Is Ed Sheeran ageing in reverse? Here's how men can look 10 years younger

Telegraph

25-04-2025

If Ed Sheeran were to enter an Ed Sheeran lookalike contest anytime soon, you'd be forgiven for wondering if he'd actually win.
It's a sentiment shared by fans of the singer following his appearance at the Time100 gala in New York on Thursday night, where he looked a decade younger than his 34 years.
His followers on TikTok have been making the same observation. Poking fun at the trend for sharing your 'morning routine', Sheeran's latest clip sees him waking up next to his guitar, rubbing oranges on his face and cleaning his teeth with hot sauce. Yet among the obvious jokes, there are some elements of truth – the most obvious of which being that he does have the ageless look of a biohacking bro.
@edsheeran Everyone saying I look like I'm aging in reverse. Here's my morning routine. #saratoga #realblokesdopilates #NewMusic ♬ Azizam - Ed Sheeran
Here, we break down some of the ways men can look younger like Ed.
Pilates
The Shape of You singer has recently shared his devotion to Pilates on Instagram, as well as in the aforementioned TikTok clip, which is hashtagged 'realblokesdopilates' – a nod to the widely held preconception that the practice is for women only. 'Pilates is brilliant for men because it helps lengthen and strengthen muscles, which supports a leaner, more agile physique,' agrees personal trainer Aimee Victoria Long. 'It also improves posture, flexibility and core strength – things that are often neglected in traditional workouts. Plus, the focus on breath and controlled movement makes it a powerful tool for mindfulness and stress relief, which is something we all need more of!'
Facial ice baths
While Sheeran might not be filling his sink with Saratoga bottled mineral water and buckets of ice every morning as he depicts in his TikTok video, he'd definitely feel the anti-ageing benefits if he did. 'Ice face plunging may sound extreme, but it's a powerful tool for skin health and anti-ageing, especially for men in their 30s,' explains Alex Manos, a functional medicine expert at The HVN. 'Cold exposure boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, tightens pores and encourages lymphatic drainage, giving the skin a firmer, more toned appearance. Over time, the plunging can increase circulation delivering more oxygen to your cells, promoting overall skin health and a vibrant complexion, helping slow visible signs of ageing. It's a simple, natural biohack that fits right into a modern man's wellness routine.'
Skincare
It's 2025 – men having a skincare regime is no longer the symbol of metrosexuality that it once was (in fact, according to Clearpay, overall beauty spending by men in the UK has increased by 77 per cent year on year). Yet that doesn't mean all skincare in your 30s is created equal. 'Looking good in your 30s as a man is all about consistency, and skincare is your foundation,' explains aesthetics doctor Dr David Jack. 'This is the decade where early signs of ageing start to show, especially from accumulated sun damage and lifestyle stressors. Daily SPF is non-negotiable. If you're already seeing signs of pigmentation or dullness, incorporating regular resurfacing treatments like my Yellow Peel can help undo sun damage, even out skin tone and stimulate collagen.'
Supplements
There's a blink and you'll miss it shot in Sheeran's TikTok of him stirring a supplement into his drink – a must-do for wellness types these days. But which supplements are recommended for men in their 30s and beyond? 'A high-quality men's multivitamin can help support collagen production, skin repair and hormonal health,' says Xuxa Milrose, an in-house nutritionist at OMNI Wellness. 'Key nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium and B-complex vitamins all play crucial roles in keeping skin firm, clear and energised from the inside out. Omega-3s are also a great addition to reduce inflammation and keep the skin barrier strong.'
Cutting down on alcohol
A study published in the Annals of Medicine this week confirmed that we can't party like we used to once we get to the age of 36. It's good news then that the once hard-partying Sheeran has dramatically cut down on his beer consumption since becoming a father in 2020. Speaking to Rolling Stone in 2023, he said: 'It's just a realisation of, 'I'm getting into my 30s,' grow up! You've partied, you've had this experience. Be happy with that and just be done.' Milrose explains that reducing the amount of nights you have on the beers is one of the easiest ways to look younger in your 30s and beyond: 'Cutting back on alcohol is one of the simplest – and most impactful – ways to support a more youthful appearance,' she says. 'Alcohol dehydrates the skin, disrupts sleep and increases oxidative stress, all of which speed up visible signs of ageing.'
Tweakments
While we've no idea if Sheeran has gone down the tweakment route, he'd certainly not be alone, with the British College of Aesthetic Medicine reporting a 70 per cent increase in men receiving aesthetic treatments since 2021. 'More and more men in their 30s are turning to subtle tweakments like Botox to stay looking fresh, not frozen,' says aesthetics doctor Dr Joney De Souza. 'Botox gives a refreshed, more youthful look without making it obvious you've had anything done. Think of it as maintenance, not makeover. Done right, Botox helps you look like you – just the well-rested, slightly glowier version.
'It's not about changing your face, it's about softening those frown lines, preventing deeper wrinkles, and keeping that effortlessly youthful look. It helps slow down the formation of deeper wrinkles, keeping your skin looking smoother and more rested. And in today's world, where confidence and looking sharp matter personally and professionally, Botox is becoming part of the modern man's grooming routine.'
Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, a cosmetic doctor and NHS GP, also recommends collagen -boosting treatments to fight the signs of ageing. 'Male skin is approximately 33 per cent thicker than female skin, which offers some initial resistance to ageing, but collagen loss still occurs steadily, eventually leading to structural changes. Maintaining skin thickness is therefore key. Collagen stimulators such as Ellansé and LaLuma are excellent options as they help rejuvenate the skin and restore lost volume over time. Skin boosters are also highly recommended for improving hydration and enhancing overall skin quality, promoting a fresher, plumper appearance.'