Aging

• 

Taking care of your hands is usually one of the last things that come to mind when reducing aging.

Most of us focus on the face and neck, then end up realizing that we have been forgetting a noticeable element of our appearance. Our hands are always showing in almost everything we do.

When we start to get older, the skin on the surface of our hands starts to get thinner. The veins become much more prominent. In addition, sun spots (some call these age spots) will start to appear. Wrinkles and lines will also start to be visible. Each of these things will give the hands a much older appearance.

Let’s take a look at several key points that you should keep in mind when taking care of your hands:

1. Protect

First and foremost, you need to protect the skin on your hands from excess moisture, which can cause premature wrinkling.

Wear gloves if you are cleaning, washing dishes or gardening. The American Academy of Dermatologists reveals that hot water, cleansers and yard work will dry out the skin on the hands, causing them to wrinkle.

2. Exfoliate

Dead skin cells can build up on the hands, giving them a dry, wrinkled and cracked appearance.

Apply a mild exfoliator to the backs of your hands and around the cuticles to keep them smooth and free of flaking and peeling skin.

The best way to do this  is to use the leftover exfoliator that you have applied to your face, and rub it into your hands. Focus on the backs of the hands, around the nails and any dry or rough spots.

3. Moisturize

Since we cannot protect our hands from everything all of the time, our hands will still tend to become dry. This is especially true in the winter months, when the heat in our homes remove a lot of humidity in the air.

Always keep hand cream in your car, purse, desk, nightstand and anywhere that is easily accessible throughout the day.

If your hands are extremely dry and cracked, you can take an extra step. Apply a thick, deep penetrating lotion on the hands at night and cover with cotton gloves while you sleep.

Additionally, you can do a paraffin wax dip once a week to give your hands an extra boost of moisture. These machines are available at most department stores, or you can get the service performed at many salons or day spas in about 20 minutes.

4. Prevent

Taking care of your hands is also a way to prevent further sun damage from occurring. Sun damage causes hyperpigmentation and sun spots, as well as increases risks of skin cancer.

Always use a moisturizer that contains an SPF of 50 or higher and apply it often. Our hands are always exposed to the elements, so we need to be vigilant about caring for them.

5. Massage

Sometimes when we age, our fingernails will turn yellow or grey. They may lack the pink healthy tone from when we are younger.

This article suggests that massaging the hands and nails regularly, will prevent the fingernails from changing color and becoming brittle. 

Conclusion

Taking care of your hands doesn’t take much time or effort, but it can make a world of difference in your appearance. Aging hands can be a dead giveaway to how old you actually may be.

By taking a few simple steps on a regular basis, your hands won’t give away any tell tale signs. Keep people guessing about your true age.

For further reading, check out: If You Apply Your Makeup Wrong, You Can Add Years To Your Face – Over 50 and The Best Fruits And Vegetables For Making Facial Masks.

Image: Unsplash

Did you realize that if you apply your makeup wrong, you can actually make yourself look older?

Once we reach fifty years old, we have all started showing the signs of aging. Putting on a lot of makeup is not the right choice, when it comes to trying to look younger. This is the point where the old saying, “less is more” comes into play.

Adding thick and heavy, dark makeup will accentuate any lines and wrinkles that have developed over the years. A lighter and more natural application will help your skin look smoother and more youthful.

While keeping this in mind, let’s take a look at some important points to keep in mind the next time you visit the cosmetics counter:

Skin Care

First and foremost, you need to start at the beginning and treat your skin properly, prior to putting on your makeup.

Choose a cleanser that is formulated for your skin type. Always cleanse your face in the morning and at night to remove makeup and dead skin cells.

You may also want to consider using an exfoliating scrub once a week as well, to further remove dead skin cell build-up. When these dead cells are left on the skin’s surface, it can give the skin a dull appearance.

Follow up with a toner to balance the pH, then apply an eye cream and any serums that treat your specific skin needs. Once they have been absorbed, apply your moisturizer. Be sure to apply it to your neck and décolleté area as well, which is also prone to showing signs of aging.

Always follow up with a sunscreen, which will prevent further damage and will also slow down the aging process of the skin.

Foundation

Contrary to what some may think, a thick foundation will not cover fine lines and wrinkles. It actually accentuates them. A much better solution, is to apply a light BB Cream to your face. In addition, if you use one that has a “dewey” appearance, it will give the skin a younger looking glow.

If you have discoloration that you are concerned about, such as sun spots or redness, dab a little concealer on with a makeup sponge, prior to the BB Cream.

Powder

Avoid using loose powder to set your foundation. Powdered products will settle in the skin and will make wrinkles more noticeable.

This article recommends using a setting spray as an alternative. You can use it after you apply your makeup, before you walk out the door. You won’t have to worry about reapplying your makeup for the rest of the day.

Blush

When using blush, avoid the powdered type and choose a cream blush, instead. This will give the skin a fresher look and won’t accentuate fine lines on the cheeks. Just dab a little onto your cheekbones with your fingers and gently blend in an upward motion.

Eyeliner

Harsh, liquid liner is not the best choice for those of us over fifty. A softer, more natural look is much more flattering.

This article suggests that the best way to achieve this is to use an eyeliner pencil and make small dashes with it at the lashline. Next, take a short, stiff brush and smooth out the dashes to soften and blend the color.

Conclusion

Following the simple steps above will help you to not apply your makeup wrong. You can avoid making mistakes that will make you look older than you actually are. Once you develop a routine, it should be like second nature to implement these new habits and your skin will look youthful for many years to come.

You should also be mindful that you drink plenty of water. Doing so, not only is good for your overall health, but it also helps to plump up the skin and keep it looking younger.

For further reading, check out: Which Facial Exercises Should You Do To Maintain Firmer Skin? and The Best Fruits And Vegetables For Making Facial Masks.

That awkward moment, when you look in the mirror and you see your skin sagging. It seems like just yesterday that your face and neck were firm. Back then, you had no wrinkles and your skin looked youthful.

When the signs of aging start to show, it can be a frightening realization. But you shouldn’t be afraid of growing older. There is still time to improve the texture and elasticity of your skin, as well as prevent further sagging.

Incorporating the points below into your skin care routine, will help you have a more youthful appearance.

Let’s take a look at several easy ways to improve sagging skin on the face and neck:

Skin Products

Using the proper skin care products is a must, when treating your sagging skin. This article recommends using anti-oxidant serums, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and resveratrol. It also suggests using a product at night, which contains retinoids, to help stimulate the production of collagen.

Don’t forget to treat your neck and décolletage area, which is prone to signs of aging, as well.

Facial Exercises

Many of us are genetically predisposed to developing skin sagging around the mouth and nose area, also known as “jowls”. When this happens, we can look much older than we actually are.

This article suggests the “Yawn Exercise” to help reduce wrinkles, tighten loose skin on the neck, as well as tightening the jowl area.

To perform the exercise, slowly open your mouth as wide as you can, as if you were yawning. Slowly close your mouth for 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise three times. This yawning exercise will work best if performed three times a day.

Facial Massage

Regularly massaging the face will help to stimulate blood flow to the skin. When this happens, the skin is supplied with more oxygen, which feeds the facial muscles. It also increases the collagen production, making the skin more plump and youthful looking.

Another benefit of facial massage, is that it relaxes the muscles in the face. When we are stressed, a lot of the tension is held in the face, which can cause wrinkles and signs of aging.

Receiving facial massage, or doing it yourself with a facial brush or your fingers, will result in a reduction of wrinkles and tightening of the skin. You will notice less skin sagging if you receive facials on a regular basis.

Preventative Maintenance

Don’t forget about preventative measures as well. Be sure to wear a sunscreen of 30-50 SPF, along with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. This will prevent further damage from the sun.

You also should stay hydrated, by drinking plenty of water. Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, as well. Doing so, will keep your skin plump and it won’t be dry or flaky, which causes further wrinkling and skin sagging.

Conclusion

The key to looking younger and preventing sagging skin is consistency. Develop a regimen that is easy to follow and write it down. Keep all of your skin care products handy, so you can access them easily and put them to use.

You should also determine the times during the day that you will be able to regularly do your facial exercises. For example, you can schedule them during your nightly bath or while you are on your lunch break. If you pencil your facial exercises into your planner, you will be more likely to do them and get into the habit. Before you know it, it will be like second nature and will automatically become a part of your daily life.

For further reading, check out: 3 Reasons You May Look Unhappy When Looking In The Mirror and Which Facial Exercises Should You Do To Maintain Firmer Skin.

The term “safe cosmetic surgery” is somewhat of an oxymoron. In all reality, no surgery is technically “safe”. There are risks with every surgery, whether it is cosmetic or for other reasons.

In this day and age, many of the famous movie and television stars have all had some type of “work done”, to maintain their youthful appearance. This can give the general public the impression that plastic surgery is totally safe.

Often, people have put little thought into getting cosmetic surgery and they end up with a botched procedure or put their health at risk. This article reveals possible complications that can happen.

Let’s take a look at several of the most serious risks below:

Blood Loss from Cosmetic Surgery

Any type of surgery can cause a large amount of blood loss. When this happens, the great danger is an extreme drop in blood pressure. When this happens, it can lead to death. This type of bleeding can happen during the operation or afterward.

Infection from Cosmetic Surgery

One of the most common risks of cosmetic surgery is acquiring a post-op infection. According to this study, 1.1% to 2.5% of patients who have breast augmentations, become infected after surgery,

Blood Clots from Cosmetic Surgery

Another very serious complication of cosmetic surgery is the risk of blood clots.

When a blood clot forms, the patient can become at risk for a pulmonary embolism. This is where a blood clot that forms in the veins, breaks off and goes to the lungs. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to death.

Let’s take a look at several factors that you need to consider, before moving forward with any cosmetic surgery:

Do Your Research

The first thing you need to do is find a physician with which you feel comfortable performing your procedure.

Ask family and friends for recommendations and do your own research online. Don’t just take before and after photos on a website for granted. Look for reviews and ratings that describe the results that others have had with the same procedure you are considering.

Schedule A Consultation

Once you have found several cosmetic surgeons that you are considering, set up individual consultations with them. You can then go over your post-operative goals and how you want to look after it is healed.

Ask each doctor about their training and experience in the surgery you are looking for. You also need to look at before and after photos in the office.

Find out what preoperative testing you will need before the procedure.

Any potential risks should be discussed with each doctor. These risks should include everything from anesthesia risks to infection and anything in between.

This article recommends that you should also discuss recovery time, as well as physical limitations during recovery. Will it affect your professional or personal life for a long amount of time? This is necessary to find out prior to the operation.

Conclusion

The fact that there are a number of serious risks involved with cosmetic surgery, can make someone think twice before moving forward with it.

There are other alternatives to cosmetic surgery that can be very beneficial for changing your appearance without any invasive or dangerous procedures.

For instance, doing facial exercises on a regular basis can greatly improve sagging and wrinkled skin. The best part of facial exercise is you can do it almost anywhere at any time and doesn’t require any equipment. It is also free, unlike cosmetic surgery that can really break the bank.

If you want more details on how to look younger without cosmetic surgery, check out: Which Facial Exercises Should You Do To Maintain Firmer Skin? and Natural Anti-Aging Tips That Actually Work.

Have you ever felt unhappy when you look in the mirror? Often, as we age, we tend to get lower self esteem when we start to notice the signs of aging.

First, we may only see a few fine lines around our eyes or smile lines starting to appear. Gradually, as time goes on, these signs of aging are more significant, such as a sagging neck or deep forehead lines. We could also experience loose jowls and lip wrinkles around our mouth.

None of it is fun, but there are some simple things we can do for our skin that will help slow down the signs of aging.

Let’s take a closer look at how we can improve our appearance and feel better when we look in the mirror:

1. Crows Feet

Most of us are familiar with the fine lines that form on the outer part of our eyes. These are especially noticeable when smiling or laughing and will get deeper as the years go by.

To help combat this, make sure you wear sunglasses when going outdoors to prevent squinting. Also, wear a sunscreen of 30-50 SPF. This will help block the damaging ultraviolet rays from damaging the skin around your eyes and protect the rest of your face as well.

2. Skin Texture

The texture of our skin can be strongly affected by sun exposure , as well as our diet. If we tend to eat mainly processed foods, our skin color will appear dull and we could suffer from inflammation, such as breakouts or rosacea.

Eat a diet full of dark green, leafy vegetables as well as healthy fats, such as avocado and almonds. Avoid eating an abundance of sugar as well.

Not staying hydrated will also make the skin dry and lackluster. Be sure to drink plenty of water each day, at least two liters to be adequately hydrated. This will help plump up the skin and also flush the body of any toxins that have built up.

3. Loose Jowls and Sagging Neck

One sure way to firm loose jowls and a sagging neck are to to facial exercises on a regular basis.

The exercises are easy to do and can be performed almost anytime of the day. If you fit in ten minutes a day, you will be able to see an improvement in no time.

To tighten your jowls, keep your mouth in the closed position. Slightly separate your upper and lower teeth. Move upper jaw forward, while stretching your upper lip upward as far as possible, without opening your lips. Hold this position for five seconds and repeat ten times per day.

If you want to firm the loose skin on your neck, this easy exercise will help you. Simply look up, with your chin towards the ceiling. While doing this, slowly move your lower jaw forward, until you feel the skin start to tighten. Hold this position for five seconds and repeat it ten times per day.

Conclusion

Each of the above areas should be addressed if you want to improve your overall look and maintain a youthful appearance for as long as possible.

One of the biggest advantages, is that many of these remedies are natural and safe to do. The ability to find many of the ingredients in your pantry is also a bonus for convenience and overall safety.

If you practice these tips on a regular basis, you should be able to see an improvement in your skin’s texture, firmness and color within a few weeks. Develop a regular routine and stick to it and your friends will be asking what your secret is!

For further reading, check out: How To Apply Makeup For A More Youthful Appearance and How To Create The Perfect Skin Care Routine For You.

Image: Flickr

With all of the anti aging gimmicks that are on the market today, it can become confusing to find something that will actually work.

Obviously, there are some excellent serums, creams and other things that will help fight the signs of aging. But we need to take a look at some natural methods, that will do the trick as well.

By focusing on natural methods of anti aging, we can decrease the chance of an allergic reaction to products.

Let’s take a closer look at some natural anti aging tips that work:

Avoid The Sun

One of the easiest ways to slow down signs of aging is to stay out of the sun.

Even on cloudy days, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun will damage skin. This will cause fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and collagen. Sun damage will also appear on the skin as dark blemishes or freckles.

When going outdoors, wear a large brim hat and sunglasses. You should also protect the skin on your arms and legs to prevent sun exposure. Sitting in the shade is also a great alternative if you want to avoid direct exposure to the sun.

This article reveals a recipe for a natural sunscreen that you can make yourself.

Eat A Healthy Diet

As reported in this article, a diet high in green, leafy vegetables will keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

Kale, spinach and broccoli are just a few of the green vegetables you can choose from that are chock full of antioxidants and other anti-aging nutrients.

Stay Hydrated

Keeping your body well hydrated, will not only help your skin’s moisture level, but it will also keep your body from retaining water. When that happens, your face and body appear puffy and bloated. You will also get dark circles under the eyes.

An average adult should drink a minimum of eight, eight ounce glasses of water a day.

This article revealed that a study showed that dieters who drank 17 ounces (500 ml) of water before each meal lost 44% more weight over 12 weeks, compared to those who didn’t.

Ample Sleep

A doctor recommends that adults get seven to eight hours a night. When getting less than that, dark circles will appear under the eyes and the brain and body won’t work at optimal performance.

Facial Exercise

One of the easiest natural ways to promote anti-aging is to do facial exercises.

These exercises will tone and tighten the skin on the face and neck area. The best part, is that they can be done virtually anywhere at any time. Many people do the exercises while driving or in the shower.

These simple exercises can target specific areas of the face and neck. Find out more here.

Get Regular Exercise

Exercising on a regular basis will reduce inflammation in the body. It also increases the oxygen flow, which helps every part of the body work better. Your skin, heart, brain and other organs work most efficiently with an increase in regular oxygen levels.

Muscles will be more toned and weight is also managed with regular exercise, as well.

Conclusion

As you can see, taking care of yourself with natural means, is extremely beneficial and easy to do. The above guidelines have been in place for many years because they work.

If your lifestyle isn’t in line with the points mentioned above, start to get yourself on track by changing your eating and sleeping habits. Implement a regular exercise routine for your face and your body as a whole. Always remember to stay out of the sun.

For further reading, check out: How To Create The Perfect Skin Care Routing For You and What Sugar Does To Make You Look Older.

Image: Flickr