Aging Gracefully? pg 2

by Laura M. Cummins

Some Other Great Tips To Preserve The Youthfulness Of Your Skin

As you apply your facial moisturizer, take some time to work it gently into your complexion with light massage strokes. This technique performed on a daily basis, is quite beneficial in helping to create or maintain a healthy skin. (Avoid this technique on severe acne or individuals suffering from vascular disorders of the face).

-- To support a maturing skin, you must give it moisture and oxygen. Facial masks maintained in a moist value or applying warm compresses laced with your favorite essential oil are suitable for this purpose.

-- A regular facial will provide an intensive cleansing of your complexion. This treatment will loosen hardened places in the skin by stimulating lymph flow and circulation, so that waste products are removed more quickly, nutrients are transmitted to the cells, and the cells themselves are renewed.

-- Incorporate essential oils, such as, lavender, rose, fennel, jasmine, and many others into your daily skin regimen. These natural essences contain plant hormones, which some contain substances similar to estrogen that affect the skin and influence the hormonal equilibrium of the body.

These plant hormones are absorbed by the skin and influence the hormonal equilibrium of the body. They have a tautening impact, along with assisting with cell regeneration, and regulating the sebaceous (oil) glands. Plant hormones do not have the same side effects of animal hormones, which could make the skin appear spongy and swollen when used over a long period time.

-- Try to avoid using extremely hot water when bathing or showering, which can irritate your skin and rob it of its natural oils.

-- Add moisture to your environment. Humidifiers can help replenish moisture in the air of your home and office, making it a friendlier atmosphere for your skin. If the air around you is dry, it will deplete the moisture from your skin through evaporation.

-- Avoid pulling or tugging your skin when cleansing or moisturizing. Your skin should be handled very gently, to prevent unnecessary irritation or premature lines. The eyes are an extra sensitive area, so be careful when you put in your contacts, and always apply eye cream from the inner eye, to the outer eye ---- in a C- formation.

-- Herbal teas that contain antioxidants are a wonderful way of holding back the aging process. If you are a coffee drinker, you might consider replacing your coffee with an herbal tea. Lemon balm, peppermint, spearmint, and decaffeinated green tea are some herbal teas that contain significant levels of antioxidants.

-- Another reason to reduce intake of caffeine rich beverages is that they have a diuretic action and promote an internal dehydration, causing the body to lose water -- leaving your skin flaky and dry on the surface.

-- Get plenty of sleep. Research has shown that the skin regenerates itself between the hours of 1 AM and 3AM, and the lack of sleep during those hours can trigger the kind of stress that causes your skin to look dull, puffy, tired or sallow. So, counting sheep and catching some ZZZZs is definitely one of the best beauty remedies out there.

-- It has been documented in many health publications that high levels of stress can increase free radical production within the human body. These molecules eventually attack the healthy cells of our bodies, and will create extreme damage to our systems, which then increases our risk of pre-mature aging, certain diseases, and possibly cancer. Incorporating activities that help reduce your levels of stress like, meditation, yoga or walking, is your best bet to avoid a wrinkle or two in the long run.

-- Exercise on a regular basis. Aerobic activity, like walking, will keep you in tiptop shape -- mentally and physically. Exercise is great for maintaining the health of the skin by increasing circulation, which delivers the vital nutrients necessary for a healthy, clear and youthful complexion.

Your skin is your largest organ of your body -- which must last a lifetime. We tend to take the health of our complexion for granted, and we assume that it will always bounce back into balance. Prevention is the key. It is never too late to take better care of your skin, so start today, and reap the benefits tomorrow. Try to not go full force initially, take baby steps, and try to achieve success a little bit at a time. By following this approach, you will be much more compliant with any lifestyle change, and you will see it was well worth the time and effort.