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Weight Loss Exercise

Aging Skin, What Can You Do?



The older we get, the more our skin starts to show its age and we get wrinkles. It’s part of life, right? Yes, but there are ways to slow down the process. If you’re willing to take some healthy lifestyle steps now, your skin will look a lot better when you get older. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to prevent your skin from sagging and looking unhealthy prematurely.

Keep in mind that aging is a normal process, and skin will sag to some degree as you get older. This is because it loses elasticity over time and gravity starts to win. The areas around the eyes and mouth begin to develop deeper lines, and over time the entire face can begin to sag. More blemishes are also a common experience for many people as they get older. And you thought you were done with pimples after high school? Rosacea, reddened blotches with visible tiny red blood vessels on the face, can begin to show up for some as they get older.

Many people don’t take care of their skin through the years and resort to cosmetic surgery to try to get rid of the signs of aging. Some of these methods work and some don’t but really, it’s better to try to prevent or slow down the problems in the first place.

First, try to protect your skin from temperature extremes. Very hot or cold conditions will dry it and cause it to look older. If you live in a dry climate, your forced-air heating can really dry your skin. If this is the case, a humidifier in your home is a must.

Tanning can also be a real problem down the road since it causes long term damage. Too much sun exposure can also lead to skin cancers. Yes, you can have them removed but are you ready for the scars they leave? Wear sunscreen now to prevent problems later.

Harsh soaps and other cleansers can strip the moisture from your skin. Read the labels and avoid drying agents such as rubbing alcohol.

Environmental issues, such as smoke and pollution can do a number on your skin. Smoking is extremely hard on the whole body and it’s no surprise that it damages the skin too. The obvious answers here would be: don’t smoke, don’t hang around second-hand smoke, and live somewhere where the air is relatively clean.

Look for natural moisturizing methods when you can. Something as simple as vitamin E oil or coconut oil can be just as effective as expensive moisturizing products. Avoid excessive use of cosmetics, which may contain ingredients that can eventually cause problems with your skin. To stay looking fresh and natural, it’s a good idea to spend as much time that way (natural) as you can. That doesn’t mean you have to go without makeup entirely, of course. Learn about cosmetic ingredients, and know what you’re putting on your skin.

Diet and exercise have a huge effect on the health of aging skin, too. Pay attention to what you drink and avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and sugary drinks. Pure water is usually the best choice. Drink lots of it and you’ll look and feel better. Add a regular, moderate exercise program in to keep the blood flowing to your skin.

Pay attention to these factors, plus get enough sleep and try to diffuse stress, and you’ll have done your best for your skin. Why resort to gimmicks, when simple healthy living and a few quality skin care products are all you really need to look younger, longer?


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Categories
Weight Loss Exercise

What Can You Do About Those Wrinkles?



Wrinkles? it’s like a four letter word to most people. It’s a sign of aging and we all get them eventually. But why, for some people, do the wrinkles come so much later in life? And why do others get wrinkles way before you think they should? This article will take a look at what can cause wrinkles and what you can do, if anything, about them.

Wrinkles are the result of reduced collagen production. A majority of your connective tissue is made up of collagen and it’s responsible for the elasticity of your skin. When you don’t produce as much collagen, you end up with wrinkles.

It’s true that as we age we naturally produce less collagen. So no matter what, you will end up with wrinkled skin. The key is to make that date far into the future, not now.

Don’t smoke.
This is huge. Have you ever compared the faces of smokers to non-smokers. I’m sure you noticed which group had more wrinkles. Not only will stopping smoking help you to live longer it will help you to live longer with fewer wrinkles.



Stay out of the sun.
Too much sun over the years adds what looks like years to your face and the rest of your skin. Don’t be one of those darkly tanned, leathery-skinned people who move south after retirement and still worship the sun, in-between visits to their dermatologist. Sun worshipping is no longer cool. At the very least use sunscreen! I would also add that you should wear sunglasses outside to avoid squinting. Prolonged squinting brings out the wrinkles around the eyes and the forehead.

Live where there is less pollution and wind.
Wind can take it’s toll on your skin and so can smog and other air contaminants. Of course, it’s not practical to up and move, but if you have the opportunity to pick where you live, keep these factors in mind.

Avoid harsh chemicals and really hot water.
Hot water zaps the moisture out of your skin. Harsh chemicals in soaps and face cleaners can do the same thing. Know your ingredients and what those ingredients can do. Bottom line – if your skin doesn’t feel and look good after you clean it, change your cleaner.

Relax and enjoy life.
While I don’t have concrete proof on this one, I do believe if you can learn to relax and enjoy your life, your skin will reflect this. If you worry constantly and always have a negative attitude, imagine how this can make your face look after awhile.

Antioxidants and healthy eating.
Eating food rich in antioxidants such as tomatoes, blueberries, and green tea is beneficial to your health, and if you add antioxidant creams to your skin, all the better.

Use vitamin A.
Again on the subject of creams, use one that contains Vitamin A, also known as Retinol. Vitamin A helps keep your skin moist and it also has some antioxidant properties.

As you can see, there are many positive steps you can take to hold off those wrinkles a little longer. Some of these are lifestyle choices, such as not smoking, living in a clean air environment, and enjoying life. Throw in sunscreen, Vitamin A and antioxidants as well and your skin should look it’s best.


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