Posted by Linda Hartmann in 
So many of my clients come to me and say “it sucks growing old”. I know it does, yet hopefully will all get there with health and happiness. Here are some things you can do to keep that youthful glow, without doing all kinds of pricey procedures.
Why do we all begin to look older? It is the breakdown of the collagen and elastin fibers that create those lines, form those sags, and shape those wrinkles. This is not fun. And who is the major culprit? Of course the Sun. 80% of our lines, sagging and wrinkles are because of exposure to all that beautiful Sun. When we were young and pale, we leisurely basked at the beach. Although it may not have been apparent it began to age our skin. So apply that 30 or greater SPF sunscreen when you’re out and about, and when at the beach wear a hat and be sure to use an umbrella.
SPF is the “sun protection factor” and the higher the SPF, the longer you can remain outside shielded from the harmful rays of the sun. For instance, if you burn with 20 minutes of sun exposure and you apply a suntan lotion with SPF 15, supposedly you can remain outside for 300 minutes (20 minutes x 15 SPF) or 5 hours before you’ll burn. It is also important that the product you choose has broad spectrum UVA \ UVB protection. Lancaster has an excellent sun care line. In fact, I was recently in Europe and so many women were using Lancaster and they all had amazing skin.
The next lovely thing that ages us is stress. My step-mother is 60+ but looks 40 because she doesn’t work, has a wonderful relationship with my dad, goes on great trips and sleeps until 12:00 noon everyday. (Of course she hasn’t seen the sun in 2 decades and takes great care of her skin). She has very little stress, lucky woman. I love her life, but unfortunately I have to work just like you. So it’s up at the crack of dawn, have wonderful demanding kids, and an equally lovely husband all help give us some grief and happiness. The best thing to relieve that stress is to do something that relaxes you for about 20 minutes a day. Whether it’s a nice long walk, yoga, meditation, or a long calming bubble bath, do something for your own well being. A lot of my clients do yoga and they swear by it. They feel healthier and more relaxed.
Need I say the demons that also age us; smoking and drinking? Smoking is very harmful, it negatively affects every inch of our bodies and you know that you just have to stop. Heavy drinking is also very damaging. At the very least, it will dehydrate and prematurely age you. Moderation.
Instead, have a glass of red wine at dinner. Red wine is now the new craze and a rich source of resveratrol and flavonoids; it may have some health benefits, but just 1 glass, especially for us women. Actually there is a new product out called Resversatrol. It has the same benefits of red wine without the alcohol. Check it out.
So those are the major culprits, the Sun, stress and demons.
Please see my next blog which is all the products that can help you keep your youthful glow. Blog on.
