a probiotic of 5 to 15 billion CFU, and ingestible collagen. He advises choosing a reputable brand you can afford long term, avoiding products loaded with sugar or fillers, storing them as directed and taking them at the same time each day. As with all his advice, check with your own doctor first.

Yes. Youn recommends a daily feasting and fasting cycle and points out that sleep counts toward the fast. He suggests starting with 12 hours without food, for example from 8:00 in the evening to 8:00 the next morning. For people who want more, he considers 16 hours of fasting with an eight-hour eating window ideal, which with the same dinner time means a first meal at noon.

Mostly not. Youn believes 90 percent of people can reach their anti-aging goals without seeing a plastic surgeon. He says procedures should come only after diet, supplements, skincare and lifestyle have had a few months to work, and after trying at-home options such as LED red light devices. For those who still want treatment, he names Botox for wrinkles and lifts or fillers for sagging.

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