How to extend your ‘hotspan’: 18 expert tips for staying vibrant

In a cultural landscape increasingly defined by metrics like lifespan and healthspan, a new term is gaining traction: the ‘hotspan’. Defined as the period of life during which a person remains attractive and vibrant, this concept has prompted a new wave of advice from industry experts. A recent guide published by The Guardian Fashion features 18 specific strategies to extend this window, moving beyond complex wellness trends to focus on actionable lifestyle and style adjustments.

Dr Jennifer Owens, resident aesthetic expert at the Reborne Longevity clinic in London, argues that daily UV protection is the single most impactful skincare action. She notes that up to 90 per cent of visible skin ageing is caused by UV exposure, a factor that outweighs red light therapy or intricate 12-step routines. Owens also cautions against overusing Botox, explaining that weakening the frontalis muscle too much can lead to atrophy and lower-brow positioning, ultimately making the face appear older rather than younger.

Beyond skincare, dental hygiene is emerging as a critical component of youthfulness. Sali Hughes, the Guardian Saturday magazine’s resident beauty expert, suggests that discoloured or crooked teeth are more ageing than wrinkles. Dr Jenni Rawes of Ten Dental supports this, noting that enamel wears down with age, revealing darker dentine that absorbs stains more readily. She recommends custom-made at-home whitening trays, which cost approximately £375, as a low-effort way to upgrade one’s smile.

Posture is another area where simple changes yield significant results. Nick Finney, a personal trainer who works with celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, advises strengthening the posterior chain through exercises like Romanian deadlifts and horizontal rows. He explains that tight pectorals pull the shoulders forward, while a strong back helps maintain an upright, younger appearance. Finney also suggests that resistance training is preferable to weight loss alone, as stronger muscles create a taut, “shrink-wrapped” look that counters the softness associated with ageing.

Fashion choices play a pivotal role in perceived age. Jess Cartner-Morley, a Guardian fashion columnist, urges readers to avoid oversized handbags and slogan sweatshirts featuring words like “dance” or “love”, which she describes as the style equivalent of a “Live, laugh, prosecco” poster. Instead, she advocates for smaller accessories and modern elements such as draped fabrics. Morwenna Ferrier, the Guardian’s fashion and lifestyle editor, adds that creased natural fabrics have become a symbol of chicness, while tucked-in clothing can appear corporate.

For men, the advice centres on embracing natural changes rather than fighting them. Chloe Mac Donnell, the Guardian’s deputy fashion and lifestyle editor, suggests that men with receding hairlines should shave their heads rather than attempt hair transplants, as a shaved head projects confidence. Hairdresser George Northwood, whose clients include Alexa Chung and the Duchess of Sussex, agrees that men should embrace silver hair, noting that covering greys can result in unnatural tones. He emphasises that hair condition and texture are more important than age when selecting a hairstyle.