Bad News:
1. You are not going to get your baby skin back.
2. It is estimated that 80 – 85% of your total lifetime damage to your skin occurs by your 18th birthday. If you are over 18, both prevention and repair are needed.
3. The signs of aging of your skin are partly due to internal factors such as the genes you inherit and the length of time you have lived. There are limits to what you can do to reverse this damage.
Good News:
The other factors in aging skin are both internal and external. You can do something about these factors. For younger looking skin, avoid:
· Sun damage – If you do not actively protect your skin from the sun, you are mostly wasting your time and money on any other anti-aging products or treatments. Sun damage is the leading cause of “old skin.” Don’t believe it? Compare the skin on an area not tanned on a regular basis, like your stomach, to your facial skin. Remember: there is no such thing as a ‘healthy tan.’
· Smoking Recent studies suggest that tobacco smoke may cause over-production of enzymes that break down skin fibers and may prevent production of new fibers. Those who smoke end up with more lines and wrinkles. One study reports that when excessive sun exposure and smoking occurred together there was a huge increase in the risk of severe wrinkling.
· Exposure to environmental chemicals. Such products may cause free radicals which are unstable molecules capable of causing a domino-effect of self-destruction.
· Exposure to environmental irritants such as skin products too harsh for your skin.
· Inadequate sleep.
"Fountain of Youth"
Lifestyle - Protection - Prevention - Skin Repair
1. Sun Protection - Wear a sunscreen daily with SPF at least 15 with both UVA and UVB coverage. Do not sunbathe or tan at tanning salons. Avoid sun as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. In the Atlanta area, if you are very fair, just 20 minutes exposure during this time period may be enough for significant damage when done on a regular basis.
2. Do not smoke.
3. Dietary. Eat a well balanced diet. Drink 6 - 8 glasses water daily. Get anti-oxidants in your diet. Take nutritional supplemtns with anti-oxidants (Vitamins A, C and E and alph-lipoic acid Example: Basic Mindell Plus)
4. Get enough sleep. The necessity of eight hours of sleep each night is now being questioned. Follow common sense signs of whether you feel adequately rested.
