Famous French designer Coco Chanel started the tanning ritual in 1920. While sailing aboard an aristocrat's yaught she got a suntan. By the 1940's tanned skin was very fashionable and shown off by celebrities wearing bathing suits in their pin-up posters.

Although small amounts are necessary to metabolize vitamin D, we discovered that the risks far outweigh the benefits of long term sun exposure.

While losing some elasticity and muscle tone are a natural part of the aging process, wrinkles are a sign of external aging factors that you can avoid for the most part. Here are the top 5 Contributors to Wrinkles & Aging:

#1 Risk to Aging is UV Radiation due to Sun Exposure & Tanning Beds - Years of sunbathing damages the collagen, elastin and matrix of the skin creating excessive wrinkling and sagging.

#2 Cause = Cigarettes - 1st & 2nd Hand Smoke. Each puff off of a cigarette creates so many free radicals that the body's built in defense mechanism is helpless to combat them. Free radicals damage cell components and their ability to reproduce healthy cells.

#3 Cause = Drugs & Alcohol - Long-term use of alcohol, prescription and/or recreational drugs creates oxidative stress.

#4 Cause = Food; Processed, Deep fried, Charbroiled, Rancid Fats, Microwaved. Consistent unhealthy food choices create oxidative stress and break down the body's ability to repair itself.

#5 Cause = Stress & Anxiety - a stressful lifestyle creates inflammation in the body and oxidative stress.

What are Free Radicals & Oxidative Stress?

Free radicals are unstable oxygen atoms that cause damage to all parts of the cell. This cellular damage accelerates aging and creates disease in the body. Not being able to reproduce healthy cells the skin's cellular matrix is broken down, collagen fibers become inflexible and deep furrows appear in the skin as wrinkles and sagging.

This damage does not stop with the skin. Eventually it leads to damage to the organs and then to the body's systems creating one or more of a multitudes of diseases.

The bottom line is...healthy cells maintain a healthy body. We each have a natural defense mechanism in place within the body to neutralize free radical formation by producing a variety of Antioxidants. Oxidative Stress takes place when free radicals exceed the body's defense mechanism and supply of antioxidants.

Reduce your risk of disease by supporting your body's natural defense system.

Top 5 Steps for Healthier & More Vibrant Skin:

1. Drink plenty of water, include colorful, fresh veggies and fruits daily, and practice moderation when it comes to eating foods that create free radicals.

2. Take B Complex vitamins to help relieve stress.

3. Include Vitamin E to protect the cell membrane and oil-soluble parts of the cell.

4. Take Vitamin C regenerates Vit E and protects the water-soluble parts of the cell.

5. Take Coenzyme Q10 to protect the mitochondria - energy production center of the cell.

With some conscious changes and healthy additions you can ward off accelerated aging and look as young on the outside as you feel on the inside!

Written by award-winning inner & outer beauty expert, Linda Bertaut. To sign up for her FREE how-to articles and ezine, visit http://www.FaceOptions.com

Bio:
Award-winning beauty expert, Linda Bertaut is an esthetician, Reiki master teacher, make-up & image consultant who specializes in bringing inner beauty to the surface. Linda's real passion is empowering people to find their true inner beauty, resulting in a transformation from the inside out. "True beauty comes from knowing who you are, and expressing yourself authentically to the world." is Linda's philosophy.

Linda founded http://www.FaceOptions.com Mineral Cosmetics in 2000 as part of her beauty business, Bertaut Beauty. With over 20 years experience in the beauty industry her products, seminars and retreats are enabling others to realize their true inner beauty as well as unlock their incredible potential to live their best lives.

Linda's Other Products on http://www.BertautBeauty.com
Mood Bar - Aromatherapy Mists and Herbal Elixirs to soothe and lift the spirits naturally. Bertaut Reiki Training to create peace of mind and reduce stress & anxiety. Workshops & Inner & Outer Beauty Retreats to know yourself and follow your unique life path.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Bertaut

There is a gene within our bodies that protects us from cancer, but there is new research that finds it may also delay aging. The gene is p53, or Protein 53 and there are hopes that new drugs will one day prevent cancer and extend youth and lifespan as it is a tumor suppressor. P53 is known as the “guardian angel gene” and has many anti-cancer mechanisms.

The study included genetically engineered mice with an extra copy of p53 that was strictly regulated by another, to turn on only when required; researchers found it played a huge role in delaying aging. In past cancer research, p53 caused premature aging because it was not regulated. The gene’s function is to produce a protein that kills cancer cells, hence stopping the formation of tumors.

The researchers concluded that mice with the extra copy of p53 lived 16% longer. As long as this gene is functioning properly, damaged or cancer cells destroy themselves thereby avoiding cell division causing tumors.

Still, the right balance is necessary and requires further study to prevent any harmful effects. While there are chemical compounds developed that boost p53, they are being tested for anti-cancer and anti-aging.

Recent studies also showed that p53, when stimulated by sunlight leads to tanning. There are some people with a rare condition, who inherit only one functional copy of the p53 gene and are therefore predisposed to cancer and often develop many tumors in early adulthood. But, there are mutations in p53 that are found in most tumor types which contribute to the chain of events leading to tumor formation.

In the meantime, we can only hope that new findings and new studies will show conclusive results in both preventing cancer and anti-aging, possibly increasing our lifespan by 16%, as it did with laboratory mice.

As we age everything about us slows down and our bodies stiffen i.e. both the joints and the muscles. We tire faster, our bodies don’t repair themselves as quickly as when we were younger, our metabolism slows, etc. One thing always discussed is exercise. Everyone needs to exercise as it helps with the, well, everything. It seems no one really stresses the importance of “stretching”. Before any workout at all, specialists always insist upon it but even if you skip the exercise always stretch.

It is clear as day that many mature adults’ bodies become less flexible where they can’t turn their heads equally to each side, or reach far enough to comb their hair or wash their backs. More often than not it is related to a lack of stretching, or movement. With your doctor’s consent of course, you should begin as soon as possible. Almost everyone starts their day with a quick extending of the arms before getting out of bed; just take it a few steps further:

• Stand with legs straight, (first with legs together and then apart) and reach for the stars;
• From there, with legs apart and arms extended, reach to each side;
• Whether in standing position or sitting down with legs extended try to touch your toes (you’ll notice within days you will reach further with less bend in your knees;
• With arm over your head, bent at the elbow, use your opposite hand to help push elbow back thus stretching tricep and extending your reach to shoulder blades;
• tilt your head side to side keeping your shoulder in same position or pushing downward;
• turn your head side to side several times slowly
• hold your hands at chest level with arms extended reaching forward (with arms only, not bending forward) thus loosening shoulder muscles;
• try to grasp your hands together behind your back and hold it for a few moments; if you are having trouble with this exercise, don’t worry, a little more stretch each day will help until you can.

Flexibility is a given to babies and the young. As we age, we have to stretch to maintain our flexibility and our independence. Independence, you say? Yes. If we can’t move enough to wash ourselves or comb our hair, then we depend on someone to help us with daily life. Flexibility allows us to walk properly, and walking properly exhibits a youthful flair.

These tips about Free Radical and Oxidation are a beginning to a healthier body. Stop aging further by following this advice.

Avoid the Sun!!! Exposure to the sun will age you dramatically. Free Radicals are generated by the sun’s UV rays, thereby breaking down collagen and causing fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores.

Of course, we all live in the real world and obviously can’t turn into creatures of the night so use SUNSCREEN. Even if you are walking to the corner store, use sunscreen. Better yet, purchase some moisturizer that contains a minimum of 15 SPF and kill two birds with one stone. You will easily find these products in all price ranges. If you are going to be outdoors for a long time or going to the beach, use a sunscreen of at least 30 and more if you are concerned with your health and appearance and don't forget to reapply as directed.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day or 2 litres. Water will cleanse your body and your skin, of course. By the time you become thirsty, your body has already begun dehydrating, “stealing” the moisture from your skin. Drink more water if you are sweating from heat or exercise.

Reduce alcohol intake! Alcohol is terrible for your skin, as well as causing other health problems. Too much alcohol can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, it dehydrates your body and adds pounds. We are not suggesting that you never have a drink ever, just don’t overdo.

Relax. Stress triggers free radicals by speeding oxidation so learn to relax. Take a walk, do some exercise, meditate, take a bath or whatever does it for you. Brew a cup of tea… it’s full of antioxidants.

One of the key elements to anti-aging is to reduce Free Radicals and Oxidation

Free radicals and Anti-Oxidants can be a bit complicated for each of us to fully comprehend. The simplest explanation is as follows: they are the chemical result of too much stress, pollution, sunlight and other factors; and they are also the natural by-product of your body’s use of oxygen (know as oxidation). As our bodies use oxygen, the cells produce by-products or Free Radicals which cause damage and are key factors in signs of aging.

Anti-oxidants help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from further damage, hence slowing the aging process. They are the nutrients in our foods that slow or prevent the oxidative damage to our body. There are several health problems related to oxidative damage such as: heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, to name but a few. In clinical studies, anti-oxidants have been found to enhance immune defense, possibly lowering the risk of cancer.

Here are some anti-oxidant vitamins that can potentially counter the effects of certain environmental assaults that trigger free radicals:

Vitamin C will do wonders for your skin’s appearance by removing toxins from your body. It is especially important to take Vitamin C if you are a smoker for health reasons and, it will diminish the gray undertone from your skin. Citrus fruits such as oranges etc, broccoli, green peppers, tomatoes, strawberries and green leafy vegetables are very rich in Vitamin C and must be added to every diet in order to stay healthy and young.

Note: Studies have shown that topical products (like creams, lotions) enriched with Vitamin C have a better effect on improving the appearance of the skin than when ingested. Topical application of Vitamin C is believed to increase the production of collagen, reducing damage caused by free radicals and finally improving skin texture.

Vitamin E is very highly recommended. It will truly reduce fine lines. Remember fine lines become deep wrinkles. Vitamin E can be found in nuts and seeds, whole grains, vegetable and liver oil and green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin A / Carotenoids are very important to your diet. These can be found in carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, cantaloupe, squash, peaches, apricots, kale, and all brightly colored fruits and vegetables.

Other foods that contain anti-oxidants such as: fish & shellfish, red meat, eggs, garlic, chicken, grains, watermelon, soy, cranberries, red grapes, red wine, pomegranate, tea, pink grapefruit, spinach, kiwi, brussel sprouts, oatmeal, flax seed, rye, corn.

It is recommended that you ingest these as foods instead of as supplements; however, in these busy times we don’t always have the luxury of cooking and preparing the foods we need to eat. So, if you can’t eat it, take it.


AntiAging Home

Quit Smoking!

It can't be said enough. Within one month of quitting this disgusting, dangerous (and expensive) and smelly habit, you will notice the color of your skin change: there will be a healthier glow about you. Smoking makes our skin gray. When we are young, we don't see the dangers. Many won't quit smoking regardless of the health-related issues that may arise, nor do we suspect that smoking actually ages us significantly. Besides that, as we age, it also creates unsightly wrinkles around our mouths from all the puffing. So, if you can't quit for health reasons, but you have concerns about your appearance, then at least quit for the benefit of your skin. Anti-aging and smoking really don't go together.

Anti-aging begins with what we ingest or put in our bodies, i.e. smoking, pollution, toxins, etc. So if you want to slow the aging process, start by one of the most important factors: QUIT SMOKING! and try to avoid places where you are around other smokers. The oxidants in cigarettes are speeding up the aging process significantly and therefore your anti-aging fight is weakened by smoking and by second-hand smoke.

The statistics prove just how dangerous tobacco smoking is, increasing your chances of cancer, emphysema, etc. Exposure to second-hand smoke is just as dangerous. There are so many ways to quit and so many out there willing to help. Everyone is different and not all can tolerate the effects of nicotine withdrawal cold turkey, so luckily, there are many options available. One great method is the nicotine patch or nicorette gum which supply you with some nicotine to ease the stress of withdrawal. Another method with favorable results is hypnotherapy. Talk to your doctor to see which is right for you.

I tried the patch but I didn't like the side-effects so I switched to the gum. It really helped a lot. If you've tried the gum in the past and couldn't deal with the taste, give it another try as they have improved it: it tastes better and is chewier so your jaw doesn't hurt. Finding: my skin looked so much better, the grayish tone made way for a rosy glow and the circles under my eyes were not as apparent.

Whatever you choose, remember that aging is easy and anti-aging requires some sacrifice.