Is there a beautiful future for your skin? Yes, if you do something about it today.
There are various breakthroughs in emerging technologies, from light therapy to energy-based treatments, such as radio frequency, ultrasound and magnetic pulse regimens. These are the stars in the antiaging firmament whose methodologies are safe, restorative and rejuvenating.
While these latest options might seem too sophisticated for some, one might ask about the good old-fashioned way to achieving youthful-looking skin and the more easy-to-do regimens.
Old is the new young
While one cannot diminish the importance of age and its advantages, like wisdom, tolerance, understanding and a deepening of spirituality, there is also an urgent need to address a slowing down of mobility, cognitive awareness, organ weakness and endurance.
The goal is to derive as much pleasure from life by prolonging it the natural way.
The key is to empower oneself by strengthening the body.
Before embarking on any major changes, consult your physician first.
According to Nicholas Perricone, MD, author of “Ageless Face, Ageless Mind,” there are seven threats to looking youthful.
1) Bad diet
Also known as mindless eating. While we never plan to be stranded somewhere between vital mealtimes, there are many instances when one is hungry and there is nothing healthy to eat.
So you grab a slice of cake or a bag of chips, and down it with soda. All these without thinking of the consequences.
From now on, try to stay away from processed food, or at least minimize intake of it because this diet has zero nutrition and can raise your blood sugar levels.
Risk of skin cancer
2) Too much sun exposure
While there are benefits derived from early morning sunshine, over-doing it can cause photoaging and photocarcinogenesis.
The truth is out: Sun tanning and sunbathing accelerate skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Note that the eyes age, too, especially when unprotected from harsh sunlight! Wear your shades.
3) Stress
Stress and your reaction to it are an age-accelerator. The ramification of succumbing to stress is a rapid increase of the stress hormone cortisol.
When chronically and repeatedly released, it will raise blood sugar levels and speed up the aging process.
Stress leads to digestive problems, depression, weight loss or gain, and a depressed immune system that makes a person more vulnerable to illness.
4) Smoking and exposure to second-hand or third-hand smoke
Cigarette smoke robs the skin of collagen. It also depletes the body’s vitamin C.
According to health experts, exposure to cigarette smoke can add 10 to 20 years to your natural age and ravage the quality of your skin.
5) Alcohol
You are mistaken if you think that simply drinking an extra glass of water will prevent dehydration caused by alcohol intake.
The truth is, alcohol causes the smallest of blood vessels to widen, hence the flushed look after drinking it. This, in turn, can lead to broken capillaries, fine lines and wrinkles.
Dramatic difference
6) Undersleeping
Lack of sleep (less than seven hours a night) can lead to weight gain, irritability, hypertension, irregular heartbeat, sluggish memory and poor complexion.
Compare the radiance of your skin when you have and have not had adequate sleep the night before. The difference is dramatic.
7) No exercise
Little or no exercise isn’t good at all. Unsurpassed by any natural remedy, exercise lowers high blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
The skin reflects your health conditions, and those who exercise reflect a radiant glow because their skin is thicker and has more collagen.
How to increase collagen
The bad news is, aging begins in the late 20s. But the good news is, the aging process can be delayed.
By avoiding the seven causes of aging, one can safely assume that the next time you attend your yearly class reunion, your classmates will comment on how you look 10 years younger.
Every dermatologist will tell you that the best way to keep your skin young is to look out for the good things that stimulate collagen production.
Collagen is an insoluble protein fiber that plays a vital role in connective tissue (including the skin and tendons) and bones.
Without collagen, the skin loses its elasticity. There is a positive way to increase collagen. You could do two things:
1) Take vitamin C. This is also called the “skin vitamin” for its ability to improve the condition and quality of your skin.
2) Drink collagen. There are several in the market today, but
one particular brand is better known: Premium HyC150 made
by Fine Japan Co. Ltd. (Visit www.hyc150.com; tel. nos. 0917-775 0779 and 5467297)
Its nanotechnology results in quick absorption, and provides a unique and effective combination of hyaluronic acid, ubiquinol and collagen with a bonus—an extra dosage of vitamin C.
Effect
In fact, it is the only collagen drink which contains vitamin C and pearl coix powder (used by women in ancient Japan in the 16th century to maintain healthy skin, hair and nails).
The effect can be seen within 3-5 days of use.
Rose, a 51-year-old landscape artist, is constantly exposed to the sun because of her job designing and supervising gardens. Work has caused severe damage to her skin.
While not opting for any treatment with downtime, she religiously took her HyC150 collagen drink an hour before sleeping.
The first morning after taking collagen, her body felt less heavy.
Within five days, her deep wrinkle lines were reduced; and after one month, the deep lines became fine lines.
This regimen, coupled with regular visits to a dermatologist for diamond peel and hydrating facials, wiped 10 years off her face.
This week’s affirmation: “I can do this.”
Love and light!
E-mail the author: coryquirino1@yahoo.com