Many people think wrinkles and fine lines are both things we can't combat without undergoing surgery or spending a fortune on supplements and treatments.
If you’re one of those people – think again! There are plenty of things you can do to look and feel younger from the inside out, all in the comfort of your home, (and without paying a lot of money to do it!).
What do you think is the most important thing youcan do in order to slow down the aging process?
Can you guess?
If you said "change your diet", you've got it!
Your diet is the most important part of slowing down the aging process and helping you feel and look years younger.
In other words, proper nutrition that includes powerful minerals, vitamins and nutrients that fine-tune your system, while providing your skin with everything it needs to thrive, is the ultimate way to reverse the signs of aging without surgery.
It's true; when it comes to looking younger, there is nothing as effective and long-term than when you incorporate powerful anti-aging foods, supplements and nutrients into your diet.
Foods that are high in antioxidants are the most important of them all.
Fuelling your system with a hearty and consistent supply of antioxidants will help protect the cells from oxidation, which can lead to tissue degeneration that has been proven to speed up the aging process.
Here are a few foods that are high in antioxidants that you'll want to start incorporating into your daily diet:
* Berries like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
* Green tea
* Dark Chocolate
* Artichokes
* Goji Berries
* Kale
* Tomatoes (especially cooked tomatoes)
* Sweet potatoes
You'll also want to pay attention to essential fatty acids, making sure you are getting enough in your daily diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in helping you look and feel younger and thankfully, they are found in most of the foods we eat including:
* Salmon & Tuna
* Walnuts, Almonds, Pecans
* Flax Seeds & Fish Oil
Omega fatty acids are truly remarkable ingredients for improving your skin. They serve as the foundation to smoothing the skin's surface layers, which in turn, leaves you looking years younger.
It will feel as though you've found the fountain of youth! ;)
And if you really want to get the most out of omega fatty acids, consider purchasing a fish oil supplement.
As we age, our skin cells become thinner. In turn, this thinning causes dryness which makes our skin look older.
By taking fish oil supplements, you can bolster the skin cell membrane, releasing moisture which will lead to softer, more supple skin.
Why Collagen Really Matters
Did you know that somewhere around the age of 35 your body stops producing as much collagen as it did when you were younger?
And did you know that this is one of the main reasons why we start to get wrinkles and fine lines?
Collagen is the protein that gives skin its structure, suppleness, and elasticity.
It's one of the most important things when it comes to looking younger.
And here's the great news: There are simple things we can do to help boost collagen levels and regenerate old collagen so our skin looks years younger.
One of main ways to do this is by incorporating foods and supplements into your life that are specifically focused on increasing collagen production as well as repairing old collagen.
Here are a few collagen-rich foods to help you get started. Try to incorporate at least 2-3 of these foods into your weekly diet:
* Bone Broth
Bone broth contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, amino acids, and many other powerful nutrients - all of which lead to healthier, younger looking skin.
* Chicken
Most collagen supplements are derived from chicken because of how much connective tissue is found in it.
* Egg Whites
Egg whites contain large amounts of proline which is one of the most important amino-acids when it comes to collagen production.
* Citrus Fruits
If you're looking to boost collagen production levels so your skin looks younger, you'll want to load up on citrus fruits due to their high levels of Vitamin C.
Vitamin C plays a major role in the creation of pro-collagen, the body's precursor to collagen.
Also, don't forget to include berries in your diet. This includes strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and oranges as they are all excellent sources of Vitamin C.
* Garlic
Believe it or not, garlic is known to boost collagen levels due to its high sulphur content.
Powerful (Yet Simple) Anti-Aging Routine
Creating a simple, yet effective anti-aging routine is an investment in yourself. It will not only help you look younger but you'll gain a boost in confidence and feel at your very best.
Thankfully, anti-aging routines don't have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, many dermatologists recommend following a straight-forward routine that is easy to do so that you're able to stay consistent.
Because that's what matters most!
In order for you to feel and look your best, you need to follow your anti-aging routine regularly without skipping a lot of days.
This is why it's important that you don't over-complicate the process.
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Step 1: Morning & Night Cleanser
There are hundreds of cleansers on the market, but make sure that your cleanser is oil-based so that it doesn't dry you out. Start with a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of natural oils.
Step 2: Toner
If your skin tends to be on the oily side, you'll want to incorporate a good toner into your daily routine.
Step 3: Serum
Try to find a serum that contains Vitamin C. Since this is an antioxidant you'll be able to also protect your skin from sun damage and free radicals.
Step 4: Moisturizer
You'll want to purchase a moisturizer that contains probiotics as well as antioxidants. (Yendell's members can buy a lovely selection of homemade moisturisers from our foyer)
Step 5: SPF
It's important to protect your skin from the sun. In fact, sun damage is one of the biggest culprits of premature aging because it depletes your skin of collagen.
Step 6: Face Mask
Whilst you don't want to use a face mask every day, try to incorporate it into your routine once a week. Masks work to hydrate your skin and will support the production of collagen.
Check out some recipes to make your own home remedy skin care products HERE
Anti-Aging: 2 Things You Must Avoid
If you're worried about premature aging, or you want to get your skin in better shape so that you look and feel younger, there are 2 important things to avoid.
Can you guess what they are?
One is pretty obvious; the other not always the case.
1: Sugar
A diet high in sugar accelerates the process of glycation, which ages skin.
You see, glycation is when excess glucose attaches to your skin's proteins (the collagen and elastin that makes you look younger) and turns them dry and brittle.
So do your best to minimize your sugar intake. Not only will it make your skin look younger but you'll ultimately lose weight!
Win-Win! ;)
2: Smoking
Smoking can speed up the aging process of your skin.
Smoking also causes yellowing of the teeth, reduces vitamin absorption, restricts blood flow, and causes discoloration of the skin.
Those are 2 main things you'll want to avoid but there are a few other culprits to look out for.
This includes:
Processed Foods
Eating too many processed foods can lead to serious damage in your skin's collagen which will result in wrinkles and dry, aged skin.
Worse, they are tied to heart disease and diabetes!
* Deep Fried Foods
Any food that is deep fried in oil will add inflammation to your skin, especially trans fats.
It an also raise your LDL cholesterol and lower good cholesterol.
* Fatty Meats
Avoid meats that are high in saturated fats. They'll reduce collagen production which will leave your skin
dry and wrinkled. Instead, focus on buying lean meats whenever possible.
* Alcohol
Heavy drinks speeds up the aging process. It's also not good for your heart, kidneys or liver. Drink in moderation. A glass of wine a day can actually be good for your heart but watch your intake levels!
4 Powerful Anti-Aging Tips
If you've spent any amount of time researching "anti-aging" tips and strategies than you're probably aware of just how much information is out there.
It can get quite overwhelming when you're dealing with information overload but still aren't sure where to begin.
What really works?
I'll share 4 powerful anti-aging secrets that are proven to work.
These are tips handed out by expert dermatologists who know how to get skin looking youthful quickly and without surgery involved.
#1: Exercise
It should come as no surprise that regular exercise is great for your overall body, but especially your skin.
One reason is because with increased movement you are releasing a compound called IL 15. The reason this is so important is that IL 15 prevents cell death!
#2:Exfoliate 2-3 Times A Week
If you want your skin to look better than it ever has before, it's important that you spend time removing dead skin cells that leave your skin looking dry and unhealthy. Exfoliating is a great way to get the job done quickly.
#3: Facial Massage
Do you want to rejuvenate your skin? Spend a few minutes every night massaging your skin with high-quality skin care products.
Tip: Do circular motions with your fingertips starting at your forehead. Move in opposite directions on each hand. Facial massages encourage elasticity and helps to break down any tension in your facial tissues.
#4: Incorporate Oils Into Your Diet
Consuming fish or vegetable omega oil capsules every day, as well as applying oil to your face every night will help repair tissue, hydrate your skin and get your face looking years younger.
Top Anti Aging Foods
When it comes to reducing skin redness, fine lines and wrinkles, there are a handful of super-foods you’ll want to begin incorporating into your diet.
Your diet plays the single most important role in being able to turn back the hands of time so you look and feel younger.
Your diet affects every part of your body from internal organs to the look and feel of your skin.
Here are the top foods you'll want to make sure are a part of your daily diet:
* Watercress
Watercress is known to increase the circulation and delivery of nutrients and minerals throughout your body.
This means improved oxygenation of the skin which will subsequently reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
* Papaya
There are few superfoods quite as effective at boosting skin elasticity as papaya. They include a ton of antioxidants as well as other important vitamins and minerals that will make your skin look smoother. Some of these vitamins include: Vitamins A, C, E and K as well as magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.
* Avocado
Known for its high levels of Vitamin A and B-complex, avocado is one of the best fruits for nourishing and moisturizing the skin. It’s also a popular snack for those looking to lose weight as it is not only healthy but it will make you feel fuller for longer periods of time.
* Red & Green Vegetables
Red vegetables contain the potent antioxidant lycopene which not only works as a natural sunscreen, but it works towards increasing collagen levels in your body.
* Nuts
It doesn't matter what nut you choose, they're all great for your skin. This includes macadamia, cashew and Brazil nuts. Aim for 1-2 ounces a day.
* Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are high in calcium and other important minerals that will help improve the condition of your bones while making you look and feel younger.
* Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is loaded with flavanols, which help to increase blood flow to your body resulting in better looking skin.
* Citrus Juice
It doesn't matter what citrus you choose, the juice will provide your body with enough Vitamin C while giving you smoother skin and fewer wrinkles!
* Watermelon
This juicy fruit is loaded with lycopene, which not only helps to reverse skin damage but it will protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays!
So there you have it! Just a few of many anti-aging foods that you'll want to start including in your diet.
Spend some time researching for additional foods and then work on a weekly eating plan that includes recipes geared towards including these anti-aging allies! (Check out our healthy recipe ideas HERE)
We've talked about the different ways you can incorporate anti-aging foods into your life that will help you look and feel younger whilst also discussing the importance of boosting your collagen levels so your skin is soft and youthful.
Now, I'll leave you with a few anti-aging home based remedies that you can try today. I hope they help you on your quest for radiant, youthful skin.
Anti Aging Home Remedies
Anti-Aging Tip #1: Egg White Mask
Egg whites are loaded with protein that helps with tissue repair and regeneration. They also include
potassium that helps preserve moisture leaving your skin looking smooth.
Here's how to create an egg white mask:
Mix together one egg white with a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and half a teaspoon of honey. Apply to your face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Anti-Aging Tip #2: Lemon Juice Dab
If you want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines before you go out, create a lemon juice dab. It takes only a few minutes to create and will instantly tighten up your skin.
Here's how to do it:
Apply a thin layer of lemon juice mixed with honey to your face for 6-10 minutes. Then rinse it off with warm water.
Anti-Aging Tip #3: Aloe Vera
Few things beat the healing properties of Aloe vera. Consider taking a daily aloe supplement or apply aloe gel to your skin 3-4 times a week. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then wash off with warm water.
Anti-Aging Tip #4: Cucumber Yogurt Mix
A single cucumber contains many different minerals and vitamins including Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, folic acid, iron and much more.
Create a skin cream by pureeing half a cucumber with 1-2 mint leaves. Then, mix in half a cup of Greek yogurt.
You'll want to refrigerate it for 15 minutes before applying.
Anti-Aging Tip #5: Banana Mask
Bananas contain natural vitamins and powerful oils that will improve your complexion and overall skin health.
You can easily create a mask by mashing one banana and then pasting it to the skin. Make sure that the banana is mashed enough so that it forms a smooth paste. Apply and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.