It’s Never Too Late, or Too Early, to Take Care of Your Skin

 

It’s never too late to start taking care of your skin but, equally, it’s never too early. Some people put off thinking about their anti-ageing wellness until the first wrinkles appear, but your skin actually begins to age when you’re only in your mid-20s, albeit not visibly. However, whatever your age, there are steps you can do to enhance your skin wellness, so what are you waiting for?

 

1. Use a gentle cleanser: If you have oily skin, you need to find an oil-free, foaming cleanser, but if you have dry skin you need to use a cleanser that’s rich and creamy. If your skin is very sensitive, a lot of cleansers may be harmful to your wellbeing, so it might be a good idea to talk to a dermatologist about how you can avoid irritation. Remember to wash your face with cool or warm water, as hot water can strip your skin off its natural moisture and protective layer. For the same reason, when drying your face remember to pat dry, rather than rub.

 

2. Moisturise: It’s important to use a moisturiser on your face as this will protect your skin, as well as making it look and feel better. Using a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser every day can be helpful if you have oily skin or breakouts, while people with dry skin may need to apply moisturiser more than once a day. To seal the moisture in, may sure you apply your cream or lotion when your skin is damp.

 

3. Always wear sun cream: Whether it’s summer or winter, a sunny day or pouring it down, a day outside or you’re staying indoors; you need protection from the sun during daylight hours. The rays of the sun can pass through clouds and even windows, so you’re never safe from exposure. This means you absolutely have to wear sun cream on a daily basis, and this needs to contain a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. When you’re buying your moisturiser, you can kill two birds with one stone by choosing one with SPF included. Remember to cover your lips, and to reapply your sun cream all over if you sweat or are outside for a long time.

 

4. Layer in the right order: It’s completely fine to layer your beauty and wellness products, you just need to do it in the right order to make sure they all do their respective jobs. First and foremost, you need to start with clean skin, and then proceed to apply any prescription creams or gels you might have. In the morning, you should layer on your moisturiser, followed by your sun cream (if it’s not in your moisturiser) and then, finally, makeup if you wear it. In the evening, you should follow up your clean face and prescription cream with an anti-ageing product (if you use one) and then a moisturiser without sun cream.

 

5. Exfoliate: Scrubbing away your dead skin cells will help your skin to glow. It’s dealers choice as to what you use for buffing, but generally a soft washcloth, spinning brush or a body scrub with synthetic beads will get the job done. If you have dry skin, you can probably get away with gently exfoliating once a week, but if your skin is oily, you may have to exfoliate twice weekly. However, if you have sensitive skin or acne, exfoliating may be irritating to your skin so speak to your dermatologist about the best way to move forward. No matter your skin type, exfoliating too much or too hard can irritate and thicken your skin, so be gentle.

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Categories: anti ageing, cream, Dry Skin, moisturiser, oil free, oily skin, skin, Sun Cream, wear sun

4 Ways You Can Tighten Your Skin and Look Younger

 

A person may style up in fine feather, but a quick mirror glimpse of turkey neck can pluck self-esteem from all but the hardiest bird. A lot of techniques purport to iron out wrinkles, transform turkey neck and even bring bat-wing arms in for a landing. Take a look at a few options that are the most popular methods for tightening your skin and looking younger.

 

Radiofrequency Treatment to Turn Back Time

Thermage is a brand name for an FDA-approved, non-invasive system that uses radiofrequency waves to tighten skin tissue. Thermage is performed by a clinician using a hand-held piece with a flat, smooth tip delivering the radiofrequency waves, which gently heat the deeper layers of skin. This safe procedure can potentially stimulate collagen already present and causes new collagen to grow, firming, plumping and smoothing skin for a more youthful appearance.

 

Thermage is said to be used safely on most body parts, diminishing or improving the appearance of stretch marks and firming loose, wrinkled abdominal, thigh and buttock skin. A cluster of celebrities have found Thermage to be the Real Deal, among them Demi Moore and super-model Linda Evangelista.

 

• What kind of results can be expected? – Dr. Rita Rakus, Thermage practitioner, explains: “Approximately 5% of patients may see a clinical response immediately on the day of treatment; the majority will see a clinical response between 4-12 weeks with the clinical end result being seen as long as 12 months. Because it can take up to six months for the clinical end result to be observed you should not have another treatment before this time.”

 

• Does Thermage require multiple treatments? – Usually, a single treatment will produce a noticeable result that will improve for several months. However, each patient has individual needs and a qualified practitioner can give a professional assessment.

 

• What’s the down time? – Returning to regular activities immediately is the norm. Some people may experience a slight reddening after treatment, similar to a windburn. The redness disappears quickly.

 

 

Cellular Rejuvenation with ASEA

Cellular rejuvenation is most often sold in the form of a serum but ASEA is a perfect blend of Redox Signaling Molecules suspended in a saline solution. Some products contain adult stem cell technology which can be a foreign to your body but ASEA is specially crafted to help your cells rejuvenate faster. The growth factors, delivered through a saline solution, penetrate the cells and allow natural body processes to create proteins such as elastin and collagen. These matrix proteins are the framework beneath skin structure and can seriously help revitalize your skin.

 

• What are the results of using cellular rejuvenation? – Fine lines and wrinkles are diminished, the skin appears more youthful, luminous, firm and smooth. Moderate skin improvements can be seen within a few weeks, but persistent use for three months is usually necessary for damaged or aging skin to improve visibly. It is recommended that the Redox Signaling Molecule solution be ingested in small amounts once or twice daily. Take a look at these ASEA reviews to see what people are saying about this exciting product!

 

 

Acupuncture the Wrinkles Away

Acupuncture is a surprising approach to firming and tightening facial skin. Martha Lucas, Ph.D., L.Ac., a Colorado acupuncturist, reports that “Cosmetic acupuncture is a good alternative for women who don’t want the side effects associated with a facelift.”

 

• How does it work? - A completely painless procedure using very fine needles is applied to the skin. The natural, electrical currents produced by this contact stimulate cellular energy and encourage the production of elastin and collagen, which are the framework beneath the skin. Five bi-weekly treatments are recommended to produce results. Skin is reported to be tighter, more delicate and soft with less wrinkling. Deep lines are diminished and even a clearing or reduction of age spots has been reported.

 

Acupuncture is a holistic procedure, designed to increase energy throughout the body by the use of fine needles stimulating meridians, special energy paths along the body. Many acupuncture points are located along these meridians.

 

 

Using Facial Exercises to Tighten Skin

Facial exercises have long been considered controversial, and many have poo-pooed the idea. But why wouldn’t they work? If exercise tightens flabby thighs, why wouldn’t it tighten a flabby face? In fact, some say it does! The muscles of your face form its foundation, the strong structure beneath the collagen and elastin fibers. If the facial muscles lose tone, so does the face. In fact, the muscle tone in your face begins to sag with age right along with the muscles in your body!

 

• How does it work? – Some exercise mentors and beauty experts are convinced that facial exercises work, and work for them. Plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Francis Palmer touts the effectiveness of facial exercises and recommends certain of them to his clients. In fact, in 2009 he wrote a book called, ‘What’s Your Number: The Palmer Code.’ In the book he claims that facial exercises for the eye area, neck and cheeks firm up the underlying muscles in these areas and promote greater elasticity and firmness, which is the holy grail for skin improvement.

 

Exercising in general can do much to tighten flabby skin and firm muscles throughout the body. Exercise, fluid intake and proper diet can oxygenate skin and stimulate collagen growth, as well as hydrate, tighten and plump the facial skin.

 

Categories: anti ageing, skincare, tight skin

Easy Ways to Fight Wrinkles

 

However young you may feel on the inside, wrinkles may tell another story, although there’s some simple things you can do to reduce lines on your face so your skin reflects your inner wellness.

Make-up

 

There are lots of products on the market designed for different skins types, even those that are beginning to show the effects of time. Browse the many products available to find those that suit your skin type. Mature women may benefit more from creamy make-up that doesn’t gather in wrinkles like powdery foundations, which can draw attention to lines.

Get Moisturising

 

Dry skin can look papery and wrinkled, so invest in a good moisturiser and apply it as often as needed. To target wrinkles even more, opt for creams and lotions with natural ingredients that are designed for mature skin. Nutrients like aloe vera and winter cherry extract have anti-ageing effects and can benefit all skin types.

Sleepy Head

One of the simplest ways to fight wrinkles and protect wellbeing is to sleep well and for about eight hours a night. This gives your body the chance to heal itself and has a freshening effect on your skin by reducing dark circles. Sleep can also be used to fight stress, so have some early nights if you’re been feeling anxious in the daytime.

Yes to SPF

UV rays can be damaging because they quickly penetrate the skin and may lead to premature ageing if you go out in direct sunlight without SPF on. To stay youthful get some sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, although some experts recommend SPF 30 or above. Hats and clothing that keeps you covered can also guard against the sun’s rays.

Food and Drink

What you put in your body to reduce wrinkles is just as important as what you put on your body! So try and opt for healthy dishes and make meals that are packed with nutrients that can have anti-ageing effects. Don’t forget to stay hydrated on the inside as this will keep your skin hydrated on the outside.

Categories: ageing, ageing effects, anti ageing, body, Effects, fight wrinkles, skin, Wrinkles

Tea, Stretch, Lips, Cream: Four Night Time Anti-Ageing Steps

 

 

You may not realise this, but just before bed is the perfect time to take care of your wellbeing, especially in terms of your anti-ageing wellness. This is the time when your body starts replenishing itself and begins to relax, and so any good habits you implement will be more effective at night. Here at the four best rituals you can incorporate into your bedtime routine, in order to look your absolute best.

 

1. Switch to decaf. Why does the evening seem to be the time for drinking stimulants? It makes absolutely no sense; drinking caffeine or more than a couple of alcoholic beverages in the evening will keep you awake, which will cause you to lose out on restorative sleep time. Your evening coffee also does damage to your skin health, as it dehydrates your skin and increases the appearance of wrinkles. If you crave a hot drink before bed, drink decaf tea. However, your best option is plain-old ice water.

 

2. Stretch. If you start doing some gentle stretching before bed, in a few weeks time you’ll start to see amazing results. Stretching lengthens your muscles, meaning that you’ll have a leaner, more toned appearance in addition to being more limber. Plus, simple, light stretching helps you to relax and get a good night’s sleep – which is essential for looking young and fresh come morning.

 

3. Apply an anti-ageing moisturiser and eye cream. The active ingredients in anti-ageing products often don’t react well with sunlight, and so it’s better to apply them at night. Make sure your product contains retinol, as this is one of the only anti-ageing ingredients that have been scientifically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and create smoother skin. As the skin around your eyes is extremely delicate, you’ll also need an to layer an eye cream on top of your moisturiser for extra protection and hydration.

 

4. Soften your lips. If you’re going to have younger, smoother skin and a lean and limber body, you may as well have soft, kissable lips to match. When you’re brushing your teeth before bed, run your toothbrush lightly back and forth across your upper and lower lips a few times. This will help to exfoliate your lips and get rid of any dry, flaky skin. After a few seconds of that, apply a softening lip balm and you will wake up with noticeably nicer lips.

 

Categories: ageing, anti ageing, decaf tea, Eye Cream, lips, nbsp, Night Cream, skin, smoother skin, Stretching, time

8 Anti-Ageing Experts Share Their Personal Care Tips

Have you ever experienced anti-ageing wellness envy? You shamelessly stare at your hairdresser, dermatologist, or dentist and think, How the heck does she pull it off? What’s the secret to her great hair, pore-free complexion, or flawless teeth? Well, read on to find out how the beauty industry’s top experts take care of their own wellbeing, so you can better take care of yours.

 

1. Open Sesame: According to Lisa Hedley, founder and creative director of the Mayflower Inn and Spa, ‘First thing every morning, I massage organic sesame oil from the health-food store all over my body. Working it in wakes me up and really gets my blood circulating. Plus, the oil hydrates my skin, giving it a healthy glow. Then I jump in the shower—the oil naturally cleans away dead skin cells.’

 

2. Go Fish: ‘Anti-inflammatories are the best anti-agers out there,’ asserts Arlene Noodleman, MD, medical director of the Age Defy Dermatology and Wellness Centre. ‘From improving heart and immune functions to helping hair grow and skin look supple, they truly do wonders. I take three 500 milligram capsules of omega-3 fish oil in the morning and at night. I look for labels that say, “molecularly distilled for purity,” which means pesticide-free.’

 

3. Java Stripped: ‘I avoid stained teeth by drinking my coffee quickly,’ says cosmetic dentist Elisa Mello, DDS. ‘If you sip it over the course of an hour, it keeps coating and recoating. The same goes for other staining liquids, like tea and dark juices.’

 

4. Turn the Base Down Low: Joanna Schlip, celebrity makeup artist for Physician’s Formula, notes, ‘I’ve stopped using foundation every day, because it settles into wrinkles and makes them more noticeable. I start with a concealer just where I need it (under-eye area, blemishes, etc.) and follow it with an all-over application of tinted moisturiser.’

 

5. Simple Plan: Karen M. Horton, MD, plastic surgeon and reconstructive microsurgeon at the Women’s Plastic Surgery Centre, details, ‘Because I’m a plastic surgeon, companies send me so many skin-care samples—and some of them have 10 different steps! But I’m realistic, so there’s no way I’m going to sign up for some huge beauty system that costs hundreds of dollars and requires a commitment that I’m not willing to make. Honestly, here’s my daily skin-care routine: I go home, wash my face with a drugstore cleanser, put on a moisturiser, and fall into bed. I find that this simple regimen works well for me.’

 

6. Ditch the Sweet Tooth: ‘The number-one ingredient that I avoid in my diet is processed sugar,’ says Ava Shamban, MD, dermatologist and owner of the Laser Institute for Dermatology and Skin care. ‘The reason: It speeds up the ageing process by binding to and eventually weakening the collagen in your skin, which can lead to premature wrinkles and sagging. I eat lots of vegetables and fruits every day—and I steer clear of Twinkies at all costs!’

 

7…and Scrub It On Instead: ‘In the shower, I lather my hands with a mild cleanser, add a handful of white sugar, and slather it all over my face and body,’ celebrity makeup artist Carmindy reveals. ‘It makes my skin so smooth and creates a great canvas for makeup.’

 

8. All-Night Hair Care: Laura Hittleman, corporate director of beauty services at Canyon Ranch, admits, ‘At night, I straighten my hair with a flat iron and put it up in a loose ponytail right above my forehead—it’s not cute, but I don’t care—and wear it like that all night. When I take it down in the morning, it has such a youthful bounce to it.’

Categories: anti, anti ageing, care, celebrity makeup, makeup artist, nbsp, omega-3 fish oil, plastic surgeon, sesame oil, skin, skin care, white sugar

How to Stop the Summer Sun Damaging Your Hair and Skin

While most of us can’t wait for the summer weather, your anti-ageing wellness certainly can. Summer fries your hair and damages your skin, so how can you enjoy the sunshine without putting your wellbeing – not to mention all the effort you’ve made on your beauty regime – at risk? Let’s take a look at the best skin and hair care tips for battling the summer sun:

 

1. Uneven Skin Tone: Francesca Fusco, MD, a dermatologist in New York City, advises, ‘Add a retinol serum to your regimen. It will increase cell turnover and lighten any freckles and brown spots on your face, the backs of your hands, and your décolletage.’ She adds, ‘While you’re waiting for your spots to fade, conceal them with a tinted mineral powder.’

 

2. Clogged Pores: ‘Wearing sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin, but there is one drawback: Layering it on can result in blocked pores,’ warns anti-ageing wellness expert Heather Muir. ‘Scrub with an exfoliant twice a day to clear pores and slough dull skin. Look for a formula with synthetic round granules, like Olay Fresh Effects Bead Me Up! Exfoliating Cleanser which is gentle on sensitive skin.’

 

3. Dull, Parched Complexion: ‘Apply a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid,’ Muir advises. ‘Each molecule absorbs 10 times its weight in water and pulls the hydration into the skin’s deep layers… Or use face oil, which contains potent antioxidants, decreases inflammation, and passes through your skin’s bilipid layer to help seal in moisture and plump fine lines without leaving your face greasy or causing breakouts. In fact, face oil will actually make your skin less oily. (That’s because your sebaceous glands overproduce oil when your skin is dry and decrease production when the oil is replenished.) Massage two drops onto clean skin, wait one minute, then apply sunscreen and foundation as usual.’

 

4. Rough Feet: According to Donna Perillo, the owner of the Sweet Lily Natural Nail Spa & Boutique in New York City, ‘The rubber material some [flip-flops] are made of absorbs moisture and dries out your feet.’ Therefore, Muir recommends, ‘Soak your feet in a basin filled with orange juice for five minutes, then exfoliate using a foot paddle. The alpha hydroxy acids in the juice will soften your skin, and the buffer will whisk away dead cells. Before bed, rub an oil on your heels and sleep in cotton socks; you’ll wake up to baby-soft soles.’

 

5. Sunburned Scalp: ‘Use a hair mask once a week; it’s more concentrated than regular conditioner,’ Dr. Fusco suggests. ‘Apply it all over your scalp after you shampoo, using the balls of your fingers. Comb it through with a wide-tooth comb, put on a shower cap, then heat it up with a blow-dryer for a minute to help your hair absorb the moisturizing ingredients better.’

 

6. Dandruff and Brittle Texture: Hair and scalp expert Philip B instructs, ‘Before you shampoo, use a boar bristle brush to move oil off your scalp and loosen dead skin cells,’ and then apply a hair-oil treatment. ‘Your natural oils will combine with the treatment and heal your hair with intense moisture.’

 

7. Dead Ends: Philip B points out, ‘Chlorine bleaches your hair and salt water dries it out, so after a summer spent in the pool and the ocean, strands look fried.’ Get those dead-ends trimmed, then use an oil treatment once a week.

 

8. Brassy Colour: If your blonde highlights are going a bit orange, Celebrity colourist Marie Robinson suggests, ‘Wash with a violet-based shampoo to tone down brassiness.’

Categories: ageing wellness, anti ageing, dead ends, face oil, hair, oil treatment, skin, skincare, Summer, summer sun, york city

Five Beauty Rumours that Are Harming Your Wellness

Have you ever wanted to try an anti-ageing or beauty product, but then some well-meaning friend put you off the idea? There are so many rumours circulating beauty products and treatments that even just walking down the cosmetics aisle can make you scared for your wellbeing. However, we’ve roped in cosmetic chemists Perry Romanowski and Randy Schueller, authors of Can You Get Hooked on Lip Balm?, to help reveal the not-so-ugly truth.

 

1. Pseudo Salon: “Salon brands” seem too good to be true, so the rumour goes that any salon product you find in a shop is actually fake. However, the shop-bought versions are indeed as good as the real thing. Romanowski explains, ‘Salon brands depend on store sales to boost their profits. They want you to think that their brand is salon-only so it seems more exclusive, but they also want the high-volume sales that they can only get through mass market outlets…I can safely tell you that the products you are buying are the same as you would get from your stylist.’

 

2. Hairy Situation: There’s a rumour that hair extensions damage your locks and cause bald spots and, unfortunately, there’s some truth in it. ‘Over the course of about six to eight weeks, heavy extensions can pull on hair and cause the follicle to atrophy and stop producing normal hairs,’ says Schueller. Your follicles will recover and begin producing hairs again if you remove the extensions in time, but there’s not much that can be done if your follicles are permanently damaged. Schueller recommends, ‘While forgoing extensions altogether is the best move, if you must have Giuliana Rancic tresses, have the extensions removed monthly and go a few weeks au naturel to give your hair a rest before putting them back in.’

 

3. Snake in the Grass: The rumour goes that snake venom works just as well as Botox — without the needles. However, anti-ageing wellness expert Jené Luciani comments, ‘A peptide (that’s science talk for a protein compound) developed by a Swiss-based chemical company is being touted for erasing deep forehead wrinkles because it supposedly mimics the muscle-relaxing effects of a peptide found in temple viper snake venom. Unfortunately, all the marketing claims are based on studies the company funded, and this research is shoddy: It doesn’t reveal how many people were tested, who was tested, whether the product was compared to Botox (or anything for that matter), or whether its product even penetrates the dermis, where it might possibly have an effect.’

 

4. Fat Lip: While lip plumpers do make your lips larger for an hour or two, the way in which they achieve the Angelina Jolie look isn’t so great for your wellness. Romanowski warns, ‘That tingly feeling is not your imagination; it’s the body’s natural immune response reacting to a menthol-type chemical that most plumpers use.’ These plumpers temporarily irritate your lips, causing them to swell slightly, and this can cause scarring and permanently damage your sensitive lip cells if you use the products for more than a year.

 

5. Nails of Steel: There’s a common misconception that nail hardening products make tips stronger and prevent breaking, but actually these products make your nails more fragile and likely to break. ‘The formaldehyde in hardeners creates a bond between the strands of keratin protein in your nails,’ Romanowski notes. ‘This makes nails “stronger,” but it also makes them less flexible and, therefore, more brittle.’ Luciani adds, ‘While nail polish remover is a must-have, only use it once or twice a week…because it removes natural oils that help make nails elastic and strong. For further protection, use a hand and cuticle cream that contains petrolatum or mineral oil once a week to keep nails moist and improve their overall condition.’

Categories: anti ageing, extensions, hair extensions, lip plumper, nails, nbsp, products, salon, salon brands, snake venom

Transform Your Skin With These Anti-Ageing Tips

We all want younger looking skin, but finding ways to ward off the hands of time without resorting to surgery can be difficult. The good news is that it isn’t impossible. These tips are easy to add into your daily routine and can offer you results very quickly when used regularly.

 

How to ward off wrinkles

You may feel as though you need a chemistry degree to navigate anti-ageing cosmetics these days, but you’re not alone. According to beauty surveys, 33 per cent of women say that choosing a skin care product is more confusing to them than filing their taxes. The main problem is that there’s so many to choose from that you get overwhelmed with choice. The best thing to do is to find a product that is loaded with healthy, skin-loving ingredients to improve the condition of your skin and to prepare it against ageing. Sunlight, toxins and pollution are all damaging to your skin and can increase inflammation which breaks down collagen, the key factor for keeping your skin supple. You need to look for antioxidants which neutralise free radicals before they do any harm and enable cells to repair any damage that’s already been caused. Look for vitamin C and E, ferulic acid and lycopene.

 

How to fight spots

Spots are a sign of sun damage that’s built up, and it can lead to uneven skin tone which can age you very quickly. There are ways to get even though, if you know what you’re looking for. Your superstar ingredient is hydroquinone, which dermatologists consider to be the gold standard for fading spots. It’s available in prescription form (four per cent strength) and over the counter (two per cent strength) and it works by breaking down the melanin in the spots. Apply a thin layer of the serum over your face twice a day and top it with sunscreen.

 

How to prevent dullness

As we age, our skin becomes dull due to the slowing down of cell turnover, causing a build-up of dead skin. The cells in the T-zone, where there are more oil glands, are usually replaced quicker than on other areas of the face, and this leads to a patchy effect on the skin. Glycolic acid is the best way to avoid this and create a glowing complexion. It helps to break apart the substance holding dead skin cells together to reveal a luminous surface. It can irritate the skin so if you can tolerate it, smooth on a moisturiser containing it every day. If not, try it a couple of times a week to avoid it aggravating the complexion. It’s best to ease your skin into using it so don’t overdo it to begin with.

 

How to erase acne scars

The scars of that acne-fuelled period can be as damaging to your skin confidence as the spot itself, but what can you do when your skin is scarred? Salicylic acid can help to heal your scars and fade them, making them less noticeable and helping to creating a more uniform texture and tone to your skin. It helps to promote skin cell turnover so you shed melanocytes at the surface, which makes spots fade quickly. It also helps to unclog pores and prevents new spots from forming. You can apply a peel containing this acid once a week, but you shouldn’t apply it more than that as your skin will dry out and this will increase inflammation.

Categories: acid, anti ageing, anti-ageing, cell turnover, cent strength, dead skin, increase inflammation, nbsp, skin, skincare, spots, Treatments

How to Identify the Source of Your Tired-Looking Eyes

At what point in your life did the woman staring back at you in the mirror look so old? You don’t feel any older, so why is it reflected in those tired eyes? You might think all you need is to get more sleep, but according to New York dermatologist Charlotte Clark, even a full-night’s sleep isn’t enough to get your anti-ageing wellness back on track. While sleeping more is good for your wellbeing, and may help to diminish the appearance of tired eyes a little, to truly target tired eyes you need to first consider their source.

 

So why do you get tired-looking eyes? Anti-ageing wellness expert Jolene Edgar explains, ‘Genetics are the biggest culprit. If you inherit fair or thin skin under the eyes, it’s more obvious when blood pools there (often because of slower circulation from lack of sleep). This accumulation causes fragile capillaries to stretch and leak. Age is another factor. Over time, skin loses collagen and thins, so veins show through more prominently. Sunbathing speeds up this process by breaking down collagen and mottling skin colour.’ Your eyes may suffer even more if you have seasonal allergies. Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist in Boston, points out that seasonal allergies ‘trigger the release of histamines in the body, which in turn inflame blood vessels and cause swelling.’

 

But how do you workout your individual source of tired-looking eyes? ‘To determine why your circles happen, gently stretch the skin under your eyes,’ Edgar advises. ‘If that area becomes darker, the circles are probably due to genetics or ageing. If the colour doesn’t change, UV rays or allergies are probably the cause.’ Once you’ve found out the culprit behind your tired-looking eyes, you can then move on to treating them. Luckily, we’ve got the solutions you need:

 

1. Vascular Issues: ‘If your circles are the result of vascular issues, double up on pillows at night to stop blood from building up under your eyes,’ recommends Edgar. ‘In the morning, apply a cold compress for about five minutes to constrict the blood vessels…Use an eye cream with caffeine, which helps constrict vessels (try Lancôme Rénergie Microlift R.A.R.E. Intense Repositioning Eye Lifter; $72, lancome-usa.com for info). Other smart alternatives: Arnica-based creams (found at health-food stores), which are considered to have anti-inflammatory properties, may reduce the appearance of darkness. And eye creams with green tea or grape seed oil help strengthen capillary walls (try Replenix Intensive Eye Lightening Serum, $59, dermstore.com). You can tweak your diet, too. Flavonol-rich dark chocolate (an ounce a day) and foods full of omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts) may improve blood flow to the skin.’

 

2. Seasonal Allergies: Edgar suggests, ‘For allergy-induced circles, consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine before allergies begin to abate shadows.’

 

3. Thin Skin: Using a collagen-building cream can help to conquer your thin skin issue. Hirsch notes, ‘One of my top go-to ingredients is retinol. It helps increase collagen production.’ For this, you might like to try ROC Multi-Correxion Eye Treatment. Edgar adds, ‘Vitamin C also encourages production and can help brighten skin tone (find it in a product such as Renée Rouleau Vitamin C Eye Serum). And wear sunscreen daily…or you’ll cancel out the benefits from any of these treatments.’

 

Once you’ve got these foundations in place, don’t forget to conceal any under-eye problems with clever make-up! Edgar comments, ‘For quick circle camouflage, apply eye cream and let it dry for a few minutes. Then pat on a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone. Top with a layer of loose powder, which helps prevent makeup from caking in creases.’

Categories: ageing wellness, allergies, anti ageing, blood vessels, Eye Cream, eyes, seasonal allergies, skin tone, thin skin, tired eyes, vascular issues

Anti-Ageing Foods To Add To Your Diet Now

We all know by now that antioxidants are fantastic in helping create an inner anti-ageing regime, to prime us for a healthier, longer and better looking life – both inside and outside. But do you know where to get these antioxidants from? There are certain foods which are better than others in packing our diets with these age fighters – here is a list of the best ingredients to add to your diet and why you should be eating more of them.

Cruciferous Vegetables and Leafy Greens

You have probably been told to eat your greens by your parents since you were a child, but there’s a good reason for this. These vegetables are loaded with nutrients, from calcium and folate to vitamin C, to support bone health, protect against cognitive decline and help to prevent eye problems which are associated with age. More significantly, studies show that they can also provide anti-cancer properties. Vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale and Swiss chard all count towards.

Apricots

A peach-like fruit, the apricot may seem humble but you may be surprised to learn that it’s packed with anti-ageing ingredients. The orange colour they possess comes from carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants which prevent heart disease, lower bad cholesterol and protect against cancer. The carotenoid beta-carotene can be converted by the body into vitamin A to contribute towards healthy eyes, skin and hair.

Berries

Berries have some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruits, with kale and spinach being the only vegetables to match berries in terms of antioxidant levels. Fresh berries have phytochemicals and colour pigments, known as anthocyanins, which have been shown to lower the risk of certain cancers, improve memory function and contribute towards healthy ageing. They also contain quercetin, a flavonol which is both an antioxidant and anti-carcinogen, to protect against heart disease and certain cancers.

Olive Oil

Mediterranean diets use a lot of olive oil, which contains health-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. These not only keep your heart healthy and reduce inflammation, but they also improve your skin circulation and digestion, and lower your cholesterol. All of these factors contribute towards a longer and healthier life.

Wild Alaskan Salmon

Staying on the side of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is rich in these healthy oils which offers a health boost. Selenium levels are high in salmon which protects healthy skin cells by fighting free radicals, which age the skin. Salmon also helps to protect the function of the thyroid, which keeps your weight in check and boosts your overall wellbeing.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are something found in foods so regularly we almost forget the properties they possess. But did you know that they can help to protect against sunburn? Studies show that people who ate tomatoes mixed with olive oil each day had 40 per cent less sunburn than those who consumed just olive oil. This is because tomatoes have lycopene in them, which protects the skin against oxidation that can lead to wrinkles and sun damages.

Raw Almonds

Almonds are loaded with vitamin E, which can be difficult to get from your diet. One small handful is enough to give you half of your daily dose, and this nutrient is great for protecting against ageing. It helps to protect the skin, as well as improving agility and speed as we age.

Avocado

Put them on salads, in sandwiches or as a topping to Mexican cuisine, but be sure to get them into your diet – avocados are packed with healthy fats and are also very high in vitamin E. The result? Shiny hair, glowing skin and a wrinkle-free complexion.

Categories: ageing, anti, anti ageing, anti-ageing, fatty acids, Food, Healthy, heart disease, nutrients, olive oil, Protect, skin

How to Incorporate Weight Loss Habits into Your Lifestyle

Do you know why you fail to lose weight? It’s not from a lack of effort or motivation; rather, it’s because you don’t have weight wellness habits ingrained into your lifestyle. Weight loss isn’t something you do for a few weeks and then reap the benefits forever; you have to make little everyday changes that will last you your whole life, and enhance your overall wellbeing. With this in mind, we spoke to Licensed Acupuncturist Dr. Mao Shing Ni, PhD, who has diplomas in Chinese Herbology and Anti-Ageing Wellness, to get his take on lifestyle changes that can help you lose weight.

 

1. Don’t Try to Be Perfect: According to Dr. Mao, ‘Better weight begins in our mind. We need to strive to feel good as opposed to calculating inches. Feeling good means being able to have the vitality to accomplish things and perform activities without feeling over exhausted.’

 

2. Eat More Vegetables: ‘You already know that veggies are very good for you,’ Dr. Mao points out. ‘They contain fibre, are low-calorie and have enzymes that can help you digest that T-bone steak from last night. What you may not know is that many veggies actually contain ingredients that regulate hormone functions and have anti-ageing and anti-cancer effects. There various kinds of vegetables which means you don’t have to settle with one kind. Try salads (make sure your veggies are not swimming in a pool of dressing). Try cooking veggies in with a wok and add a little low sodium soy sauce.’

 

3. Don’t Overdo it With the Wheat: Dr. Mao notes, ‘There is more to grains than wheat. Try rice, barley, couscous or beans. While grains are very nutritious and an important part of our diet, cutting down to a small amount and eating them moderately can be helpful. Eating more grains during the day and less at the night can also be helpful in how we digest them.’

 

4. Eat Out in a Smart Way: ‘You know the standard dinner at a typical restaurant,’ says Dr. Mao. ‘It begins with an appetizer, then salad, an entrée, dessert, and coffee. We garble all this food down with wine or cocktails. It is amazing to me that we don’t get heartburn more often. Visualize what you are going to eat before you begin. Order only what you are going to consume. Do not leave food on the table you do not intend to eat. We tend to be food addicts and eat everything in sight. Learn to say no.’

 

5. Eat Regular Meals: Dr. Mao explains, ‘If you eat on time and regularly, you won’t be famished and therefore you will have less desire to overeat. Do not skip breakfast and lunch. If you do, this is a sure recipe for a whale-sized dinner. Eat dinner between 6-8pm and not later. Our energy declines rapidly at night. At this time our digestive system is not as strong and won’t digest the foods as well.’

 

6. Fit Exercise Into Your Day: ‘A formalised exercise programme is ideal but not necessary,’ says Dr. Mao. ‘Instead of thinking “exercise”, we should be thinking “physical activity”. Some of us have high levels of physical activity in our occupation in which counts towards exercise. The problem comes when we have a sedentary job and sit for long hours during the day. We need to utilise our break time, lunch time, before and after work to invigorate ourselves. This might be to intentionally park far away from work and walk to and from the office, or take the stairs, or bike to work. Try to engage in more physical work during the weekends such as gardening, walking, hiking, running, etc.’

Categories: anti ageing, dr mao, Eating Out, exercise, Lose weight, nbsp, physical activity, time, vegetables, weight, Weight Loss, Wheat

The Health Benefits of Sex: 6 Doctor-Recommended Reasons

Having sex isn’t just good for your relationship or sexual health; it also has vast benefits for your wellbeing. According to Dr. Oz, the cardiothoracic surgeon and author who hosts The Dr. Oz Show, ‘When it comes to the topic of sex, I’ve been known to put it all out there. As a matter of fact, on the very first episode of The Dr. Oz Show, I jumped right in—to the point of telling the audience personal stories about my sex life with my wife, Lisa…I’m still passionate about this issue because taking care of yourself isn’t just about eating right and exercising. Being in a healthy, fulfilling sexual relationship can do wonders for your overall wellness.’ So what can having sex do for your wellness?

 

1. Heart Health: Dr. Oz notes, ‘We already know that sex can be a decent cardio workout (one 30-minute session can burn 70 calories); now research indicates it may protect your heart in other ways. A study in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy found that people who had sex an average of 12 times per month had greater heart rate variability (HRV)—a measure of how well the heart responds to subtle changes throughout the day (like standing versus sitting). Higher HRV is a good thing; it may lower your risk of developing heart disease, the leading cause of death for women.’

 

2. Anti-Ageing Wellness: ‘Have sex at least three times a week,’ Dr. Oz advises. ‘In a study at Scotland’s Royal Edinburgh Hospital, people in their 40s who reported having an average of 50 percent more sex than the typical person were judged by a panel of strangers to be about seven to 13 years younger than their actual age. Researchers believe the youthful glow comes in part from the release of the DHEA hormone during sex. DHEA, which is produced by your adrenal glands, has anti-ageing properties that can increase the production of collagen and may reduce wrinkles.’

 

3. Better Sleep: Dr. Oz explains, ‘Levels of the hormone oxytocin surge after sex, and its stress-reducing qualities may help you nod off more quickly. (The relationship between shut-eye and intimacy works the other way, too: One study found that women ages 42 to 52 who reported restless sleep patterns were less likely to get physical pleasure from sex than women who regularly got a good night’s rest.)’

 

4. Fewer Headaches: ‘Ever pass on sex because your head is pounding?,’ asks Dr. Oz. ‘You may be missing out on the very thing that could bring relief. A small study conducted at Southern Illinois University found that nearly half of female migraine sufferers felt better after orgasm. As endorphins flood the body, they may have an effect similar to morphine, muting your body’s pain response and increasing your threshold for discomfort.’

 

5. Fewer Colds: Dr. Oz details, ‘A study from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania found that people who had sex once or twice a week enjoyed a boost in their immune system, thanks to a 30% increase in immunoglobulin A, the infection-fighting antibody found in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. One caveat: Subjects who had sex more than three times a week actually had lower levels of the antibody than those who had less sex. Researchers believe that in moderation, the release of chemicals during orgasm may enhance your immune function, while too much of these chemicals may suppress it.’

 

6. Living Longer: ‘For women, quality trumps quantity when it comes to the lifesaving effects of sex,’ says Dr. Oz. ‘Simply having positive memories about your sexual past may add roughly four years to your life, according to research at the Duke Centre for the Study of Ageing and Human Development. Researchers found that these fond memories may encourage you to continue leading a happier, healthier life.’

 

Categories: anti ageing, health, Health Benefits, heart, heart health, nbsp, sleep, study, Women

How Meditation Can Help You to Cut Your Age in Half

While you can’t technically die of “old age;” there’s a clear link between anti-ageing wellness an your overall wellbeing. In fact, the American Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine states that 90% of all adult illness is due to the degenerative processes of ageing. But what exactly is anti-ageing medicine, and how does it work to help you prevent potentially life-threatening diseases? According to Angela Eksteins, a qualified expert in organics, alternative healing techniques and philosophies, ‘Anti-ageing medicine, aiming for longevity and optimal health, is most certainly the “specialty” of the future and is based on the early detection, prevention and reversal of age-related disease. While science continues to search for answers, research has already revealed that meditation is a potent anti-ageing practice that can take years off your physiological age.’

 

But how can meditating help you to stay young? Eksteins explains, ‘Ageing is most certainly a complex issue with many factors coming into play, but one thing that researchers do agree on is that stress (mental, emotional, and physical) causes us to age… In a recent interview with CNN, Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones and researcher into longevity hotspots around the world, suggests small lifestyle changes can add up to 10 years to most people’s lives. He says ageing is 10% genetic and 90% lifestyle. Buettner stated that having mechanisms to shed stress, like prayer and meditation, was of high importance in the longevity hotspots he studied and a major factor in long-term health and ageing.’

 

Eva Selhub, MD, Medical Director of the Mind/Body Medical Institute notes, ‘If we can affect the stress response, we can affect the ageing process. There’s a reason why experienced meditators live so long and look so young.’ Dr. Robert Keith Wallace has actually looked into this reason; publishing research based on the practice of Transcendental Meditation in the International Journal of Neuroscience. He found that participants with an average age of 50 – chronologically speaking – who who had been practicing Transcendental Meditation for over five years had a biological age 12 years younger than their chronological age. This means that meditating long-term can give you the physiology of a 43-year-old when you’re 55. In fact, several of the subjects in the study were found to have a biological age 27 years younger than their chronological age, meaning that 55-year-olds could half their physiological age!

 

Eksteins points out, ‘History reveals many examples of seemingly “ageless” saints, dedicated to the practice of meditation, whose lives have demonstrated the enormous capacity of the human body to live much longer than today’s average life span. Yes, these ageless saints and yogis practically dedicated their whole lives to meditation but even we, as average householders, can potentially live much longer, healthier lives. Meditation has revealed itself to be one of the most beneficial practices to relieve some of the stress related to ageing.’

 

In his book Love, Medicine and Miracles, Bernard Siegel, MD, Professor at Yale University School of Medicine, wrote, ‘Other doctors’ scientific research and my own day-to-day clinical experience have convinced me that the state of the mind changes the state of the body by working through the central nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system. Peace of mind sends the body a “live” message, while depression, fear and unresolved conflict give it a “die” message.’ He adds, ‘The physical benefits of meditation have recently been well documented by Western medical researchers. Meditation also raises the pain threshold and reduces one`s biological age… In short, it reduces wear and tear on both body and mind, helping people live longer and better.’

Categories: age nbsp, ageing medicine, ageing nbsp, ageless saints, anti ageing, biological age, chronological age, longevity hotspots, meditation, physiological age, Research

Don’t Go Down Without a Fight: Combating the Ageing Process

Ageing is an inevitable process, but that doesn’t mean you have to go down without a fight! It’s never too early or too late to start taking care of your anti-ageing wellness, and, luckily, there are several steps and products that you can use.

 

1. Alternative Treatments: Although alternative treatments are by no means a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise programme, they can help you to feel your best, which encourages you to take better care of your wellbeing. A better term would be “complementary wellness” rather than “alternative,” as these treatments should be used in partnership with your healthy lifestyle. Start off with a good overall system cleansing treatment, as this can get rid of any toxins that may be dragging you down. This lays the groundwork for other treatments, such as acupuncture and hypnosis. If you, as many of us do, suffer from more aches and pains as you age, acupuncture and hypnosis can be a great substitute for using prescription drugs, with none of the associated side effects.

 

2. Your Look-Young Diet: To fight off the effects of ageing, as well as disease, you need plenty of antioxidants, fibre and vitamins. For this you can’t go wrong with fruits and vegetables, but nuts, cereals and spices are also excellent choices for a little antioxidant power. Specifically, you’re looking at:

 

• Vegetables – Kale, red cabbage, peppers, beets, broccoli, chilli pepper, artichoke


• Fruits – Berries, kiwi, pineapple, orange, plum, grapefruit, pomegranate


• Nuts – Pecans, peanuts, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, walnuts


• Cereal – Barley, corn, oats, millet


• Spices – Oregano, cinnamon, turmeric, cloves

 

In addition to this, or, should I say, perhaps more importantly than this, you need to drink a lot of water. The big guy upstairs certainly knew what he was doing when he created helpful H20, as water has monumental wellness benefits. Aside from looking young, drinking lots of water throughout the day can help you lose weight, energise your muscles, aid your bowel function and generally help you to feel better – not bad for something you get out the tap for free.

 

3. Don’t Stray into Temptation: Not only does alcohol and smoking have a disastrous impact on your health, it basically leaves you looking rubbish. This is because indulging in both of these vices significantly dries out your skin, which leads to premature wrinkling. Plus, as we’ve previously covered, your body needs plenty of nutrients to stay young and healthy, but smoking and drinking heavily robs you of these much-needed nutrients, as can some prescription medications. You should avoid alcohol and smoking but you shouldn’t come of the meds if you doctor doesn’t advise it. If you are on medications, make sure to drink plenty of water and try some anti-ageing skin products to combat the skin-drying effects.

 

4. Soak in the Great Outdoors: Getting outside into the fresh air and sun does wonders for your anti-ageing wellness – as long as you do so safely. I’m not saying you should sit outside until you look like an extra from TOWIE, as this will have the opposite you’re looking for. However, while too much sun exposure can have you looking more wrinkly than Yoda, a healthy dose of sunlight can provide some natural vitamin D to your body and mind, which is vital for good health. If you spend more than 15 minutes in the summer sun, or 40 minutes outside in winter, whack on some sun cream, or even sun block. It may not seem necessary in this country, but wearing sun cream every day can be the best thing you do for your anti-ageing wellness.

 

Categories: ageing, ageing wellness, alternative treatments, anti ageing, effects nbsp, nbsp, Sun Cream, Vices, Vitamin D, Water, Wellness

Seven Quick Tips to Help You Feel Younger and Fresher

Anti-Ageing wellness isn’t just about the long term; sometimes, a few late nights and early mornings can make you feel 10 years older than you really are. So how do you give your wellbeing a quick boost? We’ve got some top tips from experts and readers to help you bounce back in no time.

1. Eat Red: According to nutritionist Robin Kaye, if you want superfoods to fight that ageing feeling, you can’t go wrong with red foods, like watermelon, berries, and tomatoes. Berries, for example, are antioxidant-rich anti-inflammatories, meaning that they can protect you against age-related mental decline, and help keep your brain healthy. Kaye adds, ‘Tomatoes and watermelon contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant with anti-ageing properties.’

2. Laugh and Smile: Wellness writer Anna Davies notes, ‘Whether you dig SNL skits or prefer watching baby sloths scamper around, dozens of studies prove that laughter reduces stress, which makes you feel light-years younger in the moment — even if you’ll be back to squinting at spreadsheets in a few minutes.’ Moreover, a recent study has found that smiling can make you appear three years younger than you actually are. So say cheese!

3. Lighten up: Donna Perillo, founder of Sweet Lily Natural Spa in New York City, advises, ‘Avoid vamp-y reds or dark purple polish, which can draw attention to any imperfections on your hands. The best way to avoid sunspots, crepe-y skin and other age-related evidence is to exfoliate your hands weekly with a self-made sugar scrub.’ Mix up half-a-cup of granulated sugar, half-a-cup of olive oil, and a few drops of essential oil for a sugar scrub that takes years off your hands.

4. Hit the Town: Research has shown that having strong social ties can lower your blood pressure, reduce your stress and guard against dementia – all of which are important for helping you feel young – so grab your BFF! Seattle resident Cass D., 35, details, ‘Whenever we’re feeling a little too bogged down by everyday life, my best friend and I schedule a girls’ night away from our husbands. Last time, we went to a bar that’s frequented by a lot of students at the local college. We danced, we laughed, and yes, we may have harmlessly flirted with one or two college seniors.’

5. Make Time for Tea: While the health properties of tea may seem too good to be true, Robin Nielsen, a nutritionist in Morgan Hill, CA, asserts that tea lives up to the hype. ‘Hydration is key for looking younger,’ Nielsen explains. ‘And tea is one way to make sure you’re getting enough liquids. Plus, studies have found green tea can help us retain elasticity in our skin as we age.’ Teas have also been shown to bust stress and boost energy – as if you needed an excuse to put the kettle on!

6. Slather on Sun Cream: Davies points out, ‘Not only does slathering up — even on cloudy or cold days — help prevent the wrinkles and sun spots that’ll add extra years over time, but the scent triggers nostalgia, which has a whole host of benefits, including self-esteem enhancement and feeling more socially connected to the people you’re surrounded by, all of which may make you feel the years falling away.’

7. Make Sure Your To Do List is Realistic: Ronald Kotler, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and author of 365 Ways to Get a Good Night’s Sleep, warns, ‘The stress hormone cortisol ages the body, inside and out. If your to-do list is a mile long and you’re constantly thinking about it, you’re living the stress response all the time.’

Categories: age related, anti ageing, feel, nbsp, red foods, Smile, Stress, sugar scrub, Sun Cream, time, years, years younger

Stop Using Your Wife’s Moisturiser! Expert Explains Why

For men, anti-ageing wellness can be a little embarrassing. You have just as much need to take care of your wellbeing as your female counterpart, but there still seems to be some sort of misplaced stigma about men who look after their appearance and body. This is why many men just use the products their wives or girlfriends buy, but Shonagh Walker, award-winning wellness journalist and author of Cellulite My Arse!, argues that this is a major wellness mistake. So why is it a bad idea to use your partner’s skincare products?

 

1. You have thicker skin: ‘A guy’s complexion is a little more rough and ready than a woman’s,’ Walker explains. ‘As such, you need your products to pack a little bit more punch, while still addressing your specific skin care needs. As such, you want to buy formulas that are specifically created for men.’ It’s not just the thickness of your skin that makes you different to your wife or girlfriend; the hormones going on beneath the skin’s surface also means you need a different approach to skincare: ‘You…have more testosterone than the girls, which is sometimes linked to oiliness and blemishes,’ says Walker. ‘So, you might want to find a mattifying product or oil control product and add it to your skin care regime.’

 

2. You’re a big, hairy man: Walker points out, ‘You have growth that comes out of your face every day and it can cause all kinds of skin issues. Firstly, you are prone to shaving rash, so you need products that have built in calming properties into the formula. Secondly, as you’re shaving the hair daily, or at least a few times each week, you might become prone to ingrown hairs, which can not only be unsightly, but they can also be quite painful.’ She advises, ‘Look for a quality exfoliating product in your chosen skin care regime, or at least a cleanser that has glycolic acid in its formula to help keep the hair follicle unclogged and allow for the hair to grow through freely.’

 

3. You’re more sweaty: It’s just a fact that men sweat more than women, as is the unfortunate truth that your skin is exposed to bacteria, pollution and oil. According to Walker, if these three toxins ‘are allowed to stay put on your skin, they can get all blended up with your sweat, clog your pores and lead to blackheads and acne. You need quality cleansers designed to counteract this and as mentioned above, a really great exfoliating product.’

 

4. You age more slowly: Ok, the first three points didn’t perhaps paint male skin in the best light, but the good news is that you age more slowly than your female partner – you lucky thing. As a man, ‘your skin tends to stay strong, firm and unwrinkled for longer than women’s,’ Walker notes. ‘As such, you really don’t deserve to be helping yourself to our super expensive anti-ageing formulas.’ In fact, Walker asserts that you can probably get by with a cheaper, effective formula and a really great sun block – what a win!

 

5. You don’t wear make-up: Again, this is one area of skincare and beauty where men win out. Not having to wear make-up means you won’t need as many ingredients that work to counter the effects of make-up. You also don’t have to go through the entire rigmarole that women do with twice daily cleansing. However, Walker adds that you still need to cleanse every day, so you can’t get away with it that easily.

Categories: anti ageing, care, care regime, exfoliating product, hair, men, nbsp, products, skin, skin care, Thick Skin, walker

Look Younger and Fresher with Our Top Make-Up Tips and Picks

No matter what you do to enhance your anti-ageing wellness, no one is going to notice if you get your make-up wrong. Much in the same way that you don’t carry around your prized possessions in a bin bag, your packaging needs to reflect the gorgeousness that’s going on underneath. After all, you’re making all that effort to take care of your wellbeing, why let bad foundation get in the way? The colours and formulas you put on your face have an immediate impact on how fresh you look. However, according to Sandy Linter, a New York City celebrity makeup artist for Lancôme, ‘With the right products and application tricks, you’ll appear younger.’

 

1. Diffuse fine lines: If you’re already slathering on the moisturiser, you might think you have no need for primer, but you’d be wrong. Linter explains, ‘Primers, unlike moisturizers, have smoothing silicones that fill in and soften lines, so your skin naturally reflects light and glows,’ and primers also help your foundation to glide on more evenly, which is especially crucial if you have dry skin. You get double points for using a primer with collagen-boosting amino peptides, such as CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless serum primer.

 

2. Even out your skin: If you have the odd blemish or unsightly area – such as a sun spot, dark circles or red patch – you may be tempted to fix these problems with concealer, before you move on to your foundation. However, Linter recommends that you ‘reach for foundation first. Then go in with concealer and target what needs more coverage.’ Make sure your foundaton is formulated for ageing skin and is packed with hydrating properties – Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-ageing foundation is a good choice. Linter continues, ‘Once your skin is evened out, you’ll be surprised at how much less cover-up you need to use.’ Pat a non-too-liquidy concealer (such as Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Spot Concealer + Treatment) right where you need it, but don’t rub it in – you don’t want to cake in your fine lines.

 

3. Think pink: When it comes to your lips, you need a lipstick that contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter and glycerin. New York dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD, notes that this is because ‘Skin on lips is thin and lacks oil glands, making lines more noticeable.’ For the best colour, Linter argues that a soft but punchy pink ‘flatters all skin tones.’ If you go for Chanel Rouge Coco Shine sheer lipshine in Romance, you get the added bonus of moisturising ceramides.

 

4. Ol’ Blue Eyes: Black eyeliner is a staple in most women’s make-up bags, but an eye-brightening teal can take years off. Brian Duprey, a makeup artist in New York City, argues, ‘Vivid shades give just a hint of colour, not an obvious line,’ and Youngblood Incredible Wear gel liner in Lagoon contains vitamin E to condition lashes.

 

5. Pretty in plum: For your eyelids, you don’t have to stick to boring beiges and browns – why not try a nice plum colour? Duprey advises, ‘If you want to go beyond neutrals on your eyes, try a shade of purple. It’s hands down the most wearable color for all skin tones.’ Neutrogena Crease Proof eye shadow in Stay-Put Plum is worth a go.

 

6. Go nude, but sparkle: Fusco points out that ‘Dark circles can cast a shadow over your entire eye area,’ which is why you need a light-reflective under eye concealer, such as the one from Temptu.

 

7. Rosy cheeks: A creamy blusher in enlivening shades of pink can help you to hang on to that fresh glow. Try L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Colour Lift blush in Rose Gold.

Categories: anti ageing, concealer, Fine Lines, foundation, make up, makeup artist, nbsp, products, skin, skin tones, techniques, york city

Skincare Experts Share Their Personal Beauty Regimes

There are all kinds of anti-ageing wellness experts out there, all of whom recommend different things for your skin. However, we’ve found three experts – a plastic surgeon, a facialist and a dermatologist – to give you their top tips for looking after your wellbeing, and gaining gorgeous skin in the process.

 

The Plastic Surgeon: According to NYC-based cosmetic surgeon Dr. Shirley Madhère, ‘I pick up Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Foaming Face Wash, $6 [£3.60], whenever I’m in London. It’s a gentle cleanser that’s perfect for both my oily T-zone and the dry periphery of my face. After cleansing, I mist alcohol-free SanRe Rosy Fresh Organic Revitalizing Facial Toner, $26 [£15.90], to restore moisture. Then I put on a multivitamin concentrate like (1) Lierac Mèsolift Serum, $60 [£36.70], and a sheer moisturizer, such as (2) Natura Bissè The Cure Sheer Cream, $160 [£97.80], mixed with (3) La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer with sunscreen, $32 [£19.60]. Most of these are water-based, so they don’t feel heavy.’

 

She adds, ‘I alternate a clay mask and an apricot scrub that I got from an Ayurvedic doctor in India. The scrub is gentle, and the clay extracts impurities from the pores as it soothes the skin.  When my skin feels dry, I apply (4) Acure Argan Oil 100% Certified Organic, $15 [£9.20], at night. And (5) Crème de la Mer, $150 [£92], is my repair cream. I bring sample-size jars on trips to use throughout long flights. Both of these help prevent water loss from the skin, yet they absorb rapidly and don’t feel greasy. I warm a dollop of La Mer or a few drops of oil between my hands, then place them on my face and neck.’

 

The Facialist: Not only does Mamie McDonald tend to some very famous faces – such as Beyoncé, Chloë Sevigny, Eva Mendes, and Jay-Z, to name a few – but she also searches out the best natural products for her supersensitive skin. McDonald explains, ‘Because I battle rosacea and eczema, I avoid perfumes and chemicals, and I don’t like to strip my skin. M’Lis is one of the best organic chemical-free skincare lines I’ve found. I use its gentle (1) Wash Herbal Cleanser, [£15.90], as a face and body wash.’ However, it’s not just the products she uses, but the foods she eats that give her a gorgeous, glowing complexion. ‘I avoid spicy foods that trigger my rosacea, and eat raw fruits, vegetables, and berries, all wonderful sources of antioxidants that contribute to great skin,’ she says. ‘I even make masks with fresh berries and yoghurt. I also drink plenty of water to detoxify and hydrate.’

 

The Dermatologist: For dry skin solutions, NYC dermatologist Dr. Misbah Khan is the woman to know. Not only is she an expert in the field, but she is cautious about caring for her own hypersensitive complexion. Dr. Khan notes, ‘I wash my face with Elure Advanced Facial Wash, $35 [£21.40] —and lukewarm, not hot, water—morning and night. It’s mild but takes off oil, dirt, perspiration, and makeup…For anti-ageing, I layer a prescription retinoid over my night cream once or twice a week. The retinoid penetrates through, but it’s much less irritating on my skin.’ She also points out, ‘My sensitive skin doesn’t tolerate chemical exfoliation well. Once a week I use Clarisonic Refining Skin Polish, $25 [£15.30], with the (1) Aria brush, $199 [£121.70], which is gentle but leaves my skin radiant…I do anything I can to maintain hydration, which helps prevent my skin from drying out and keeps eczema at bay. I have a humidifier in my bedroom and keep it running all year round. I even take a small Air-O-Swiss Travel Humidifier, $40 [£24.50], on the road.’

Categories: anti ageing, dermatologist, face, facialist, gentle, la mer, plastic surgeon, skin, wash, Water

Hollywood’s Healthy Agers: Could You Learn from These Stars?

Hollywood isn’t too kind to women, especially when it comes to their age. So many actresses and celebs go through all kinds of treatments and procedures in the name of satisfying Hollywood’s obsession with youth, but there are a few women who defy this ridiculous expectation, take care of their wellbeing and look damn good doing it! Let’s celebrate those women in Tinseltown who have got the right idea about anti-ageing wellness.

 

1. Susan Sarandon: At 65, Sarandon’s secret to ageing could be having a relationship with a young man. In March, following two years of rumours, the Alfie star confirmed her relationship with her much younger business partner, Jonathan Bricklin, 34. Whatever she’s doing, it’s working for her. Susan, we salute you.

 

2. Meryl Streep: Not only has she won three Oscars and been nominated for 14 more, but Meryl Streep doesn’t appear to be giving up her leading lady status any time soon, and we couldn’t be happier. The star of The Iron Lady, Sophie’s Choice, and The Devil Wears Prada – to name but a few – appeared on the cover of Vogue for the first time at the age of 62, declaring herself the “oldest person” to do so. Before that, she spoke of her starring role as the love interest of Alec Baldwin AND Steve Martin in It’s Complicated, joking to Vanity Fair, ‘I’m 60, and I’m playing the romantic lead! Bette Davis is rolling over in her grave!’

 

3. Julianne Moore: There are some women who seem to get better with age, and that’s certainly true of Julianne Moore. Plus, the 51-year-old star of The Kids are Alright has learned to accept the face and body she’s been given. ‘I don’t love my freckles,’ she admitted in a 2010 interview. ‘I’d really rather not have them, but there’s nothing I can do.’

 

4. Jamie Lee Curtis: Although she’s openly admitted to having cosmetic surgery, Jamie Lee Curtis still makes this list because she’s also been straightforward about ageing, posing for a magazine without makeup, clothes and, worse, Photoshop. Speaking about getting older, the Freaky Friday 53-year-old commented, ‘I feel much more authentic. I’m not saying I’m a spiritually perfect person. I’m flawed and contradictory and fraught in many areas. But I’m better. I’m growing, and that’s all I really want.’

 

5. Diane Keaton: As you’ve seen from her adverts for L’Oreal anti-ageing beauty products, Diane Keaton looks great for someone approaching 64. Like Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton continues to find work on the big screen these days, and says she feels much better than she did in her Annie Hall days. ‘I feel much more alive,’ she noted in a 2006 interview. ‘When you’re younger, you have a tendency to be relieved by fantasies. But now the drama of real life comes charging in.’

 

6. Michelle Pfeiffer: She may have been a super-hot Catwoman in Batman Returns, but Michelle Pfeiffer continues to look amazing at 54, and has a great attitude to the ageing process. ‘Honestly, there’s certainly a mourning that takes place [to getting older]’ she admits. ‘I mourn the young girl, but I think that what replaces that is a kind of a liberation, sort of letting go of having to hold on to that. Everyone knows you’re 50. So you don’t have to worry about not trying to look 50. And then it becomes, “Hey, she looks good for her age.”’

 

7. Helen Mirren: Dame Helen, 67, recently beat out Jennifer Lopez, Pippa Middleton and Elle “The Body” MacPherson for a L.A. Fitness poll on female celebrity with the best body. For the Oscar-winning actress, a healthy dose of humour could well be the key to ageing gracefully, as she recently revealed that she sucked in her stomach the day she accepted her award from L.A. Fitness. ‘It was a beautiful thing that these fitness people did, I have to say,’ she said. ‘I think it was recognition of the fact that you don’t have to be perfect.’

Categories: ageing, anti ageing, Diane Keaton, Helen Mirren, jamie lee, julianne moore, lee curtis, Meryl Streep, michelle pfeiffer, nbsp

IV Vitamin Therapy: Is It Really Necessary For Our Health?

In the world of health and fitness, there seems to be a new craze every other day. But how many of them do we really need, and are they doing our health any good? The latest to join the ranks is IV Vitamin Therapy in which vitamins and nutrients are quite literally fed through to the body via an IV drip. The practice itself isn’t anything new – it was developed around 50 years ago by a Baltimore Doctor naked John Myers for treating fatigue and depression. But in modern day medicine, the popularity has increased and seen a resurgence of late in people creating their own cocktail of nutrients to drip feed into their bodies. Wellness enthusiasts claim that the procedure delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream and supercharges your energy levels and immune system. Whatever ails you can supposedly be treated with this practice, from digestive complaints or sleep problems, with everything from vitamin D and folic acid flooding your veins to injectable vitamin C. But one of the main reasons why it has become so popular of late is the rumour that it could be a fantastic anti-ageing weapon.

 

There have even been reports by some people that, in place of Western medicines, this works as a way of improving the success rate in couples conceiving. In fact, IV drips are so ubiquitous in Los Angeles that you can get one along with your facial. But is this simply a holistic fad that joins the pile with crazy diets and anti-ageing remedies we now balk at? It seems that this is something altogether different from such magazine fodder.

The process is incredibly high tech, using equipment that measures bone density and takes ultrasounds. Your initial visit will require a look at the body as a collection of parts rather than one machine, making the treatments tailored to your specific needs. Most doctors will need to get a comprehensive look at your body and ailments before going straight in with the needle. Everything from your family history to your sex life will be included so that the physician can get a thorough look at your health as it currently stands. Including the initial consultation and then regular weekly injections, this isn’t a cheap service, heading well into the hundreds for this health-boosting therapy. From the first go, you may feel slightly groggy which your physician will warn you of, rather than the bolt of energy you may be expecting. But that will change – after a couple of hours, when you begin to exercise, work or go about your daily tasks, you’ll notice that you have far more energy than you usually do.

You’re able to go that extra mile without feeling drained because of it. And as you get more of this vitamin-rich therapy, the benefits improve all the while. Your fatigue levels will drop, you’ll have boundless energy and you’ll notice your skin becomes more plump and glowing. This isn’t vitamin popping in the same way that you do when you purchase a pot of multivitamins in the supermarket. These are pure grade vitamins which really make a difference. You’ll be more alert, your concentration levels will go through the roof and your appearance will really benefit. If the reviews are to be believed, then you’ll find that IV Vitamin Therapy becomes more popular by far – time will tell if it catches on in other parts of the world, following the example of top LA medical centres.

Categories: anti ageing, energy, health, holistic, iv vitamin, ll notice, New Treatment, nutrients, therapy, vitamin, vitamin therapy, vitamins