The universal truth is most people want to look good, no matter what their chronological age might be. Thus, a new science was born: longevity and antiaging.
The race against time is also a fight versus gravity. And the drive to pursue better and more effective ways to rejuvenate the body has led to discoveries, both old and new.
Try these facial exercises:
Chin firming—If you exercise the body, don’t forget the face. To tighten facial muscles, try this one, says author Senta Maria Runge:
Lift chin slightly while using your index and middle finger. Gently press the corner between the chin and neck. Clench molars, press tongue against the back of the bottom front teeth. You will feel a contraction. This targets the double chin. Hold the motion for 10 seconds. Repeat five times.
Cheek-raising—Act as though you were getting ready to pucker up. Purse your lips as far as you can. This firms the cheeks and jaw line. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10-20 times daily.
Glycation
Address inflammation within. Wrinkles happen because of a process called glycation. This occurs when sugar (glucose) molecules bind to a protein molecule without the help of enzymes. This situation in the body speeds up chemical reactions. The result: inflammation. Glycation reactions produce diabetic complications, arterial stiffness, cataracts and sagging skin.
Causes are high sugar intake, smoking, fried foods, over-consumption of alcohol and pollution.
Limit sugar/alcohol intake, avoid fried food (instead steam, boil or saute), don’t smoke and avoid polluted air.
Reduce inflammation by consuming nutritious foods (raw salads and fresh fruits), limiting red meat, exercising daily, getting sufficient sleep, managing stress, practicing proper hydration and, if possible, reducing meat in the diet (fish, chicken, beef, pork or duck). Try going vegetarian thrice a week. As always, everything in baby steps.
The results: skin tightening and pore refining.
Add 1 tbsp of fresh milk or yogurt to the diet as well.
Finally, the answer to everyone’s prayers—a breakthrough technology called Cutera Titan Laser. Using infrared light, Titan is the first tailored light source with absolutely no downtime or pain which lightens facial laxity while stimulating collagen growth.
If instant effect is what you are after, then this 30-minute treatment can reduce wrinkles with positive results. The best of metaphors is that of an iron which smoothens out creases in clothes.
It appears that Hollywood celebrities consider Titan their beauty treatment of choice. Apart from lightening, the other benefits includes skin clarity, and addressing pigmentation and freckles.
The power of state-of-the-art light therapy for aesthetic purposes has been proven with visible results.
This week’s affirmation: “My love shines through.”
Love and light!