Prevent and reverse wrinkles

While wrinkles rightly express character and life experience, there’s no virtue in premature aging of the skin, of which wrinkles are one sure sign, or in having internal health challenges that are reflected by your skin’s premature aging.

Having healthy skin is a sign of a healthy body, so we’re going to explore interesting ways to prevent and reverse wrinkles and protect your health.

It’s estimated that 90% of damage to skin happens because the sun’s UV radiation erodes the integrity of the skin’s outer layer and disrupts its interface with skin layers below. Tanning beds are just as and sometimes more damaging to your health and appearance as sunshine. So you know the drill; use a micronized zinc oxide sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on exposed skin.

Other proven ways to prevent excessive wrinkles:

— Stay hydrated by drinking water, not juices or drinks with added sugars.

— If you have dry skin, at night apply moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

— Opt for a diet rich in antioxidants and peptides, the building blocks of protein, (fish, beans, soy, oats). Look for serums, too!

— Consider using retinoids and their higher-powered cousin tretinoin. Retinoids are topical products that stimulate skin rejuvenation.

Wrinkle Reversal for

Health Inside and Out

If you were a smoker (a terrible wrinkle-causer), a sun worshiper, are sedentary and/or eat

Better a highly processed diet, you can undo the damage that causes to your body and skin.

You know this drill too. Quit smoking (check out www. smokefree.gov for information and support groups). Eat a diet loaded with anti-inflammatory and vitamin C-rich foods. Ditch all sugar-added foods. Get a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five days a week to increase blood flow to skin and help clear toxins.