After people enter certain age, usually early or mid thirties, they start worrying about the signs of age that slowly but steadily begin to appear, especially on the face and neck. First thing they do when the panic kicks in, they go shopping for expensive cosmetic products packed with age-defying, anti-wrinkle, skin-rejuvenating ingredients.
The truth is, while many of those products are really effective and may provide a desired result, some of them are just a complete waste of time, unless they are paired with a healthy lifestyle. There are a few things that cost little or nothing, which can be just as effective in fighting the signs of aging on the skin as cosmetic products are. The four tricks mentioned here are the basics for younger looking, wrinkle-free skin.
Plain water
Sometimes all the body needs is enough water. Water is the essence of human organism and it is absolutely necessary for almost all vital functions. It also plays an important role in nice looking, healthy skin.
Without sufficient water, the skin becomes dry and prone to damage and infections. The connective tissues suffer from dehydration and their effectiveness declines. This leads to saggy skin and fine lines.
Drinking plenty of water tones and hydrates the skin so it stays firm and elastic for longer, and it gives it a healthy, youthful glow. In addition, water flushes the toxins from the body and therefore protects the skin from free radicals.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not only important in prevention of infections and diseases, but it is also one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. It is widely available through nutrition, found in ample amounts in fresh fruit and vegetables, and it can be taken in the form of supplements as well. Still, most scientists believe it is much more effective to take it in the natural form rather than as a supplement.
Vitamin C kills the free radicals that cause the signs of aging skin and protects it from external and internal damage. This vitamin is also able to repair some of the damage the skin has already suffered.
Fatty acids
Omega-6 fatty acid and alpha-linoleic acid are just as important for the skin as vitamins are. They combat wrinkles, thinning and sagging skin and dryness. They can be consumed through vegetable oils, especially safflower, sunflower and sesame oil, or through healthy snacks consisting of seeds and nuts. These fatty acids can also be found in eggs and fish, salmon in particular.
Low carbohydrates
Eating plenty of carbohydrates, especially sugar and processed flour, can increase the risk of wrinkles and other signs of age on the skin. The process of glycation destroys the structure of collagen fibers and reduces the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
Oxidative damage is much less with low GI carbohydrates, like whole-wheat or multigrain bread and crackers, basmati rice, brown rice, most vegetables, lean meats and fish, so the diet should be focused on those foods.
Your thoughts on this
Loading...