While we may not be able to change our actual birth date, it is possible to turn back the proverbial hands of time in several other ways. Most people would give their eye teeth to erase fine lines and wrinkles as well as firm up sagging skin, the question is how to do it and how much will it cost. There are actually many things that can be done in the privacy of our own home that are proven to erase many of those pesky tell-tale signs of aging. Even better, each tip mentioned in this article comes with little to no price tag, and merely amounts to certain tweaks that can be implemented into a person’s daily routine.

Create Your Fountain of Youth by Changing Your Diet

Increase your daily intake of Omega 3 and 6-fatty acids. This type of supplementation is better for you when it comes from natural sources such as olive oil, ground flax seed, and certain fish such as salmon. However, essential fatty acids that come in the form of fish oil supplements are a convenient way of helping to meet your daily requirement. Adding this supplement to your diet will help to protect the moisture barrier; the outermost layer of skin that that helps to retain moisture. As we age; however, this protective moisture barrier becomes thin, resulting in dry skin.

Create Your Fountain of Youth by Drinking Water 

Water is a primary building block of life, and is vital in all its forms. Water is necessary for tissue growth, muscle elasticity and organ health. A typical rule of thumb where water is concerned is to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses daily for a total of 64 ounces or one gallon each day. Drinking a gallon of water each day is a good start for the average person, but athletes and people who work out on a regular basis should increase their water intake to compensate for hydration loss due to perspiration. Green tea and coffee may be included in your 64-ounce daily intake; however, be sure these drinks are decaffeinated. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation as it can rob the body of essential hydration. Red wine, while loaded with certain antioxidants, can also potentially dilate blood vessels, which can contribute to a certain type of skin inflammation called rosacea that tends to strike women in midlife. Also, be sure to drink at least two glasses of water for each caffeinated beverage you drink.

Create Your Fountain of Youth by Limiting Sun Exposure

Most dermatologists agree that prolonged exposure to sunlight is the number one cause of premature aging of the skin. Repeated sun exposure can potentially rob the skin of collagen, which provides the skin with its elasticity. As a result, most women experience a jawline that droops and is wrinkled. A loss of collagen can also result in discoloration of the skin, as well as creates a rough texture. Aside from the cosmetic havoc that ultra-violet rays can wreak, prolonged sun exposure can also cause serious health issues such as skin cancers. Remember, you may look stunning with that St. Tropez suntan when you are in your teens and 20s, but your skin will look like a leather bag by the time you reach your 50s.

Sunblock is the single most important “cosmetic” you can have in your pocketbook. If you wear a foundation without a built-in sunscreen, be sure that is the first thing you put on your face before heading into the great outdoors. Not only will you keep premature aging at bay, but you will also keep it protected from serious diseases. It is much better to use a self-tanner, or a darker foundation for the sun-kissed glow you are trying to achieve, as this is the safest way to do so.

Create Your Fountain of Youth by Using Retinoids

Countless anti-aging products line the shelves of your local drugstore. Finding one that actually works, however, can feel like a lifelong task. The rule of thumb when choosing a topical skin care product is to make sure it contains retinoids. Retinoids are derived from Vitamin A and have been clinically proven to increase collagen production and cell turnover, as well as unclog pores and stimulate blood vessels. As a result of its use, your skin will be less oily reducing the number of acne breakouts.

Create Your Fountain of Youth by Choosing Cosmetic Procedures that Encourage Skin Regeneration

Exfoliation in the form of facial masks or microdermabrasion can help to make the skin appear brighter. Chemical peels are also safe for the skin, as they can stimulate collagen production and promote a clear and healthy complexion.

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