Monday, December 31, 2007

Tips Towards Healthy And Younger Looking Skin

When it comes to first impressions, appearance says a lot. In fact, most base their initial impression on good grooming and on bearing more than on the perceived attitude and speech. This is especially true with careers that deal with the beauty and the health industries as well as in the media.

Apart from the overall style and body, part of a glowing appearance is youthful looking skin. But what happens if aging comes settling in? What do you do then?

Experts say that waiting for aging to settle in before doing anything is suicidal for the skin. Because by the time the wrinkles appear, you can't remove it or slow down the process. It is far easier to prevent its occurrence than to remove it when it has already appeared.

This is the reason why most beauty experts and dermatologists are advising people to start beauty regimens early in life especially now when young people are using make-up and are exposed to pollutions that are three times worse than previous years. The earlier you take on your skin, the better your prognosis and the longer your youthful skin will last.

Below are just some of the things that you can do to help maintain your skin and prevent aging.

1. Hydrate

Water is perhaps the most underrated beauty secret of all time. Unbeknownst to many people, water unclogs the pores and removes the toxins in the body. It also hydrates the skin, allowing the pores to breathe.

People born with dry skin are also asked to drink lots of water as this can help them keep their skin moist and fresh. As a rule, experts recommend drinking about 6-8 glasses of water everyday. If you can drink more, then that's better.

2. Moisturize

Although people with dry skin are all the more recommended to moisturize the skin, people with oily skin should also start a regimen to keep the skin elastic and moist. They should however avoid products that are oil based to prevent clogging of pores by sebum.

3. Block it out.

Protect your skin from the sun by wearing your sun block. Contrary to popular notion, sun block is not only for days that are sunny. Sun blocks actually protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. These can be present even during cloudy or rainy days.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Things Needed to Know About Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Beyond all the truthful facts about aging and wrinkles, there is still an effective way of reducing them. There is no other way to reduce wrinkles and imperfections on the face than undergoing the painstaking trip to the doctor for cosmetic surgery.

It is clear that all commercial products sold on the market aren't necessarily destructive, but what they promise is nothing but a good feeling. Wrinkles will never go away with the use of any synthetic creams put on the face. Make-up can only camouflage lines momentarily, but as soon as the face is wiped clean, the angry wrinkles will always greet you happily in the mirror.

Because everyone ages, like it or not, cosmetic surgeons are busy all over the world. Face treatments to reduce wrinkles, could be too invasive. The option will depend on the patient's decision and skin qualification. Yes, not all skin is suited to undergo cosmetic surgeries. An example is a face-lift.

If the face has sagged in time and has achieved all the uncontrollable wrinkles possible, the remedy could be as painful as undergoing a face-lift. With this method, the patient will be undergoing a complete surgery where the external facial skin is literally pulled until the lines are smoothed to a youthful firmness. Under a local anesthetic, the patient lies unconscious while the doctor lines out the spots where the pulling will be done.

The facial will be traced from the jawbone area to forehead and cheeks just to where there are contours and folds to hide the expected scarring after the procedure is done. The facial skin is then traced entirely, where muscles are pulled and stretched at selected points on the face, commonly under the jaw. If there is a need to do liposuction under the eyes to reduce the bulging skin underneath the eyes, this goes simultaneously with the face-lift.

It will take many weeks of recovery and bandaged face before the effects of the surgery can be seen. A patient usually undergoes extreme trauma after this due to pain and the hopeless thought of worrying that something might go wrong. The painful process face-lifts have been a part of experience by most people who are engaged in careers where facial appearance is demanding. This is usually common for TV and movie personalities. People who are under constant pressure to appear beautiful at all times can't help but have a face-lift during middle age.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

The Ultimate In Anti-Aging

Beyond anti-aging cosmetic treatments and products that only treat the skin tissues to fight the signs of premature aging, there is a way to ensure staying young and youthful and that is by nourishing your soul. Usually, when you think of anti-aging and staying youthful, the focus is primarily given to nourishing the skin and body and not enough importance is given to nourishing the soul.

The soul tends to be something that is intangible and that is why it isn't given much notice in the pursuit of youth and youthfulness. However, this need not be the case. Nourishing the soul shouldn't be a vague and abstract concept. The challenge will lie in trying to pin down this elusive component of our being.

The soul is that part of ourselves that give us the ability to experience depth in our daily lives. It is the part of us that allows us to appreciate beauty, makes us fall in love and permits us to feel deep joy and contentment which are all important aspects of staving off growing old. It is also that indefinable part of us that feels inexplicably empty or hallow when we are unable to properly nourish it.

Often times, even though everything seems to be going smoothly in our lives we experience a discontent and a sort of restlessness and that is your soul trying to let you know that you are taking it for granted.

Feeding the soul will allow us to embody the characteristics of youthfulness that is very important in the mindset needed to help combat premature aging. This is why it is very important to not neglect this essential aspect of our general being. Despite all the anti-aging products and treatments, if we are unable to promote a healthy being in all its components such as the body, mind and soul, then a part of us remains stressed and uneasy and this will reflect in our physical appearance.

That is why combined with the proper lifestyle that ensures proper nutrition and health and the right anti-aging products that help us fight anti-oxidants known to speed up aging, we need to ensure that our soul is adequately acknowledged. Best of all, it is quite simple to achieve the adequate nourishment of the soul. We just need to do avoid stress by being more flexible.

We need to do things that make us happy and fulfilled. We need to allow ourselves some pampering. Taking on the task of nourishing the soul has made anti-aging and staying youthful very easy.

The Process Of Skin Aging

Skin aging is as inevitable as death. We all go through the process but the difference is the fact that we all go through it at different times and at different levels.

Some people look old when they are still in their early 20s while others look so young that people always mistake them for someone a decade younger. Some will already show signs of aging in the skin of their faces while others will have their manifestations in their general health and memory.

Genes play a large part in the way the skin ages. There are some families that look younger than they really are while there are others who are already mature looking. Race may also be a factor. Asian skin is vastly better compared to the skin of Caucasians. Although it is more sensitive to the sun, Asian is better when it comes to elasticity and suppleness. This is the reason why Asian people are so young looking.

In addition to what we get from our hereditary lineage, some factors in the environment also affect the way our skin ages. The weather for instance can have subtle effects on the skin. Extremely cold weather can dry the skin the same way that too much sun does. The same goes for the food that we eat.

Despite having thousands of literature available about skin aging, there are actually just three facts that you need to know about aging skin.

The first one is that the sun is your number one enemy. The UV rays of the sun are bad for the skin. It can cause dryness, scaling and the appearance of sun spots. Ultimately, skin cancer may also be developed. So it is important that you always protect your skin from the rays by using sun block.

The second important detail is the fact that any inflammation on the skin can do undue damage permanently. Examples of these inflammations are acne, allergies and even eczema. In addition to resulting to irregular pigmentation of the skin, inflammations can also lead to the loss of collagen in the skin, a substance that is needed for skin renewal.

The third important thing that you should remember about skin aging is the fact that smoking, aside from destroying the lungs, can also lead to wrinkles and other signs of skin aging. This is because a substance in cigarettes can rob the body of its much needed vitamin C, a substance that also aids in cell regeneration.

Friday, December 28, 2007

The Practice Of Yoga Helps Anti-Aging

There seems to be a yoga boom happening around the world as the West has finally accepted the practice and allowed it to be entrenched as a mainstream holistic approach to health and well being. Thanks to pop icons like Madonna who have been openly letting the public know that she practices yoga, the masses have caught on that this type of custom that promotes youthfulness and helps stave off the signs of premature aging.

However, how true and how effective is the practice of yoga in the anti-aging battle? Well, at the core of the practice is the promise of being able to transcend the physical body's limitations, namely its predisposition to premature aging as a result of the stresses and elements brought about from our lifestyle. As you get into the practice of yoga you get to slowly imbibe an entire holistic lifestyle conducive to promoting youthfulness. You begin to eat healthier simply because you notice the difference in your body's performance as you do the yoga asanas when you eat right.

Aside from encouraging you to eat right, the practice of yoga is a type of physical exercise that promotes optimum levels of oxygen. Any type of aerobic exercise is good for the circulatory system and it also provides the body with much needed oxygen. The difference with usual aerobic exercise and yoga is that in the latter, you need to get into asanas or poses that require you to either contract or expand your body parts and the blood and oxygen are concentrated in areas that are being exercised.

Also, the challenging poses of yoga need a certain amount of concentration. This means that at the same time you are exercising you body, you are also exercising your mind. Proper nutrition, brain exercises and physical exercise all promote better well being and youthfulness which is why the practice of yoga is one of the more popular choices for anti-aging.

Beyond that however, what makes regular yoga practice unique is that the change in lifestyle and the single minded approach to the challenge of poses allows the mind to slowly unfold into believing that it can achieve what seems to be impossible. In this realization can the yoga practitioner eventually achieve the transcendence of the limitations of the body that we have come to expect. This journey of transcendence is what regular yoga practitioners successfully use as an anti-aging tool.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

The Art of Choosing The Right Anti-Aging Products

Although the market is swarmed with so many anti-aging products, it doesn’t mean that you can use and experiment around with these products because doing so can bring disaster to your skin instead of a solution.

In choosing what is the best anti-aging product for your skin, it is a must that you conduct some research in order to take a peek into various anti-aging products available on the market that can help you. Here are some guidelines in choosing the right anti-aging products for you.

1. Know your skin type first. You can do this by consulting a dermatologist or by conducting a self-test. Knowing your skin type is very important in choosing a anti-aging product because this will determine what products and recommended brands and ingredients that are safe for your skin.

2. Opt for anti-aging products that contain soluble Vitamin A, C, and E. When choosing any anti-aging product, it is best that they contain water-based Vitamin A, C, and E because these are the most effective ingredients that can help reduce the signs of aging such as wrinkles, crow's feet and other fine lines.

3. Choose anti-aging products that have a high concentration of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Consider choosing products that contain the antioxidants for the skin such as Ascorbyl Acid or Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A or beta carotene and Flavonoids because these can help you to achieve firm and younger looking skin while nourishing, strengthening and moisturizing your aging skin.

4. Look for anti-aging products that contain fine crystals. Fine crystals or ingredients of the same properties can help exfoliate the skin while removing dead skin cells that contribute to the skin's aging. Anti-aging products that have fine crystals can help remove dead skin cells that reduce the formation of lines. These anti-aging products may include wrinkle erasers, facial and body scrubs, toners, eye creams, various cleansers, hydrators, and moisturizers.

5. Choose anti-aging products that can be applied or used not only on the face but on other parts of the body as well. It is important that you choose anti-aging products that can do wonders for the neck and hands because these are the parts of the body where early signs of aging are visible.

Bear in mind that you must set up a routine of cleansing, toning and moisturizing your skin before using these anti aging products and make sure you use them as directed by the manufacturers instructions.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Testing The Effectivity of Anti-Aging Products

Anti-aging products are those products that you apply to your skin or hair that can help reduce the signs of aging and can make you look younger and maintain a youthful glow. While its true that the market is invaded with so many anti-aging products, it doesn’t mean that all of these products are safe and effective to use.

Some of the products can put dark spots and add other lines on your skin while others are effective in concealing blotches, blemishes and wrinkles while moisturizing the dry skin. While other anti-aging products protect the skin from external factors and environmental stresses that increases the process of aging, others bring altering and damaging effects to the skin cells and can lead to various skin disorders and diseases.

Today, there are so many anti-aging cosmetic products available on the market, but before you finally decide to buy or use them, here are some tips that can help you test the effectivity of a specific anti-aging product:

1. It is best to listen intently and carefully to the effects and possible side effects of the anti-aging products that are being advertised.

2. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the anti-aging product in order to find out what its advantages and disadvantages are.

3. It will pay to conduct some research on the anti-aging product before you finally decide in using and buying it. You can do this by surfing the Internet to know more about the product, talking to a professional cosmetician or by calling the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are people who have complained about the product after using it.

4. Don’t take into consideration the anti-products that have "Secret Formulas" or "Breakthroughs of the Century" on their labels because more often not, these are the products that can bring further damage to your skin.

5. Watch out for products that claim that they can cure various illnesses.

6. Don’t rely on testimonials and endorsements of celebrities because these are often misleading and fabricated by the manufacturer.

7. Don’t buy products that claim 100 percent guarantee. All products have side effects in one way or another that is why it is advisable not to opt for anti-aging products that market themselves as having no side effects because this is one promise that is hard to believe.

8. Don’t be afraid to question the ant-aging products that advertise the need not to consult or visit a physician or a registered dermatologist.

9. Make sure that you consult a doctor before taking any dietary or nutritional supplements or any products that are marketed to lessen the signs and effects of aging.

10. Make sure that you are honest with your doctor about dietary or nutritional supplements that you have or you are taking before you undergo any operation or surgery to avoid further complications.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Strategies To Staying Young

Aging shouldn't be something that you are afraid of. If done right and if the body is well-taken care of, aging can be one of the best things that can happen in your life. After all, this is the time when you will mature.

Aging shouldn't be seen as old but distinguished looking. It need not be haggard but more respectful and conservative. Looking young is a choice that you will make and it will solely depend on you, how you will look and how others will see your coming of age, so to speak.

Although aging is a biological process that is solely dependent on genetics, lifestyle practice also factors in. What you eat, what you drink and what you do with your body— a body that you will probably be stuck with all your life will affect how your body and appearance age.

Here are some of the strategies that you should employ.

Don’t fluctuate your weight

Dieting can be dangerous especially when not done the right way. Eating right is the number one way to achieve young looking skin. This is because there are vitamins and minerals that can be found in foods that are essential in skin renewal and cell regeneration. In addition, fluctuating weight can result in sagging skin, which may lend an older appearance to the skin. The lack of nutrients will also make your body lose its collagen and elastin supply, two chemicals that aid in skin health.

Don't smoke.

Cigarette smoking is bad for your health. If you don’t know that yet then it is high time that you catch up on your literature. In addition to weakening the lungs, putting carcinogenic deposits in your body and increasing your risk to all kinds of illnesses, including a heart problems, smoking can also make you appear haggard and old. This is because smoking rob the body of its stored Vitamin C, a much needed element in cell renewal.

Wear your sunscreen

Shield your self from the harmful rays of the sun. Not only will you be a candidate for skin cancer, you will also have dry withered skin that may eventually develop wrinkles. To protect yourself, wear sunscreens that have SPF of at least 15. If you can put a higher SPF, all the better. It is also good to avoid the sun as much as you can and always carry with you a hat or an umbrella.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Preventing Skin Aging In The Face

Perhaps one of the greatest fears of people is to age, not in terms of their chronological age but their skin age or how old they appear to other people. The face, being the part that is often seen by people, is a top priority.

Although there are products out there that can help slow down the aging process of the facial skin, you can actually prevent aging through simple and what is more FREE means. Here are some of those ways.

1. Sleep

Sleep refreshes the body. In fact, it is through sleep that the body regenerates itself and rests for the day. As a standard, an adult should be able to sleep for about 8-9 hours at night. This is why when we lack sleep, our eyes will have dark circles surrounding them. We will also look tired.. and we will feel it to. The face is the first part of the body where the lack of sleep will be shown. In addition to the dark circles, we will also develop eye bags and sagging skin, which can age your look from 20s to 40s.

2. Eat right

Eating the right kind of food can help the skin fight aging. Balanced diet is the key and also having lots of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Vitamins like Vitamin C and E is essential in skin renewal and maintenance. Also, eating healthy will give you a healthy glow.

3. Relax

Life can be stressful. There is nothing you can do about that but you can certainly do something about the way you respond to stress. Stress, in actuality can be made lessened if you maintain a positive attitude.
You can also attend meditation classes like yoga or any gentle exercise that will help lessen your stress level and center your body. Relaxed muscles will help the skin prevent wrinkles and frown lines.

4. Remove make-up

This is actually only for the girls unless the guys are in professions that need make-up. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn't go to sleep without removing your make-up as this can contribute to faster aging of the facial skin.

5. Smile

There is something in a smile that gives you a healthy young glow. Plus, it takes more muscles to smile than to frown so it is better to keep those lips upwards. Smiling also relaxes the muscles of the face and even the whole body, preventing the development of wrinkles so early in life.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Other Options People Can Employ To Fight Aging

Everyone will one day notice changes in the face and in the skin. Wrinkles are the first signs and it is inevitable as people age. A lot of customers are familiar with creams, food supplements and diets but if these don't work, here are some other options people can enjoy to fight aging.

The first is called an oxygen facial, which is available at most spas. This treatment cleanses the face, helps in cell rejuvenation and brings out exfoliates from the skin so that bacteria hidden in the pores can come out.

Another popular favorite is the botox injection. As the term suggests, an experienced doctor will be using a small needle to stop the muscles that are responsible for forming lines on the face. This isn’t a one shot deal so those who do it once have to go back to the clinic every few months.

Even if botox injections are painless, some people are wary of having a small needle stuck into the face. It is a good thing that facial fillers are now available which can be injected directly into the crease or the pore. The main ingredient here is hyaluronic acid and there two types that patients can choose from namely Restylane and Radiesse. Those who go forward with this will have to undergo treatment for 6 months or less depending on the skin's condition.

Next is called the epifacial. This treatment is expensive because lasers are used to clean the skin. Studies have shown this can make a person look ten years younger, which can be accomplished within a matter of minutes.

The newest option is called the thermage non-surgical face-lift. This is a machine that uses radio waves to follow up the work that was done after surgery. The only drawback is that the treatment isn’t painless even if nurses will be applying an antiseptic.

Nobody wants to live forever but those who want to look good in front of family and friends will have to do whatever it takes. The options mentioned namely oxygen facial, botox injection, facial fillers, epifacial and thermage non-surgical face-lift are available for those who can afford it.

It is best to know the pros and cons by talking to a dermatologist before trying any to be able to get the best money can buy as first impressions last in this modern age.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Love Your Age

You will grow old. And no amount of refusing to answer "How old are you?" questions can change that fact. Well, you are in good company as all people will eventually age. You aren't alone in this dilemma.

But people are starting to see the aging process in a whole different light. When before, people were scrambling to hide their age, now some are vocal with their age and are embracing their maturity.

Growing old need not be something associated with white hair, wrinkled skin and rusty bones. You can actually be old but not appear to be as old. Heck, you can even land yourself a younger guy or a girl half your age. Just look at what Demi Moore managed to do!

The secret is to not feel old and to take the aging process as something that you can control. Trust me, it isn't something that you should be ashamed of that is if you want it to be.

1. Aging isn't just growing old but also growing up.

Aging need not be something that will give you white hair and a wrinkled demeanor. Aging can actually be something that will make you more mature and more experienced with the world. You can actually use your age to your advantage by sharing what you know and teaching the younger ones based on what you've been through in life.

People who are old are more likely to command more respect. They are more distinguished-looking and appear to be more believable than younger people.

2. Aging means relaxation

Growing old is something that you should actually celebrate because you have reached a time in your life when you can actually relax and not feel guilty about it. That is of course if you have prepared well for your retirement years. This is the time when you can relax and just have fun with your days.

3. Aging means fun

Spend the days at home and just read books. Catch up with old friends and hang out with them. Go out and live a little. One usual mistake of older people is to think that just because they are old they can no longer have fun. Actually, it's the opposite. Now you can have fun.


4. Aging means freedom

This is also the time when you need not worry about any responsibilities. You are no longer pressured to achieve something in your life because you have gone through so much. Now, you can do the things that you weren't able to do before because of duty.


Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Instant Anti-Aging Tips

Some people may not admit, but at some point in time, they wonder about living forever. No, it isn't about staying alive for eternity, but being young forever is something more than a fair imagination could grant.

Others are endowed with good genes and look younger in their age, while others grab all kinds of regimen in any sophisticated shops just to find the cosmetic miracle available on the market. Unfortunately, when the mirrors are speaking the truth, they realize in the end that you can age gracefully.

How can you get younger even in one instance?

With the advent of inventions and competitive manufacturing of beauty products, there is a solution for someone who has cash in their pocket. That is the advantage of living today. If you aren't " so endowed," there is no reason to lose hope. There are arrays of cosmetics, which can patch problematic skin conditions and make you look fresh and youthful.

Professional make-up artists can hide facial lines with proper combination of concealer, foundation, and make-up. Women have the advantage of exploiting the use of make-up to their benefit, even if they don't indulge in stage acts or public presentations. Getting the service of a nice beauty expert may cost money, but it can be an instant miracle for a problematic sophisticated whim.

The basic beauty solutions:

If you are in a panic and your schedule can't make time to a salon, you can help yourself with some beauty practices to promote a youthful glow on your face:

1. Sleep early and properly - you can't throw away your face just because it is greeting you angrily in the mirror with a haggard look. The most basic is still to get beauty rest the night before a special event. Sleeping well guarantees you are relaxed, less stressed out, and most of all, naturally feeling better. The practice of sleeping earlier and well can help you release natural anti-oxidants, which helps repair the skin and get it prepared for another day. Actually it is a requirement.

2. Avoid too much sun exposure - All you need to do is prevent unprotected walks in the sun. If it is unavoidable, try to wear sunscreen to exposed areas of the skin. This will at least help the sun's ultra violet rays from penetrating the skin. Sun exposure is the main culprit of photo aging, which can increase a person's age in no time. People who constantly subject themselves to sun indulgence have harsher, surprising and deeper wrinkles. Sun exposure takes effect after 15 years or so, and is irreversible.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

How To Lead A Young Life

To grow old is probably one of the nightmares for most people. Well, you can't blame them. With how "old age" is being depicted right now, they will think that living with wrinkles and white hair is something worse than actual dying. It shouldn't be.

Although we will basically all grow old when the time comes, this does not mean that we will appear to be old or we will live a life for old people. Remember that only your chronological age adds up but you can control your appearance, how you live your life and how you deal with old age. You don't have to be a prisoner of the idea of being old. You can rise up to the image and be an old person who lead a young and fruitful life. Everything is up to you.

Below are some ways that you can lead this kind of life.

1. Use your age to your advantage

Being old not only means having wrinkles and sagging skin, it also means that you have sailed through life far longer than other people half your age have and you have gone through more things in life.

Aging means maturity and you can actually use this to your advantage. Your age will command you more respect. More people will listen to you and you will appear to have authority on what you are talking about.

2. Have a purpose

People who live for something will live longer and be younger. This is because their determination to do something will keep them going. Having a purpose in life or a goal in life will give you something to live for.

People who are busy going after their dreams will hardly notice the years. They are also more active, less likely to have vices and more positive in their approach to life. All these components combine to make them youngerlooking.

3. No worries. No regrets.

Live each day in the present. And though you have your dreams to look forward to and the past to learn from, you use them as your guide. Don't dwell on them or make them the center of your life. Too much thinking can sometimes make your life miserable. Worrying about the future and thinking about the past will only add to your wrinkles. Set yourself free and just live day to day.

Monday, December 17, 2007

How To Be Young Again

What is good about aging is the fact that though it is inevitable, it is something that we can control. It isn't true then that we are basically powerless when it comes to the aging process. Although we can't stop it, we can certainly slow it down or hasten it, depending on the choices that we make.

If you really want to, you can age well. You can be one of those people who look like they are 18 when they are actually 28. These people , may have the gift of the genes, but this isn't the only factor.

What we do to our body and what we do to our lives will factor in the aging process. A person who eats well, exercises often and generally thinks positive thoughts will most likely have fewer wrinkles than those who don't.

To help you feel young and be young once again, here are some edicts that you should live by.

Though shall not water your sense of humor.

Keeping things light in the face of extreme challenges is one secret to staying young and being on top of things. Being in control and coping with problems doesn't necessarily entail being serious and frowning all the way through the situation. You can solve the problem while still keeping your enthusiasm and good humor intact.

Smile every chance you get. This not only uses fewer facial muscles, but it also lights up the face and relaxes your whole expression, making you appear more inviting and more youngful.

Though shall remember to have fun

Relax. Working like a horse may get you to the top of the corporate heap but too much work may put you on a hospital stretcher. Set aside some free time that will help you relax and just have fun.

Take up a new hobby, something that will occupy your time in addition to your work and yet still be productive in a way so that you won't feel guilty. Treat yourself to a change. Go on a vacation and recharge. Have fun and enjoy life. This is one way to becoming and staying young.


Though shall hang out with younger people

Although they may seem pretty superficial sometimes, younger people may surprise you. Hanging out with them will allow you to be open to new ideas and not be so much of a fuddy-duddy.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Good Nutrition And A Healthy Brain

The industry for anti-aging products, services and treatments continue to grow as more and more people continue to depend and demand them with the desire for the elusive fountain of youth. Instead of looking outward though, people should realize the importance of looking within to be able to successfully win the anti-aging battle.

The idea of "looking within" is more than just a philosophical argument. Going beyond cosmetic treatments as a sound anti-aging strategy is quite reliable and grounded on science. It is true that beauty is skin deep because it is our skin or our outward appearance that announces the fact that we are no longer youthful. Beneath the skin tissues are processes and bodily functions that need to be maintained in order to preserve youthfulness. The body is maintained and kept functioning with efficiency and effectiveness through the proper uninterrupted body systems and functions.

The key to keeping the body healthy in order to continue to be able to power these important body functions is proper nutrition.

We simply can't expect to fill our bodies with junk and expect it to run at optimum levels. If you have difficulty understanding this concept, you might want to use the analogy of a car. A car runs on gasoline. If you put other types of fuel in it like diesel and kerosene, the car won't work and the engine may be damaged. Now there are different types of gasoline that you can use for your car. To get the most out of your car's performance you have to understand the octane rating of your engine and use the appropriate type of gasoline.

Just like a car, the body needs the proper types of food as fuel, which can be achieved by maintaining a proper and healthy diet. Combined with just the right amounts of exercise, our bodies can metabolize our diet properly and our bodies are supplied with the proper fuel that it needs.

Aside from keeping us physically fit, exercise is also an excellent way to keep our brains healthy. Exercise promotes a healthy supply of oxygen to the brain. You see, beyond cosmetics, proper nutrition and a healthy brain are keys to truly winning the anti-aging battle.

More and more people experience dementia and other forms of brain degradation as they get older and keeping the brain healthy through proper nutrition and exercise helps stave off this phenomenon.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Fountain Of Youth In Ourselves

Aging is inevitable. Everybody goes through the process, rich or poor, commoner or royalty. No amount of money can stop the aging process. It is this reason perhaps that everybody is on the lookout for what legends call the fountain of youth.

But it seems that the fountain of youth is actually not something that can be found in some ancient and magical stream hidden in some obscure place in the world. The fountain of youth can be found inside ourselves. It isn't something that we can drink like medicine but something that we do or practice in our lifetimes.

According to a study conducted by the John and Caherine MacArthur Foundation called “Successful Aging, the genes make up 30 percent of a person’s over all aging process. The rest of the percentage is dependent on how a person uses or abuses his body. In short, it is lifestyle-driven.

More than half of the aging process will be dependent on the kind of life that we lead, whether we abuse the body or not. In fact, by taking care of ourselves, we can actually live up to a hundred years old. Failing organs are no factors. This is because advancements in biomedicine has made the use of artificial organs possible.

Cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol, inactivity and imbalance diets are just some of the lifestyle factors that can affect the aging process.

Cigarette smoking for instance can result in lung problems. This can rob the body of an easy and flowing circulation, leading to a pale and pasted appearance. Ingredients in a cigarette can also rob the body of vitamins like Vitamin C, which is primarily needed in skin renewal and cell regeneration.

The same goes with alcoholic drinks. Too much alcohol can damage the skin as it dilates the small blood vessels in the body and in the skin surface. This leads to an increased blood flow in some areas. Over worked blood vessels can be damaged over time, resulting in a flushed appearance and the appearance of broken blood vessels.

The lack of exercise is also another factor. Continued inactivity robs the body to regenerate and flush away toxins. In addition to getting rid of fats and cholesterol that clog the pores of the skin, activity or exercise builds the muscles and keeps it strong. It also aids in circulation.

Another important factor in skin aging is the food that we take into our body. Eating a balance meal often will ensure that your skin will be nourished by the vitamins and minerals that it needs for its growth and renewal. Lots of fruits and vegetables is recommended as these foods have antioxidants that keep aging at bay.

Friday, December 14, 2007

Five Simple Ways To Prevent Aging

People don’t always have to apply creams, go to the gym or undergo surgery to look young. This is because everything we need is right in front of us and all we have to do is make the most of it.

Here are a few simple ways to prevent aging.

1. Studies show that exercise allows you to stay fit and strong. But did you know that sweating allows the body to exfoliate bacteria hidden in the pores? This is the reason you should bring a towel to the gym or while jogging so it can be wiped off.

2. The human body just like the planet earth is composed mainly of water. Every time we exert energy, this element is used and has to be replaced. This is the reason that doctors advise us to drink at least 8 glasses a day. Of course, there is nothing wrong with drinking more than the required volume especially after an exercise.

3. Exercise isn't enough to control anti-aging if nothing is done to improve the diet. When kids grow up, most of the food should be high in carbohydrates. Adults should substitute that with those that are high in proteins. You can do research on the web or read books about this to know which ones should be part of the lifestyle change.

4. We have always heard health experts say that people should get at least 8 hours of sleep but despite this advice, there are those who rest for only 4 to 6 everyday. One way to increase this is by reducing the time watching late night television or partying till the early morning so the body will be ready for the challenges of the following day.

5. Stress contributes to aging and the best way to control it is by being organized. You can jot things down on note pads instead of remembering important details in the head. Studies have shown that doing this aids in memory retention and lets the subconscious work on ideas that will just pop up in the morning.

Some young professionals look old. There may be nothing wrong with the physical features on the face or skin but others will think differently because of the clothes being worn. You can ask friends about your wardrobe or read up on it by getting copies of some fashion magazines.

External Factors That Contribute To Skin Aging

Aging is a natural process. People, when they grow old, will developed puny bones and wrinkled skin. All will eventually grow old but not necessarily all at once.

Some people will develop wrinkles early in their lives while others will remain young looking even when they are approaching their 40s. The aging process is different for everybody. Some will develop faster while for others it is a slow process.

Experts believe that aging is largely dependent on the genetic make-up of the person. There are genes that gift individuals with skin that is elastic, and not as prone to wrinkles and sagging. This is the reason why there are families who all look young.

Still, aging isn't just a function of one’s genes. There are also outside factors that contribute to its development. Some can be naturally seen in the environment while others are part of the lifestyle that people lead. For some of these external factors, read on.

Smoking

In addition to weakening our lungs, smoking can also result in wrinkled and mottled skin. This is partly because components of cigarettes deplete the body of its stored vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, which is needed in the renewal of skin cells. It is also a key ingredient in moistening the skin, which prevents wrinkling.

Solution: Avoid smoking even second hand smoke.

Exposure to the sun

This is perhaps the single most important contributor to skin aging. Perhaps, because the sun has UV rays that can be damaging to the skin. Not only will the sun burn the skin, it will also result in extreme dryness, which will eventually result in wrinkles. Freckled people are also in danger as their spots can turn into sun spots. In addition, the rate of skin cancer is greater.

Solution: Wear sunscreen all the time even if the sun isn't so hot or even if you are staying indoors most part of the day.

Coldness

Believe it or not, it's not only the heat of the sun that speeds up aging. People exposed to extremely cold weather may also develop wrinkles. This can happen even with artificial coldness like those supplied by the air-conditioner. Cold weather can leave the skin so dry that it chafes.

Solution: Putting on moisturizers can help solve this problem. You can also use a humidifier in your room just in case it gets too humid inside.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Effective Anti-Aging Tips

In order to avoid aging or adjust to the inevitable results of aging, here are some anti-aging tips that are believed to be effective:

1. Try to stick to a diet that is low in fat but high in complex carbohydrates.

2. Maintain your body's endurance and strength with regular exercise or a programmed workout.

3. As mush as possible, maximize your intake of antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E that can be sourced from food supplements, vegetables, and fruits.

4. Wage an all out war against the sun's deadly rays. Protecting yourself from the sun's deadly and damaging rays is indeed one of the most effective ways to fight aging. Make sure that you apply complete sun protection with sunscreen and sun block with high SPF content.

5. To avoid prolonged exposure to the sun's rays, try not to go out outdoors during high-intensity hours— from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—because this is the time when the sun's rays are most damaging.

6. Another way to protect yourself from the sun's deadly rays is by wearing protective clothing. By covering your skin with articles of clothing like long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats, you can keep your skin away from UV rays. Also, opt for fabrics that are can offer better protection form the sun.

7. Don’t smoke. Or if you are a smoker, try to quit. Studies say that the nicotine derived from smoking greatly accelerates the skin's normal aging process.

8. Make sure that you take time to wash your skin gently. Cleaning your skin contributes to delayed aging. Aside from being an essential part of taking care of the skin, washing it can lessen the risk of having skin diseases from the pollutants in the environment. Try using warm water during baths and try to limit the time spent on bath time.

Also, avoid strong soap that can lead to a dry skin and stop using products that contain irritating additives such as perfumes and dyes. If you're using make up, make sure that you remove it carefully after a day's work. Lastly, learn how to pat your skin dry gently to keep it moisturized.

9. Choose a gentle moisturize. Moisturizing regularly can help you maintain a youthful glow. By using moisturizers, you can help maintain the skin's natural moisture levels. Make sure that you choose a moisturizer that is suited for your specific skin type.

10. Learn the art of shaving gently and carefully. Although shaving is the most common means of removing unwanted hair, it doesn’t have to be done on a daily basis. But if you shave often, make sure that you press a warm washcloth on the skin before shaving to soften the hair and apply a shaving cream, lotion, or gel before shaving to protect and lubricate the skin.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Distinguishing The External Factors That Affect Aging

Aging is an inevitable process all people go through. In fact, the aging process is considered a natural cycle that everything and everyone must face.

Aging is most evident on your skin. When you age, the skin loses its elasticity and that is why wrinkles and fine lines start to appear especially on the face, neck, and hands.

Today, the most common solution people find is through the use of anti-aging products that can minimize—if not eliminate—the signs of aging. These anti-aging products are marketed and advertised to encourage people to control the early signs of aging such as wrinkles, crow's feet, and other visible fine lines.

Avoiding The Causes Of Signs

The 21st century paved the way to the emergence of so many anti-aging products and services. Since the effectivity of these products isn't always 100 percent guaranteed, you shouldn't use them until you have consulted a physician or a professional. If you are thinking of using anti-aging products in order to lessen the effects of aging, it is a must that you conduct some research about the product you're planning to use and its possible side effects.

And, before finally deciding whether to use these products or not, you must first know the external factors that contribute to aging in order to avoid them. Listed below are the major external factors that cause skin aging, it is up to you how to avoid these in order to maintain young looking skin.

1. Sun. This is the major external factor that causes aging. Experts say that aging caused by overexposure to the sun's ultra violet rays is called "photo-aging." In this process, the sun's rays break down the collagen and elastin in your skin that leads to the development of premature wrinkles and other facial lines.

You can protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun by applying sun block and sun screen that has a high SPF content, wearing proper articles of clothing that help protect your skin from the damaging rays and by lessening the time you spend outdoors especially when the sun is in its peak hours.

2. Gravity. Science tells us that gravity pulls everything towards the earth. As people age, the effect of gravity becomes visible on the skin and affects its elasticity.

3. Smoking. Nicotine indeed plays a big role in skin's aging. Studies show that smokers form lines and wrinkles sooner compared to those who don't smoke. Skin is affected by nicotine because it narrows the blood vessels in the outer layers of your skin that is responsible for the reduction of blood and nutrients.

4. Various facial expressions. People have a lot of facial expressions. These expressions are quite inevitable depending on the situation they are in. Since facial muscles are used when people make facial expressions, this can lead to the formation of lines on the face and neck.

5. Sleeping position. Although it may sound absurd, improper sleeping positions contribute to aging of the skin because it results in the visibility of wrinkles. It is advisable to adopt a sleeping position that can veer you away from forming lines on the face or even on your body.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Skin Aging

A number of factors contribute to skin aging.

These include:

1. Exposure to ultraviolet light.

2. The accumulation of free-radicals.

3. The decline in Anti Aging hormones.

Creams are now available which can repair, renew and revitalise aging skin. These creams contain antioxidants in the forms of vitamins A, C and E, which neutralise the effects of free-radicals.

These antioxidants protect against photo aging of the skin epidermis while decreasing wrinkling and promoting collagen synthesis all of which contribute to youthful looking skin.
The vital Anti Aging hormones DHEA and melatonin have an important role to play in protecting the skin against the ravaging effects of aging.

DHEA has an antioxidant effect, maintains skin immunity and preserves the skin's delicate blood vessels. When DHEA is applied to the skin dry, flaky areas are eradicated and a softened look is enhanced.

Melatonin is a proven free-radical scavenger and protects against the harmful effects of ultraviolet damage. The hormones oestrogen and testosterone can also be utilised to reduce skin aging. These hormones preserve thicker, healthier skin.

Studies have shown that topical oestrogen either in the form of oestriol or oestradiol has a profoundly rejuvenating effect on the skin.

These studies have demonstrated that oestrogen cream:

1. Improves skin elasticity and firmness
2. Increases skin hydration
3. Reduces wrinkles.
4. Stimulates the growth of collagen fibres

The above changes were noted over a 16-week period. Other agents which combat skin aging include alpha-hydroxy fruit acids and Retin-A.

The former removes dead cells from the surface of your skin so that the younger cells underneath are able to appear. Retin-A stimulates epidermal growth factors, which results in younger cells replacing the older ones in the superficial layers of the skin.

Anti Aging hormone creams are available on prescription from compounding pharmacies.

By : Dr Michael Elstein

Anti-Aging Alphabet Soup

I prefer to use positive terms whenever possible. Thus my preference would be for terms such as positive aging or healthy aging. Overture data, however, indicate that only 30 people did Internet searches for positive aging in July 2005. Healthy aging fared a little better at 681 searches. Both were dwarfed by anti aging at 125,558 searches. At least on the Internet when people think of staying healthy and youthful, they think anti aging. These searches were often for anti aging centers, anti aging skin care, anti aging supplements, and other anti aging products. (I use anti aging without the hyphens because this is the Internet and most people doing searches do not use hyphens.)

Anti aging came from medicine. Like the military, medicine is either for or against things. So we have antibiotics, antiseptics, antispasmodics, and yes, anti aging. While it is currently hard to find physicians who are specialists in anti aging medicine, the numbers are growing rapidly and it seems destined to become the biggest medical specialty--possibly as common as family doctors.

Medicine is brilliant at identifying and treating or curing diseases. Unfortunately, it has paid little attention to prevention or health promotion. American insurance companies pay billions for pills but nothing for vitamins, billions for surgeries but little for fitness, nutrition education, or other prevention. In the last decade we have seen increasing challenges to medicine’s over focus on disease. Wellness, which focuses on what we want instead of what we don’t want, had 63,228 searches. Holistic health, which addresses mind, body and spirit, had 4,189.

But we are still in medicine’s shadow. Alternative medicine had 194,534 searches—even more than anti aging. Quite a few of these searches were paired with a city—people looking for local practitioners and services. Alternative medicine encompasses just about everything that is not mainstream medicine—massage, chiropractors, herbs, acupuncture, naturopaths, crystals, magnets, and much more. Some have scientific research backing them, and some have none.

My hypnosis training made me keenly aware that terms like wellness and health are better terms than anti aging. To conceptualize anti aging you have to think of aging—and then try to negate it. It’s a little like telling somebody not to think of cute, cuddly baby pink elephants. You’re seeing those baby elephants aren’t you?

In 1887 a Polish linguist introduced Esperanto, a universal language. Guess what? Despite its many quirks and irregularities, English is still the world’s international language. While I prefer healthy aging, positive aging, wellness and holistic health, anti aging is still the universal language.

In psychology Martin Seligman, a trailblazer in research on optimism, happiness, and depression, developed a new field--positive psychology. Hopefully it will become a dominant force in psychology, which currently, like medicine, focuses on pathology. Overture found 800 searches for positive psychology.

When it comes to change, follow the money. Medicare now covers many in home health services, realizing they are less expensive than nursing home care. While managed care was supposed to emphasize prevention and wellness, it mostly just gave lip service. American insurance companies in general, however, are gradually inching into prevention and wellness. The big boost for alternative medicine will come with those higher co-pays, higher deductibles, and health savings accounts. Consumers often choose traditional medical treatments and medications because their insurance covers much of the cost. When consumers pay more bills out of pocket, they will be more inclined to consider alternative approaches to illness and health.

America is in the grips of makeover madness (which is almost always an out-of-pocket expense). Face lifts, liposuction, breast augmentation, and tummy tucks these days are typically performed on an outpatient basis. Health spas traditionally offered skin care, massages, manicures, and pedicures. With the makeover phenomenon many are becoming medical spas and offering laser treatments for skin, chemical peels, Botox, and even surgery. With the strong influence and prestige of medicine, anti aging is likely to continue to be the dominant term for healthy aging and wellness.

By : Michael Brickey

Dr. Michael Brickey is President of the Ageless Lifestyles Institute and author of Defy Aging. His new book, 52 baby steps to Grow Young, gives two-page-a-week practical steps for developing a youthful mindset at every age. Further information is at www.DrBrickey.com.

Delay the Signs of Aging

Some people think that the only way to delay the signs of aging is by applying some form of cream on the skin. Tests have shown that this is effective but did you know that there is a better way that won't hurt your budget?

Scientists have determined that eating the right foods can also be good for the old folks. You should cut back on poultry and meat so it can be substituted with something healthier like fish. Vegetables should also be included in each meal with things like broccoli, onions, tomatoes and others that are green.

These contain what are known as anti-oxidants that help the body fight against diseases and absorb vitamins and nutrients. The use of olive oil in preparing meals and cooking is also helpful.

If people think that this can only be found in the main course, the good news is that these are also available as snacks and refreshments. Fruits that are rich in this are apples, berries and oranges. Nut and seaweeds are also good with something healthy to drink like coffee or tea.

The examples of food mentioned just proves that the things being bought from the grocery don't do that much for the body. This is why some doctors suggest the patient to also buy food supplements that have anti-oxidant properties.

But the price of such food supplements varies. It depends perhaps on the brand even if the same ingredients are written on the product label. The customer should compare what this item offers over another and not only look at how much it costs before making a decision.

Does this mean the multivitamins being taken are useless? In some ways yes because they don't provide the right amount of Vitamin C that is needed by the body. Ideally, you should get at least 1,000 mg. a day but studies have proven there is nothing wrong with taking more than the recommended intake.

The same can't be said about the vitamins because these aren't water soluble making it hard for the body to absorb which is considered to be toxic. This is another reason why patients should consult with a doctor before taking any food supplements.

Everyone wants to stay young and feel healthy regardless of age. Using creams and eating food or supplements can make this happen as long as it is done properly.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Daily Skin Care

Experts in the beauty industry say that there are actually two effective ways of taking care of aging skin. First is the artificial means through plastic surgeries and through the use of products that contain chemicals that are believed to minimize the signs of aging.

And the other one is through natural means that include measures to living a healthy lifestyle like eating the right foods, not smoking, occasional drinking of alcohol, and regular exercise.

Experts say that although artificial means is an easy remedy to aging, they encourage people to take natural means as possible because if these are done and followed properly, they can have a lasting effect on your appearance and over all health and well being.

Taking Care Of Your Skin To Avoid Aging

In order to avoid the early signs of aging, skin care should be an essential part of everyones life. The first step in taking care of skin is to know what type of skin you possess. Dermatologists—professionals who are experts on skin and skin care and treatment—categorize skin types into four that include dry, oily, normal, and combination.

A tight or rough feel of the skin often distinguishes dry skin. It is characterized by the presence of flakes and scales as well as redness and itchiness of the skin. Experts say that is if you have dry skin, it is a must that you avoid washing it with hot water. It is also a must that you stay away from using harsh or strong soaps and alcohol-based skin products to avoid skin irritation.

The next type is the oily skin that is characterized by shiny appearance and large pores on the skin's surface that makes it prone to acne. People who have oily skin should shun away from too much scrubbing that can cause more pimple breakout. It is also advisable that they use non-comedogenic skin products to maintain healthy skin.

Normal skin, on the other hand, is characterized by healthy glow. It doesn’t have redness or large pores. People who have normal skin types should use skin care products that help maintain the natural water balance of their skin.

Last is combination skin that has dry and oily areas. Oily sections usually include the T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin), while cheeks remain less oily. People with combination skin must use products that are specifically developed for this skin type in order to avoid over-drying that can cause redness, itchiness, or any irritation.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Anti-Aging Skin Care Regimen

Aside from being our body's largest organ that protects us against various infections and illnesses, our skin is also the best indicator of aging. Since the skin plays an important role in our overall well being, it is a must that we take care of it the best possible way we can.

Indeed, developing healthy habits can help you develop an effective anti-aging regimen that can help slow down the aging process. Experts advise that people should—as much as possible—treat their aging skin the natural way.

This can be done by changing or shifting to a healthy lifestyle that can bring about powerful and wonderful results. A natural anti-aging skin regimen includes having a balanced and healthy diet, developing a regular work out or physical activities to keep the blood circulating freely, stopping smoking cigarettes, veering away from stress, find ample time to sleep, be well hydrated by drinking lots of fluids especially water and by keeping a positive outlook on life.

Although natural means of fighting aging is usually advised by experts, there are times that people need to resort to skin care products that can help in the prevention of blemishes, getting rid of wrinkles and replenishing dry or irritated skin. But, before you do this, the list below can be an effective anti-aging regimen if done properly and religiously ;)

1. Facial Skin Care.

The face is a person's forefront to the world that is why proper care should be given to it. Determine your facial skin type and choose products that can help you keep your skin well-hydrated.

2. Body Care.

Make sure that you choose safe and gentle body care products such as exfoliants, body lotions, scrubs, and soaps. Use these products in moderation and avoid using products that have antibacterial additives. After drying your skin with a towel, apply an all over body oil followed by a moisture cream or lotion.

3. Cleansing.

Daily cleansing of skin using a cleansing cream or lotion helps in keeping your skin younger looking and healthy. You can do this by gently moving your fingertips in small and circular motions from the neck to the hairline. Make sure that you wipe it off gently using a soft washcloth or facial tissue.

4. Toning.

Toning the skin using a toner suited for your skin type is one of the most effective anti-aging skin regimens out there. Depending on your skin type and age, you should choose a toner that contains no alcohol. Saturating it on cotton pad and gently wipe on the skin can effectively do toning.

5. Hydrating.

Applying a hydrating lotion that is compatible with your moisturizer.

6. Moisturizing.

Make sure that you choose a moisturizer that will work well with your skin. You can test various moisturizers by applying it first on the skin. Once you have found the perfect moisturizer, make sure that you aplly it religiously on your skin. Moisturizers come in creams and lotions with different brand names.

Anti-Aging Skin Care Products

Studies show that the number one sign of aging is excessive dry skin. In order to look young, customers mostly women will have to purchase anti-aging skin care products that are available in almost every store.

The ideal anti-aging product to use depends on the condition of the skin but in most cases, the most practical one is the cream. This is because the skin can easily absorb it. There are three types of creams. The first is natural, then herbal and finally those made from artificial ingredients.

The herbal ones and those from natural products are very similar because they both come from plants. The advantage of using one or the other is that studies haven't shown any significant side effects. The only difference is that the other kind has a special ingredient called collagen, which is used when there are a lot of wrinkles on the skin.

The third kind, which is made from artificial ingredients, can also do some good but has been reported to cause some side effects. It is best to check with the dermatologist if it is safe if the other two don't work.

Sometimes using anti-aging products aren't enough. So, you can try using moisturizers instead. Ideally, you will have to buy two kinds. One will be used in the morning and other before going to bed.

Aging can also be caused by too much exposure to the sun. This can be prevented by using a product that has UV protection. Most of these have other ingredients like Vitamin C and E, magnesium, titanium and zinc, which is also good for the body.

People also have the option of using pills to manage anti-aging. The only problem is that these things are expensive. The price range of these costs from $45 to $75 a month.

Those who are experiencing the first signs of aging are advised to consult with a dermatologist before buying it from the store or online. This is because some may have an allergic reaction while others will suffer from its side effects.

Despite the products available on the market, you won't be able to hide how old you feel when reaching a certain age. Some don't want to believe or accept it but this is a reality that we all have to face as we turn another year older come our birthdays.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Anti-Aging Creams And Botox Treatments

With society rapidly becoming more and more into the physical, people are starting to worry over things that haven't bothered them before. What were ordinary lines on their faces before are now wrinkles that they must take care of.

Come to think of, the process of aging is much different now compared to previous decades. This is because of the level of pollution that the skin is exposed to. Sunlight is also much harsher now than before as the ozone layer is thinning.

The aging process is much faster now than before. Wrinkles are also more pronounced. Sunburns and other skin diseases are also more prevalent.

Along with the rapid changes in the aging process comes the different modern methods that are designed to combat aging. Perhaps a result of the supply and demand model, there are perhaps hundreds of procedures that are being done in order to slow down the aging process. There are also thousands of products that are designed to take care of the skin and combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Among these thousands of products and services, one for each category stands out: Anti-aging creams and Botox injection/facelifts.

Anti-aging creams

One of the most popular preventive “medicines” for aging skin is the anti-aging creams that are widely available on the market. These anti-aging creams are especially formulated with vitamins and chemicals that will help the skin regenerate. Most promote cell renewal, which helps the skin become supple and more youthful looking.

Anti-aging creams are actually dependent on the age range. There are creams that are meant for younger skin while there are those made for men and women on their late 30s and 40s. The older the age group, the stronger the effect of the ingredients.

Facelifts and Botox injection

Although creams may work over time, it may take a while before you can see the actual results. For some, who want instant gratification, surgery and cosmetic procedures are the answer. Most women now are having their faces lifted in various medical clinics. Some are also having botox treatments. Botox is said to be effective in smoothing fine lines in the face.

The product has been so popular that botox parties have become popular. During these parties, people will inject botox treatment in their faces. These parties were actually sanctioned by the government as illegal because of the potential dangers of self-administration.

Aging That You Can't Control

Although aging skin is a natural part of life, when it will start and how it will progress will largely depend on two factors— one that you have no control of and one that will depend solely on you.

Like everything else in the world, aging is a function of the genes and the natural flow of life. It is basically biological in nature and though there are some factors that can hasten or slow down the process, there is little that you can do to stop it.

There are hereditary factors that are already pre-determined. And though these aren't necessarily signs of growing old but rather hereditary characteristics that are naturally part of yourself, these may still make you appear much older. There are aspects in your skin that are already there, waiting for triggers in the environment and the time that passes. This is because we basically inherit from our parents the method or way by which we grow old. There are some people who age well while there are others who don't and appear far older than their chronological ages.

Often, these hereditary manifestations of age can be seen in the tiny lines at the edge of the eyes or the wrinkles surrounding it. This is the reason why there are some people who have these so-called laugh lines even when they are younger.

Deep creases along the sides of the nose and the mouth are other hereditary lines that people develop when they grow old. Another worthy of mentioning are the number of lines that we get on the forehead or the furrows along the browline.

Drooping eyelids are also very common even in people who are young. There are just some people who have downward slants to their eyes. And though this isn't necessarily a sign of aging, it is something that will make the face appear older than its actual age.

Some people also have loose skin along their jaw line. And though this isn't actually sagging skin, having this excess skin can appear like the whole face is melting down and sagging.

In addition to this, there are also "old signs" in areas like the legs that we can inherit from our parents such as the development of cellulite and varicose veins, which can make people look older. The same can be said of baldness especially for men and the development of white hair early in life.

Friday, December 7, 2007

7 Food Products That Are Worth Eating To Fight Off Aging

Parents have always told their children to eat their vegetables. It is funny to know that this will not only help you grow up to be big and strong but are also helpful in preventing aging.

Among the many products available, here are 7 that are worth eating.

1. The first are carrots. This orange colored vegetable is high in beta carotene. Studies show that people who eat one medium carrot a day can significantly reduce aging and ward off many other diseases.

It is possible to eat them raw or cooked. This can be mixed with other dishes and can even be turned into a drink using a juicer.

2. Man can't live with carrots alone so other sources to fight off aging have to be found. A good example is the the avocado. Studies show that this is rich in monosaturated fat that helps reduce cholesterol in the body. It also packs vitamin E, which contributes to healthy looking skin.

3. Berries are another because they contain antioxidants. Some examples of these are black berries, blue berries and blackcurrants.

4. Most Americans eat a lot of poultry and meat products despite that fact that they are high in cholesterol. One way to prevent aging is by getting Omega 3 fatty acids, which are usually found in fish.

5. Nuts are rich in fiber making them effective in fighting off the signs of aging. The best kinds are those that are raw because those that are salted or roasted may do more harm than good if they are eaten in vast quantities.

6. People need energy in order to do things daily. The body burns carbohydrates in order to do this and the best source is either from pasta or brown rice.

7. The last thing needed to detoxify and keep the skin smooth all day is water. Most of us have heard that people should drink at least 8 glasses a day. Studies have shown the body needs more than that and it is much better than any cream on the market.

Most people can get it in bottled form but those who want a fresher source can turn to fruits like coconuts and watermelons.

Aging is something people have to worry about after passing the age of 40. It can also happen a few years earlier due to stress so the best defense is by eating the 7 products mentioned at different times of the week.