Studies show that the number one sign of aging is excessive dry skin. In order to look young, customers mostly women will have to purchase anti-aging skin care products that are available in almost every store.

The ideal anti-aging product to use depends on the condition of the skin but in most cases, the most practical one is the cream. This is because the skin can easily absorb it. There are three types of creams. The first is natural, then herbal and finally those made from artificial ingredients.

The herbal ones and those from natural products are very similar because they both come from plants. The advantage of using one or the other is that studies haven’t shown any significant side effects. The only difference is that the other kind has a special ingredient called collagen, which is used when there are a lot of wrinkles on the skin.

The third kind, which is made from artificial ingredients, can also do some good but has been reported to cause some side effects. It is best to check with the dermatologist if it is safe if the other two don’t work.

Sometimes using anti-aging products aren’t enough. So, you can try using moisturizers instead. Ideally, you will have to buy two kinds. One will be used in the morning and other before going to bed.

Aging can also be caused by too much exposure to the sun. This can be prevented by using a product that has UV protection. Most of these have other ingredients like Vitamin C and E, magnesium, titanium and zinc, which is also good for the body.

People also have the option of using pills to manage anti-aging. The only problem is that these things are expensive. The price range of these costs from $45 to $75 a month.

Those who are experiencing the first signs of aging are advised to consult with a dermatologist before buying it from the store or online. This is because some may have an allergic reaction while others will suffer from its side effects.

Despite the products available on the market, you won’t be able to hide how old you feel when reaching a certain age. Some don’t want to believe or accept it but this is a reality that we all have to face as we turn another year older come our birthdays.

What Causes Skin To Age?

Who doesn’t know the word aging?

This is perhaps one of the most talked-about topics in the country. In a society that prides itself with good appearance, aging is truly a major issue.

All people go through the same process of aging. It is as natural as life and death. As people get older, their skin will become less firm. Fine lines and wrinkles will also develop especially in the areas that are used often.

But despite being a natural and standard process, there are some factors that may speed up the development, allowing some of the signs to appear way before its appointed time.
Below are just some of the factors that make your skin age faster.     

The sun

It may be something that we can’t get rid of as it will be there everyday of our existence, but you can certainly try to prevent it from wreaking havoc on the skin. The sun is the single most powerful contributor to wrinkles and lines on the face.

Exposure to the sun not only darkens the skin but can also burn the natural protectors of the skin, allowing the harmful UV rays to settle in. It can result in skin that appears leathery and sagging. In addition to this, there is also an increased risk of skin cancer with frequent unprotected exposure to the sun.

Experts advise for people to wear sun block all the times. This is especially true for people whose jobs are outdoors. For people who aren’t frequently outdoors, a sun block with SPF 15 is ok; but for those who are exposed to the sun all the time, SPF 45 is recommended.

Cigarette Smoking

Although it may seem farfetched, what we take into our bodies can actually affect our skin. Cigarette smoking, for instance, can increase the aging process significantly as the smoke can dry the skin.

Cigarettes also deplete the body of much needed Vitamin C, which is a key component in cell and skin renewal. People who are exposed to smoke are also susceptible to early aging. Some scientists even believe that smoke can be as damaging to the skin as exposure to the sun.

Alcoholic Drinks.

Another factor that contribute to skin aging is the drinking of alcohol. This is because alcohol can dilate the blood vessels in the body, thus increasing the blood flow on the surface. This may make your cheeks rosy red for a time, but over time, the blood vessels can be damaged, resulting in a haggard appearance.

Aside from being our body’s largest organ that protects us against various infections and illnesses, our skin is also the best indicator of aging. Since the skin plays an important role in our overall well being, it is a must that we take care of it the best possible way we can.

Indeed, developing healthy habits can help you develop an effective anti-aging regimen that can help slow down the aging process. Experts advise that people should—as much as possible—treat their aging skin the natural way.

This can be done by changing or shifting to a healthy lifestyle that can bring about powerful and wonderful results. A natural anti-aging skin regimen includes having a balanced and healthy diet, developing a regular work out or physical activities to keep the blood circulating freely, stopping smoking cigarettes, veering away from stress, find ample time to sleep, be well hydrated by drinking lots of fluids especially water and by keeping a positive outlook on life.

Although natural means of fighting aging is usually advised by experts, there are times that people need to resort to skin care products that can help in the prevention of blemishes, getting rid of wrinkles and replenishing dry or irritated skin. But, before you do this, the list below can be an effective anti-aging regimen if done properly and religiously.

1. Facial Skin Care. The face is a person’s forefront to the world that is why proper care should be given to it. Determine your facial skin type and choose products that can help you keep your skin well-hydrated.
2. Body Care. Make sure that you choose safe and gentle body care products such as exfoliants, body lotions, scrubs, and soaps. Use these products in moderation and avoid using products that have antibacterial additives. After drying your skin with a towel, apply an all over body oil followed by a moisture cream or lotion.
3. Cleansing. Daily cleansing of skin using a cleansing cream or lotion helps in keeping your skin younger looking and healthy. You can do this by gently moving your fingertips in small and circular motions from the neck to the hairline. Make sure that you wipe it off gently using a soft washcloth or facial tissue.
4. Toning. Toning the skin using a toner suited for your skin type is one of the most effective anti-aging skin regimens out there. Depending on your skin type and age, you should choose a toner that contains no alcohol. Saturating it on cotton pad and gently wipe on the skin can effectively do toning.
5. Hydrating. Applying a hydrating lotion that is compatible with your moisturizer.
6. Moisturizing. Make sure that you choose a moisturizer that will work well with your skin. You can test various moisturizers by applying it first on the skin. Once you have found the perfect moisturizer, make sure that you aplly it religiously on your skin. Moisturizers come in creams and lotions with different brand names.

Aging is an inevitable process all people go through. In fact, the aging process is considered a natural cycle that everything and everyone must face.

Aging is most evident on your skin. When you age, the skin loses its elasticity and that is why wrinkles and fine lines start to appear especially on the face, neck, and hands.

Today, the most common solution people find is through the use of anti-aging products that can minimize—if not eliminate—the signs of aging. These anti-aging products are marketed and advertised to encourage people to control the early signs of aging such as wrinkles, crow’s feet, and other visible fine lines.

Avoiding The Causes Of Signs

The 21st century paved the way to the emergence of so many anti-aging products and services. Since the effectivity of these products isn’t always 100 percent guaranteed, you shouldn’t use them until you have consulted a physician or a professional. If you are thinking of using anti-aging products in order to lessen the effects of aging, it is a must that you conduct some research about the product you’re planning to use and its possible side effects.

And, before finally deciding whether to use these products or not, you must first know the external factors that contribute to aging in order to avoid them. Listed below are the major external factors that cause skin aging, it is up to you how to avoid these in order to maintain young looking skin.

1. Sun.
   This is the major external factor that causes aging. Experts say that aging caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultra violet rays is called “photo-aging.” In this process, the sun’s rays break down the collagen and elastin in your skin that leads to the development of premature wrinkles and other facial lines.You can protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun by applying sun block and sun screen that has a high SPF content, wearing proper articles of clothing that help protect your skin from the damaging rays and by lessening the time you spend outdoors especially when the sun is in its peak hours.
2. Gravity.
   Science tells us that gravity pulls everything towards the earth. As people age, the effect of gravity becomes visible on the skin and affects its elasticity.
3. Smoking.
   Nicotine indeed plays a big role in skin’s aging. Studies show that smokers form lines and wrinkles sooner compared to those who don’t smoke. Skin is affected by nicotine because it narrows the blood vessels in the outer layers of your skin that is responsible for the reduction of blood and nutrients.
4. Various facial expressions.
   People have a lot of facial expressions. These expressions are quite inevitable depending on the situation they are in. Since facial muscles are used when people make facial expressions, this can lead to the formation of lines on the face and neck.
5. Sleeping position.
   Although it may sound absurd, improper sleeping positions contribute to aging of the skin because it results in the visibility of wrinkles. It is advisable to adopt a sleeping position that can veer you away from forming lines on the face or even on your body.

In order to avoid aging or adjust to the inevitable results of aging, here are some anti-aging tips that are believed to be effective:

1. Try to stick to a diet that is low in fat but high in complex carbohydrates.
2. Maintain your body’s endurance and strength with regular exercise or a programmed workout.
3. As mush as possible, maximize your intake of antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E that can be sourced from food supplements, vegetables, and fruits.
4. Wage an all out war against the sun’s deadly rays. Protecting yourself from the sun’s deadly and damaging rays is indeed one of the most effective ways to fight aging. Make sure that you apply complete sun protection with sunscreen and sun block with high SPF content.
5. To avoid prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays, try not to go out outdoors during high-intensity hours— from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—because this is the time when the sun’s rays are most damaging.
6. Another way to protect yourself from the sun’s deadly rays is by wearing protective clothing. By covering your skin with articles of clothing like long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats, you can keep your skin away from UV rays. Also, opt for fabrics that are can offer better protection form the sun.
7. Don’t smoke. Or if you are a smoker, try to quit. Studies say that the nicotine derived from smoking greatly accelerates the skin’s normal aging process.
8. Make sure that you take time to wash your skin gently. Cleaning your skin contributes to delayed aging. Aside from being an essential part of taking care of the skin, washing it can lessen the risk of having skin diseases from the pollutants in the environment. Try using warm water during baths and try to limit the time spent on bath time.
   Also, avoid strong soap that can lead to a dry skin and stop using products that contain irritating additives such as perfumes and dyes. If you’re using make up, make sure that you remove it carefully after a day’s work. Lastly, learn how to pat your skin dry gently to keep it moisturized.
9. Choose a gentle moisturize. Moisturizing regularly can help you maintain a youthful glow. By using moisturizers, you can help maintain the skin’s natural moisture levels. Make sure that you choose a moisturizer that is suited for your specific skin type.
10. Learn the art of shaving gently and carefully. Although shaving is the most commonmeans of removing unwanted hair, it doesn’t have to be done on a daily basis. But if you shave often, make sure that you press a warm washcloth on the skin before shaving to soften the hair and apply a shaving cream, lotion, or gel before shaving to protect and lubricate the skin.

Parents have always told their children to eat their vegetables. It is funny to know that this will not only help you grow up to be big and strong but are also helpful in preventing aging.

Among the many products available, here are 7 that are worth eating.

1. The first are carrots. This orange colored vegetable is high in beta carotene. Studies show that people who eat one medium carrot a day can significantly reduce aging and ward off many other diseases. It is possible to eat them raw or cooked. This can be mixed with other dishes and can even be turned into a drink using a juicer.
2. Man can’t live with carrots alone so other sources to fight off aging have to be found. A good example is the the avocado. Studies show that this is rich in monosaturated fat that helps reduce cholesterol in the body. It also packs vitamin E, which contributes to healthy looking skin.
3. Berries are another because they contain antioxidants. Some examples of these are black berries, blue berries and blackcurrants.
4. Most Americans eat a lot of poultry and meat products despite that fact that they are high in cholesterol. One way to prevent aging is by getting Omega 3 fatty acids, which are usually found in fish.
5. Nuts are rich in fiber making them effective in fighting off the signs of aging. The best kinds are those that are raw because those that are salted or roasted may do more harm than good if they are eaten in vast quantities.
6. People need energy in order to do things daily. The body burns carbohydrates in order to do this and the best source is either from pasta or brown rice.
7. The last thing needed to detoxify and keep the skin smooth all day is water. Most of us have heard that people should drink at least 8 glasses a day. Studies have shown the body needs more than that and it is much better than any cream on the market.
   Most people can get it in bottled form but those who want a fresher source can turn to fruits like coconuts and watermelons.

Aging is something people have to worry about after passing the age of 40. It can also happen a few years earlier due to stress so the best defense is by eating the 7 products mentioned at different times of the week.

Tak dapat dipungkiri bahwa kita adalah makhluk yang bersifat “mortal, dan keinginan untuk muda selamanya hanya merupakan angan angan belaka. Meskipun begitu usaha untuk senantiasa tampil muda tidak pernah berhenti kita lakukan. Sebenarnya kunci dari kulit selalu tampak muda adalah kandungan kollagen yang terdapat di dalamnya.

Seiring dengan berjalannya usia, kandungan kollagen pada kulit juga mengalami degradasi sehingga terjadilah proses penuaan kulit, seperti munculnya kerut dan pori pori yang tampak membesar.

Satu satunya cara untuk memperlambat degradasi collagen adalah dengan meminimalisir kontak dengan sinar matahari, itulah sebabnya mengapa ahli kecantikan tak henti hentinya “berkhotbah” mengenai pentingnya penggunaan tabir surya.

Tetapi, apabila kerusakan sudah terlanjur terjadi, ada beberapa cara untuk kembali mendapatkan kulit sehat dan tampak muda. Diantaranya adalah dengan memilih produk perawatan kulit dengan kandungan zat sebagai berikut :

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A, seperti contohnya adalah Retin-A, mengandung tretinoin yang terbukti efektif untuk mengurangi kerutan kerutan halus pada kulit. Perlu diingat setelah penggunaan Retin A, harus benar benar membatasi kontak dengan sinar matahari. Penggunaan tabir surya dan topi sangat dianjurkan.

2. Retinoids

Merupakan derivat vitamin A dengan formulasi yang lebih lembut bila dibandingkan dengan Retin A. Berbeda dengan yang disebutkan diatas, retinoids mengandung retinol. Memberikan efek yang lebih ringan dibandingkan dengan Retin A.

3. AHA / BHA

AHA / BHA adalah pilihan tepat bagi individu yang merasakan kulitnya menjadi sangat kering dengan pemakaian Retin A atau Retinoids, karena zat ini cenderung memiliki efek lebih melembabkan kulit. Mulailah menggunakan produk perawatan yang mengandung Glycolic acid, suatu turunan AHA/BHA yang berasal dari ekstrak tebu, Lactic yaitu turunan AHA/BHA yang berasal dari ekstrak susu atau Citric yang merupakan turunan AHA/BHA yang berasal dari ekstrak buah buahan.

Bila anda terlalu sibuk, sehingga tidak ada waktu untuk secara rutin melakukan perawatan kulit di klinik, setidaknya ada 5 langkah penting yang bisa anda lakukan untuk senantiasa menjaga kecantikan kulit anda.

1. Lindungi diri dari paparan sinar matahari
Hal ini sangat penting, karena sinar UV dari matahari bisa sangat merusak kulit, menyebabkan kulit menjadi kering, kasar, timbulnya kerutan dan bintik bintik hitam, juga bisa menyebabkan timbulnya kanker kulit. Bahkan bisa dikatakan bahwa hampir seluruh proses penuaan pada kulit diakibatkan oleh paparan sinar matahari yang terjadi terus menerus. Untuk menghindarinya adalah dengan cara membatasi kegiatan out door saat matahari sedang dalam intensitas tertingginya, yaitu pada pukul 10.00 – 16.00, dan selalu meggunakan Sun screen. Pilih Sun Screen dengan SPF minimal 15. Gunakan 20 menit sebelum bepergian dan ulangi aplikasinya setelah 2 jam atau sesudah berenang.

2. Berhenti merokok
Merokok dapat mempersempit pembuluh darah wajah. Hal ini menyebabkan berkurangnya aliran darah yang membawa oksigen dan nutrisi yang penting bagi kulit wajah. Belum lagi pengulangan ekspresi pada saat merokok dapat mengakibatkan timbulnya kerutan dini.

3. Bersihkan kulit dengan benar
Waktu mandi yang terlalu lama dan penggunaan air dengan suhu yang panas mengakibatkan hilangnya kadar minyak dari kulit sehingga kulit menjadi kering. Lebih baik gunakan air yang hangat untuk membersihkan kulit. Pemilihan sabun harus diperhatikan, pilih produk yang lembut dan mengandung kadar minyak dan lemak yang banyak.

4. Gunakan pelembab secara teratur
Penggunaan pelembab membantu untuk menjaga kadar air dari kulit. Gunakan pelembab yang sesuai dengan jenis kulit. Untuk kulit yang sangat kering bisa ditambahkan dengan pengaplikasian baby oil. Sangat baik untuk menggunakan pelembab yang mengandung SPF minimal 15.

5. Mencukur dengan aman
Sebelum bercukur disarankan untuk membasuh kulit dengan air hangat, gunakan cream atau lotion khusus untuk melindungi kulit , pilih alat cukur yang bersih dan cukup tajam. Bercukurlah searah dengan arah tumbuhnya rambut, bukan sebaliknya, karena dapat melukai kulit dan menimbulkan iritasi. Setelah selesai bercukur jangan lupa untuk kembali membasuhnya dengan air hangat.

Apakah anda sedang berusaha untuk menurunkan berat badan? Apakah anda merasa bahwa perjuangan dalam menurunkan beberapa kilogram dari berat badan hampir menjadi hal yang sangat tidak mungkin? Bila jawabannya ”iya”, jangan khawatir, karena anda tidak sendirian. Ada beribu ribu orang yang mengalami masalah yang serupa. Pengetahuan mengenai minuman ini akan membantu mempermudah perjuangan anda dalam mencapai berat badan ideal dan tubuh yang lebih sehat.

Teh hijau beserta kegunaannya telah dikenal selama berabad lamanya. Teh hijau mengandung antioksidant dosis tinggi yang disebut sebagai polyphenol. Zat ini berguna untuk membantu tubuh kita melawan radikal bebas. Tapi tidak hanya itu, teh hijau juga mengandung Chatechin, suatu zat yang bersifat anti carcinogenic. Dengan kata lain zat ini dapat mencegah terjadinya kanker dalam tubuh kita. Disebutkan juga bahwa chatecin memiliki sifat anti radang, sehingga dapat meringankan rasa sakit pada penderita radang sendi. Berbeda dengan obat anti radang yang lain, teh hijau aman untuk dikonsumsi dan tidak memiliki efek samping apapun.

Dan berita gembira bagi anda yang ingin menurunkan berat badan, karena chatechin disebutkan memiliki efek thermogenik yang dapat merangsang tubuh kita untuk membakar lebih banyak kalori. Penelitian menunjukan bahwa pada kelompok yang mengkonsumsi teh hijau secara teratur terdapat penurunan berat badan yang signifikan dibanding dengan kelompok yang tidak mengkonsumsi teh hijau.

Jadi, segera gantilah minuman bersoda anda dengan teh hijau. Diimbangi dengan olah raga yang teratur, menu makanan yang cukup serta konsumsi minimal satu gelas teh hijau dalam sehari, berat badan ideal bukan hanya menjadi mimpi belaka.