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Studies show that foods rich in polyphenols, the antioxidants found in green tea, berries and dark chocolate, can reverse or slow free radical damage. More chocolate? Yes, please.
Peptides
When collagen begins to break down in your skin as you age, your body produces specific types of peptides that trigger the production of more collagen. Research suggests that you can "trick" your body into producing more collagen by applying peptide-rich products directly to the skin.
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So, you slather yourself in SPF 50 sunscreen religiously and use the best anti-aging creams money can buy, but you're still lighting up? Every cigarette robs your skin of oxygen and vitamin C, and contributes to the formation of those telltale wrinkles that form around your mouth. P.S. Have you seen the price of a pack of smokes lately? According to DailyFinance.com, the average smoker spends about $1,500 a year on cigarettes. Replace that expensive habit with a healthier one: monthly facials!
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There are no magic bullets in anti-aging, but if you're looking for the oldest, most trusted and heavily researched anti-aging ingredient in skin care, you can find it in retinol. Retinol is basically any vitamin A derivative found in skin care products, and helps you shed dead skin cells more rapidly. Dr. Lancer recommends using retinol in varying intensities depending on your age and need, but warns that you should only apply at night as it makes your skin extra sensitive to sunlight. After age 40, it's generally safe to work up to using retinol up to four days a week.
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You may achieve the soft, radiant skin of a newborn with a great skin care regimen, but a set of coffee- and red-wine-stained teeth can age your appearance in an instant. You can whiten your teeth at home, but in-office whitening treatments from the dentist can give you pearly whites in about an hour, rather than several weeks.
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When applying skin care products, particularly eye creams, don't rub or smear the product into your skin. With your pinky or ring finger (they deliver the lightest touch) dot and pat the product around the treatment areas. Tension and pulling around the eyes can decrease elasticity, says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd.
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.
