Anti-Aging Cosmetic

Anti-aging Skin Care
By Susan du Plessis, Thu Dec 8th

The aging of your skin may be inevitable. But why rush it? Thereare ways to slow down sagging and wrinkles. Using skin creamsand treatments may already be a part of your daily groomingregimen. However, topical creams cannot be expected to workalone for full efficacy. The best way to start your anti-agingeffort is on the inside.

First of all, are you drinking enough water? There are varyingopinions about how much water an individual actually needs forgood health, but the general consensus remains that you probablyaren't drinking enough. If you're thirsty, your skin is thirstytoo -- which means dryness and wrinkles. Hydrate your skin bydrinking water regularly.

Drink water . . . but avoid alcohol and soft drinks. Thecontents of these beverages -- alcohol and caffeine -- dehydrateskin, wreaking havoc on its structure. An acceptable alternativeto water is green tea, which is low in caffeine (but enough fora pick-me-up). Green tea, as you probably already know, isloaded with antioxidants that destroy free radicals, which causeaging.

A multivitamin is always a good idea, but our bodies most easilyabsorb nutrients from food. Include plenty of fruits andvegetables in your diet. In addition to vitamins and minerals,you're fortifying your body with more

antioxidants. Blueberriesare one of nature's "super foods," having one of the highestantioxidant values.

Exercise! Exercise helps keep us from aging by keeping weightdown, working the heart, toning muscles, and getting the bloodflowing (to the skin!). People who exercise look younger andfeel younger. It's a most beneficial habit to get into.

People who look younger than their age repeatedly reveal onevital secret: getting enough sleep. If you aren't, find ways towork it in. Instead of sitting up in front of the television,turn it off at a reasonable time and take a book to bed. Thisquiet practice can lead to an easier time getting to sleep --sometimes the colors and movement of the television keep ourbrains working even after we've begun to relax.

You may feel that you don't have the time to take care of yourskin, but keep in mind: by the time you do "have time," it willbe too late. The time to protect your skin is now! Years later,you'll be thanking yourself for it -- and not only will you lookyounger, you'll feel younger too.

About the author:Visit Susan's website A 2 Z of Health,Beauty and Fitness for more information on health,nutrition, longevity, beauty, fashion and fitness.