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"Free radicals thrive in acidic environments, which increases cell oxidation, one of the root causes of aging," says Dr. Lancer. Drinking ionized water from a filter or ionizer can help maintain the alkaline pH in your body. Ross Bridgeford, author of "The Alkaline Diet Recipe Book," recommends starting slowly by drinking mild alkaline water for two weeks, slowly increasing the pH level. (The pH of tap water typically ranges from 6.0 to 8.4 pH; ionized water ranges from 8.4 to 9.4 pH.)
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Adding fresh-pressed juices to your diet can significantly increase your Vitamin C intake (see C). "Higher vitamin C intakes are associated with a lower likelihood of a wrinkled appearance, whereas increased fat and carbohydrate intakes increase the likelihood of a wrinkled appearance," says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. Not into green juices? Just eat your fruits and veggies.
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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.
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.
