Have you reached the age where you simply don't want to look even one day older? Or have you already passed that point? Could you use some help reversing the aging that's already taken place? Wherever you may be in your anti-aging journey the following tips will help get you where you'd like to be: BRUSH YOUR FACE.
I know this is going to sound kooky, but stay with me, because it really works.
Get yourself a soft bristle toothbrush.
(A new one, not one you've used on your teeth!) Wet your face and apply your favorite cleanser.
Wet the brush with warm water.
You may want to add a dash of cleanser to it to help it glide over your skin more easily.
Brush your face in small circles, clockwise, then counter clockwise, starting with the chin, then around your mouth, concentrating especially on the nasolabial folds (laugh lines).
Move up, and work on the cheeks.
After that, GENTLY work on the area under the eyes brushing in an arc (not circles) from the outer edge of your eye area, moving in toward the bridge of the nose.
This motion works against the formation of "crows feet.
" You'll want to be careful in this area, because the skin is delicate.
Brush just firmly enough to feel it.
Next move up to your forehead, brushing clockwise and counterclockwise, focusing on any spots where you have lines, especially between the eyebrows.
Do your neck as well.
You can brush in circles, or straight up and down.
Afterwards, BE SURE TO MOISTURIZE.
The brushing exfoliates, stimulates collagen production, and brings blood to the surface of the skin carrying nutrients with it.
Do this regularly, a few times a week, and your face will soon become smoother, more even toned and younger.
MOISTURIZE WITH FOOD GRADE EXTRA-VIRGIN COCONUT OIL.
You may be leery of applying oil to your face, especially if you have a tendency to break out.
But don't worry, extra virgin coconut oil has antibacterial properties, so it actually minimizes breakouts.
It's also excellent for rejuvenating the skin all over the body.
Not only does it penetrate effectively, nourishing the deeper layers, it also gently exfoliates the top layer without drying the skin.
Apply it at night, after you brush your face.
Pat the excess off with a paper towel or tissue.
In just a couple of weeks you'll begin to glow.
Use it regularly and it will moisturize, strengthen your skin's connective tissues, and fade discolorations, taking years off your face.
TAKE OMEGA-3s.
Omega-3s have a host of health benefits.
They're great for your heart and your brain, but take them every day and they'll also help your skin look younger.
Omega-3 derived from fish oil is a combination of two essential fatty acids that reduce inflammation and moisturize the skin from the inside out.
These essential fatty acids help maintain the structure and fluidity of cell membranes and they also help regulate proper circulation of nutrients within the cells.
According to anti-aging specialist Dr.
Nicolas Perricone, taking Omega-3 fatty acid capsules increases skin's radiance.
ADD UNFLAVORED GELATIN TO YOUR DIET.
Gelatin is derived from the collagen of animals.
When you add it to your diet, it goes into your bloodstream and from there to your connective tissues, including your skin.
I discovered this benefit accidentally, while taking it for a joint injury.
After a few weeks, I noticed that the faint laugh lines I combat with skin brushing and moisturizing were even less noticeable.
After about 3 months, they were completely gone! I recommend adding it your morning drink.
It's sold in packs in the baking section of the supermarket.
Dissolve it in a little cold water, then add your coffee or tea and stir.
It adds no taste, but drinking it will keep your skin smooth and firm.
DRINK GREEN TEA.
Green tea is considered a "super food" due to its high level of antioxidants.
Rich in EGCG (epigallocatechin 3 gallate), green tea combats free radicals that contribute to aging.
Recent studies have shown that drinking green tea protects the body from sun damage.
Since sun exposure is one of the primary causes of skin aging, green tea is a wonderful addition your anti-aging arsenal.
To get the benefits, you'll need to drink 3 cups per day.
(A cup is 8oz.
) Drink it in the morning, because it contains caffeine, which can disrupt sleep if consumed too close to bedtime.
WEAR A HAT.
I'm sure you already use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
If you don't, you definitely need to do that if you're trying to prevent aging.
Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat as well.
Sunscreen is excellent, but adding a hat with a 3 to 5 inch brim gives you even more protection.
If you make it a habit not to go out without a sun hat, you'll age much more slowly.
The sun is one of the biggest contributors to aging.
(If you're skeptical, note the difference between the skin on your butt, presuming you're not a nudist, and the skin anywhere else.
) Any time your skin is exposed to sunlight the clock is ticking forward.
Yes, sunscreen helps, but it doesn't block it completely.
Do your face a favor, add a hat and bolster your defense.
If you're consistent in applying these six suggestions, you'll find yourself delighted to be growing younger instead of older.
Be sure to carry ID with you, though, because you may need it to prove your real age.