The following information is just what you need to get the skin you've
always wanted, no matter what your
age.
Limit Intense Sun Exposure
Exposing your skin to intense sunlight for an extended period of time
may result in sunburn,which you always want to avoid. Sunburned skin
is more susceptible to damage and may age more quickly. During the
hottest hours of the day, typically this is between 10 a.m. and 2p.m.,
be sure to limit your sun exposure by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or
other protective clothing, particularly during the summer months.
Using sunscreen is not a good way to limit your sun exposure; in fact,
sunscreen is one of the LAST things you want to put on your body.
Sunscreen is a toxic chemical that can cause problems in your system
and increase your risk of disease.
Remember that sunlight is not something to be avoided. You need
sunlight in order to stay healthy. The key is to gradually build up
your resistance to the sun by going out slowly in the
beginning of the season, perhaps 10 minutes at a time to start, and
always avoid getting burned.
Avoid "Yo-Yo" Dieting
A recurrent cycle of gaining and losing weight will cause your skin to
stretch and become less elastic. As you age, this loose skin will be
more prone to sagging and wrinkles simply by the force of gravity.
However, remaining overweight will also contribute to older looking
skin, as excess fat can accumulate around your chin, neck and cheeks
as you age. Maintaining your ideal weight will keep your skin firm and
If you need to lose weight, my book, The Total Health Program, can
help you to keep the weight off for good.
Coconut Oil
Using virgin coconut oil as you would any lotion is an ideal way to
rejuvenate skin. Not only does it prevent the formation of damaging
free radicals and protect against them, but also it can help to keep
the skin from developing liver spots and other blemishes caused by
aging and overexposure to sunlight.
Coconut oil keeps the skin's connective tissues strong and supple,
which helps to prevent sagging and wrinkles, and in some cases it
might even restore damaged or diseased skin.
Coconut oil will not only bring temporary relief to the skin, but it
will aid in healing and repairing, unlike most lotions.
The coconut oil can help bring back a youthful appearance to your
skin by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin
smoother. The skin will become more evenly textured with a healthy
"shine." And the coconut oil will penetrate into the deeper layers of
the skin and strengthen the underlying tissues.
Naturally, you need to choose a high-quality coconut oil that is free
of chemicals and is not bleached or hydrogenated, all of which can
irritate your skin, if you want to experience the
maximum healing effects. My team and I here researched coconut oil
extensively until we found the ideal source--one that is certified
organic and made from the freshest coconuts. I now highly recommend
and offer you what is clearly the premier brand of virgin coconut oil
in the United States, Tropical Traditions.
If you decide to use another brand of virgin coconut oil, be sure it
meets these requirements.
Relax Your Facial Muscles
If you frown (or smile broadly) often, over time lines will form where
the muscles tend to contract. Try to become aware of any tense muscles
in your face and make a conscious effort to relax them.
Similarly, sleeping on your face may cause wrinkles to appear over
time because of the continuous pressure and pulling of your facial
skin. Try sleeping on your back or varying your sleeping positions so
that you don't create permanent creases in your skin.
Get Plenty of Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to healthy skin, but unfortunately
most people are seriously deficient. Making sure you get enough
omega-3 in your diet, by taking fish oil or cod liver oil regularly,
will help to keep your skin looking vibrant, young and healthy.
Omega-3 fats help to normalize skin lipids and prevent dehydration in
the cells. This keeps skin cells strong and full of moisture, which
can help to decrease the appearance of fine lines. Fatty acid
deficiency can manifest in a variety of ways, but skin problems such
as eczema, thick patches of skin, and cracked heels are common. Plus,
omega-3 fats may have an anti-inflammatory effect that can help to
calm
irritated skin, giving you a clear, smooth complexion.
Aside from taking a high-quality fish oil or krill oil, you can also
indulge in delicious, omega-3-packed Vital Choice salmon--the only
fish I'll now eat. Although I don't recommend eating most commercial
fish due to mercury contamination, the Vital Choice brand of salmon,
which comes from the cold, pristine waters of Alaska, proved to
contain less than .1ppm of mercury and no other toxins when we had it
lab tested. If you choose to eat fish from another source, please be
sure it has been independently lab-tested and found to be safe to eat.
Avoid Cigarette Smoke
Whether you smoke yourself or are around people who do, cigarette
smoke exposes you to damaging free radicals that will accelerate the
aging process by damaging the microcapillaries in the skin. This
limits the skin's ability to absorb nutrients, which accelerates
wrinkling and aging.
Antioxidants, such as those found in fresh vegetables and fruit like
organic blueberries, can help to fight free-radical damage and will
naturally promote healthy, young-looking skin. A diet with plenty of
vegetables will also provide plenty of micronutrients and
antioxidants, which will limit damage from the sun and accelerate the
skin's repair processes.