This is the #1 Anti-Aging Secret, Say Physicians
The global anti-aging market was estimated to be worth about 58.5 billion dollars in 2020—and no wonder. Who doesn't want to look younger and more vibrant? Luckily the number one best anti-aging secret not only isn't expensive, but will actually save you money. Here are five guaranteed ways to encourage youthful looks and biological longevity. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.
Wear Sunscreen Year-Round
Protecting your skin from damaging UVB and UVA rays not only prevents premature aging, it also lessens the risk of skin cancer. "The best thing people can do to prevent skin damage and possible skin cancer is to change their thinking about the sun," says E. Victor Ross, MD, director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at Scripps Clinic Carmel Valley. "Especially in San Diego, we love the sun, but we need to see it more as a sometime enemy than as an all-the-time-friend." The evidence linking excess sun exposure to skin damage is extensive: "Our skin is constantly creating abnormal cells that have the potential to evolve into cancers, but in most cases, the immune system finds them early and knocks them out. Sun exposure diminishes your skin's immune response, which can allow those early abnormal cells to continue to grow into cancer. Sun exposure depletes collagen, which keeps the skin smooth and firm. It can dilate blood vessels to give skin a red tone. And it causes the brown pigment in the skin to be more pronounced, which can make the skin look blotchy."
Eat Veggies, Avoid Sugar
Fresh fruit and vegetables (preferably organic, to avoid pesticide exposure) are crucial not only for a healthy, youthful appearance but to encourage anti-aging on a cellular level. "I like to try to eat lots of veggies, and I literally try to eat the rainbow daily," says Jennifer Chwalek, MD, who swears by food such as leafy greens, sweet potatoes, avocado, strawberries, and blueberries.
"I'm huge on carotenoids in colorful fruits and veggies: oranges, sweet potato mango, papaya… Vitamin C is directly responsible for producing collagen and helps with capillaries." On the other hand, excess sugar will damage your skin and negatively impact your general health. "Too much sugar in your diet can make you look older and more tired because it damages the support structures in your skin, which can accelerate wrinkling and sagging," says Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD. "And that, my friends, is the truth! There are other reasons why sugar is bad for your skin, as well. High-glycemic foods—which include sugary items, as well as foods like French fries, white bread, cereals and other grain foods that aren't whole grains—can lead to hormone spikes and inflammation that can contribute to acne and aggravate other common skin concerns, like rosacea."
Be Mindful With Alcohol
Too much alcohol will age your body and face on the inside and out. "Alcohol is known to dehydrate the skin, depriving it of the moisture and nutrients it needs to keep our complexion looking radiant, supple and youthful," says Dr Rita Rakus, Cosmetic Doctor. "Alcohol removes the fluid in the skin, which can increase the appearance of wrinkles, dryness and sagging skin. As alcohol is a diuretic, it means that it actively draws water away from the body, significantly lowering the body's water level, therefore causing dehydration. Dehydrated skin can look dry and unhealthy, both in the color of the skin as well as the texture."
Exercise
Regular exercise prevents premature aging on a cellular level, and encourages a youthful, healthy physique. "When you age, your metabolism also gets a bit slower than normal," explains WellSpring School of Allied Health. "This is why you need to schedule regular workouts and try to vary those workouts every two-to-three weeks. It helps you maintain a healthier body and keeps your metabolism at a steady, high rate, which helps keep weight off and our bodies looking younger… Strength training helps build our muscles to support our skeletons, particularly our spines, which keeps us taller for longer. There are also some interesting correlations between our psychological state and posture, and since we know exercise makes us mentally and emotionally feel better, it stands to reason that it helps our posture on the psychological level as well. Exercise really can help you stay young both physically and mentally."
The #1 Anti-Aging Secret: Don't Smoke—Ever
Smoking is undeniably damaging to health and appearance, and cutting it out completely will take years off your body and appearance. "We tell people, as soon as they stop smoking, the repair to not only to their skin but their lungs, their heart vessels — it starts to repair itself," says Dr. Robin Ashinoff, medical director of of dermatologic surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
