The aging of your skin may be inevitable. But why rush it?
There are ways to slow down sagging and wrinkles. Using skin creams and
treatments may already be a part of your daily grooming regimen. However,
topical creams cannot be expected to work alone for full efficacy. The best
way to start your anti-aging effort is on the inside.
First of all, are you drinking enough water? There are varying opinions
about how much water an individual actually needs for good health, but the
general consensus remains that you probably aren't drinking enough. If
you're thirsty, your skin is thirsty too -- which means dryness and
wrinkles. Hydrate your skin by drinking water regularly.
Drink water . . . but avoid alcohol and soft drinks. The contents of these
beverages -- alcohol and caffeine -- dehydrate skin, wreaking havoc on its
structure. An acceptable alternative to water is green tea, which is low in
caffeine (but enough for a pick-me-up). Green tea, as you probably already
know, is loaded with antioxidants that destroy free radicals, which cause
aging.
A multivitamin is always a good idea, but our bodies most easily absorb
nutrients from food. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
In addition to vitamins and minerals, you're fortifying your body with more
antioxidants. Blueberries are one of nature's “super foods,” having one of
the highest antioxidant values.
Exercise! Exercise helps keep us from aging by keeping weight down, working
the heart, toning muscles, and getting the blood flowing (to the skin!).
People who exercise look younger and feel younger. It's a most beneficial
habit to get into.
People who look younger than their age repeatedly reveal one vital secret:
getting enough sleep. If you aren't, find ways to work it in. Instead of
sitting up in front of the television, turn it off at a reasonable time and
take a book to bed. This quiet practice can lead to an easier time getting
to sleep -- sometimes the colors and movement of the television keep our
brains working even after we've begun to relax.
You may feel that you don't have the time to take care of your skin, but
keep in mind: by the time you do “have time,” it will be too late. The time
to protect your skin is now! Years later, you'll be thanking yourself for it
-- and not only will you look younger, you'll feel younger too.