Oh, how I wish Juan Ponce de Leon had been successful in finding the Fountain of Youth. Just think of all the money we could save if there was such a thing. No more creams, gels, lotions, or potions, just a cool soak in a vat of water and voile – youthful skin.
Unfortunately, the legend of the fountain is only myth, which means that if we want to keep our skin looking young we’re going to have to take a few steps to make that happen. There are so many products promising to tighten, lighten, erase, smooth – all the adjectives we’re desperate to hear, but like the famous fountain, are these claims more myth than fact?
In the sea of products and promises, there is one certainty about keeping your skin the best it can be and it has nothing to do with topical products or an outlay of money, and that is sleep. Sleeping is the time when your body repairs and restores. The benefits of a good night’s sleep far outweigh any product on the market.
What we put in our mouths is another way to combat the signs of aging. Say no to simple carbohydrates – the sugar in cakes, cookies, candy, and sodas, which can cause insulin levels to rise and create inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation breaks down the collagen and elastin – the fibers that give skin its elasticity and strength. And if you’re a smoker, stop, or at least cut down. Smoking speeds up the normal aging process of the skin. The more you smoke the more wrinkled and leathery you will become.
The next best thing for your skin is sunscreen. A sunscreen containing titanium oxide will protect proteins in the skin, such as collagen, keratin and elastin, which are required for keeping skin smooth and healthy. Sunscreen also protects against harmful rays that can trigger a number of skin disorders and discoloration.
Lastly, our skin needs a moisturizer. As we age, our skin doesn’t produce new cells as quickly, therefore, it gradually becomes less elastic and prone to dryness. Finding the right moisturizer depends on skin type and the amount of money you want to spend. Many generic products offer the same benefits at a lower price. Read the labels and look for the product that best matches how you want it to perform.
So, before you run to the makeup counter to spend a week’s salary on skin products, try these simple and inexpensive ways to keep your skin looking the best it can be.