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Dark green vegetables such as kale contain high levels of vitamins and minerals. "In addition to being a great base for a healthy diet, these vitamins and minerals aid collagen production and help the skin cells to reproduce and repair themselves," says Dr. Lancer.
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A happy hour cocktail or glass of wine here and there won't do extreme damage to your skin, but regular consumption can speed up the signs of aging. Alcohol dehydrates your skin, dilating pores and causing inflammation. Booze also depletes your body of vitamin A, which is vital to the cell turnover process that keeps your skin looking young.
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A daily moisturizer is a must for all skin types. Your daytime moisturizer should have broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Dr. Heidi Waldorf, a New York-based dermatologist, says the most effective sunscreens contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or avobenzone. And don't neglect often-overlooked areas like the backs of your of hands and your neck and elbows.
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Most of us spend back-to-back hours frowning or squinting at a computer screen every day. These repetitive facial expressions end up carving lines into our faces between the eyebrows and along the mouth (aka marionette lines). To break up the repetition, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, focus on a location 20 feet away for 20 seconds to relax your face and eyes.
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Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most important essential fatty acids (see E) for regulating moisture in your skin. "When cells are plump and hydrated, skin is softer, less wrinkled and has a healthy glow," says Dr. Lancer. Add these to your diet by eating more fish or taking daily fish oil supplements.
You know those stories about the latest, greatest breakthroughs and research into anti-aging -- the ones that make you feel like you need a masters degree in chemistry, biology and dermatology to understand? This isn't one of them. Because creating an amazing anti-aging skin care regimen isn't about knowing every nuance behind the science of anti-aging. It's about distilling all of the research and how-to tips out there into a plan that suits you -- a plan that fits your life and your unique skin care needs.
Consider this your elementary guide to youthful, wrinkle-free and radiant skin. It's as easy as A-B-C.
Consider this your elementary guide to youthful, wrinkle-free and radiant skin. It's as easy as A-B-C.
