Monday, March 10, 2008

aging obsession

i find it intriguing that our society is so obsessed with youth. products feeding us promises of turning back the clock and erasing the signs of aging have become all too common.

"Youth in a Bottle"
"Younger Skin in a Jar"
"Face lift in a Box"

Whatever the terms, whatever the case, it seems to be that we cannot get enough of "anti-aging" products. true, i am young, still in my twenties, so, you might think, well what does it matter to me, i don't have any wrinkles...

well, it does matter, and someday, i'm sure, i will have wrinkles. i feel that skincare and products are an important part in keeping skin looking it's best. in addition to a healthy lifestyle, i have my top three tips to having great skin:

1. wear sunscreen everyday. make sure it is a broad- spectrum formula (protecting against UVA and UVB rays) not only on your face, but on your neck, decollete, arms and hands. if you will be out in the sun wearing shorts or a skirt, don't forget to apply it to your legs and feet as well.

2. make a habit of moisturizing. no matter what your skin type, find a day cream and a night cream that will help skin retain moisture. moisture loss happens as we age. keeping skin hydrated wrinkles will appear less prominent. apply to face neck and decollete.

3. exfoliate. do this at least weekly (up to three times a week if you have oily skin) to help cell turnover. cell turnover slows as we age and by exfoliating we remove dead cells that make the skin look dull and lackluster.


genetics determines much of how we will age, but we do have some control in making sure that it doesn't happen too soon. no, there is no "magic potion" or "miracle cream", however, with great skin care products , a healthy lifestyle, limited sun exposure and adequate sleep, we can have our best skin beyond what all these formulas could ever do all alone.


xo

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