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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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Weight Loss Exercise

Winter Workout Homework

By Jim Rollince of Gym Source, a vendor of home gym and exercise equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, arc trainers, bikes and more!

This season, don’t let the arctic temperatures impact your normal exercise agenda – A lot easier said that done, right? Sure, buying yourself a brand new treadmill or any one of a number of different home gyms would be an easy solution, but very costly at that. So why not make your way into the nearest athletic center?

Now you’re saying “anybody could have told me that!” But in actuality, this is trickier than most people think. During the winter, it can become quite habitual to go to work; come home and relax; eat dinner, then go to bed.

And this is a routine that nobody should to get too comfortable with. Some people just can’t bare the cold, or simply aren’t prepared for it. These behaviors can become heightened in frequency as it becomes cooler throughout December, January and February.

A list of general winter predispositions can include:

  • Drinking more coffee/tea
  • Engaging in indoor activities
  • Eating fattening foods

Similarly, holiday parties can have a huge impact on weight, along with increased appetite. And technically, as human beings with certain requirements, we’re exposed to less sunlight, which will certainly lead to fluctuations in hormones and chemicals in the brain. At the same time, the blood vessels in our skin begin to contract, moving blood towards the centre of the body, which impacts our digestive systems.

In combination, all of the above directly affects our ability to stay healthy. Yet, the biggest challenge remains – leaving the house. Here are some great tips:

Clothing

Dress Warm. This includes warm-ups and under armor. And it’s okay to change at the gym; don’t be ashamed to show off your body in the locker room!

This can be a huge obstacle for a lot of self-conscious people. The warmer you are before your workout, the easier the transition into full cardio or strength training. Tighter clothing will also with warmth.

Food

It’s almost guaranteed that as human beings, we’re going to eat more during the winter. But eating at the right while eating the right foods will eventually enhance your workout and drive you to stay at the gym longer. Be sure to eat foods that are high in protein, along with beverages rich in carbohydrates and vitamins. Calcium and Potassium are very important for nutritional health and avoiding sickness. Although these foods/proteins/vitamins may not get you to the gym, they will surely keep you from missing out!

Also, try substituting some of your every day foods for things like almonds, peanuts, dates and raisins – These are high in protein and natural sugar; guaranteed to give you that extra drive during the day.  On a side note, they also are great for your digestive system. If not properly upheld, obstructed bowel movements can cause distress and back pain, lowering workout motivation.

Water

Drinking sufficient amounts of water during the day will also help with digestion, and also acts as a preventive measure for muscle aches and back pain. And most importantly, it helps with weight loss.

Muscles

Lastly, be sure to strengthen your muscles by constantly stretching. This doesn’t have to be at the gym – Use your spare time to stretch your muscles, including the ones in your face. The cold will eventually make you feel achier and tighten everything up. A quirky, yet effective example would be to stretch while in the shower. This is when your core temperature has a chance to rise, allowing for easier stretching.

If you’re already actively involved at a gym, it doesn’t mean that you wont’ gain weight either. Winter’s affects can be quite brutal! Trips the store; walking; playing outside; side-work – This can all be cut in half due to the cold. In order to remedy this, be sure to spend an extra few minutes at the gym, perhaps exploring new exercises. If you abide by these simple stipulations, you’ll find that it’s easy to keep that great summer shape!

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