"Every day, you make decisions that will profoundly affect the future of your skin," states leading skin care expert Dr. Jeannette Graf. Simply put, she says, you can take control of how you age.
Skin aging occurs naturally as you get older. This genetic process, known as "intrinsic aging," involves loss of skin thickness and elasticity, the deepening of facial expression lines, and the development of fine wrinkles. Many factors such as ultraviolet rays, cigarette smoke, repeated facial movements, and unhealthy foods also contribute to the signs of aging and poor skin health.
Combining the right treatment regimen, habits, and diet will do wonders for your skin's health. Dr. Graf says your skin needs nutrients, hydration, protection, and good habits to achieve that smooth, radiant feel.
1. THE RIGHT TREATMENT REGIMEN
Your skin takes a beating from the sun and pollutants. Pollution can cause damage, but Dr. Graf calls the sun "public enemy number one" of your skin. Ultraviolet rays from the sun penetrate your skin and destroy collagen, elasticity, and pigmentation, leaving lines, wrinkles, freckles, and sagging skin.
To protect your skin from the environment, look for a good skin treatment regimen that consists of regular exfoliation, hydration, irritation reduction, and antioxidants (Latona, Valerie. "4 Steps to Healthier Skin." Shape, Sept. 2002, p. 56). Good moisturizers help your skin absorb water and provide sunscreen protection. For acne and blemishes, products containing salicylic or alphalipoic acid can work wonders. Aloe and chamomile soothe the skin. Antioxidants like those found in vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea, and grapeseed extract provide great protection against free radicals.
2. THE RIGHT HABITS
Your skin suffers from mechanical aging even when you're not in the sun. Dr. Graf recommends changing some basic habits. Try not to squint, don't drink through straws, and keep your hands away from your face. Stay conscious of how often you frown, furrow your brow, or purse your lips. These repeated movements wear out the skin and cause lines and wrinkles. With a bit of effort you can eliminate habits that cause mechanical aging and start better habits that preserve the suppleness of your skin.
3. THE RIGHT DIET
The right diet isn't just about eating healthy foods—it's also about vitamin and mineral supplementation. Nutritional studies show how important the right foods and a daily supplement are for healthy skin.
Dr. Nicholas Perricone, author of The Wrinkle Cure, recommends an anti-inflammatory diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and plenty of fish. "By altering the way we eat," he says, "we can control and eliminate inflammation." Inflammation speeds the formation of wrinkles and other signs of aging. It is your body's natural response to troubled tissue. However, healthy eating can ensure that this normal process is not overly active. According to nutrition educator Mary Meck Higgins, fish contributes fatty acids that help protect the skin from sun damage ("The Good Skin Diet." Bella, Jan/Feb 2003, p. 14). Studies show that people who enjoy beautiful skin later in life have often kept to diets high in fish and other anti-inflammatory foods. Look for nutrients like vitamin A (egg yolks, nonfat milk), beta-carotene (dark-colored produce), B vitamins (poultry, fish), vitamin C (strawberries, cantaloupe), vitamin E (salmon, extra-lean meat), selenium (wheat germ, whole grains), and zinc (seafood, soybeans) in the foods you eat.
Imagine—smooth, clear, radiant skin. The right decisions now will make all the difference in your skin's future. When you take control with the right skin treatment regimen, habits, and diet, your skin can look beautiful for years to come.
Tegreen 97®:
Super Defense
Tegreen 97®—the super antioxidant product from Pharmanex—can be a champion for your skin. A study showed that polyphenol antioxidants in Tegreen 97®, topically applied or taken as a supplement, can help defend your skin against free radical damage and ultraviolet rays. Additionally, it helps to promote healthy collagen and elastin integrity. Adding Tegreen 97® to your skin care regimen may lessen the effects of age-related skin damage.*
Look for Nu Skin® and Pharmanex® products that contain Tegreen 97®
Nu Skin
Dividends™ Shave Cream
Dividends™ Aftershave Balm
Dividends™ Antiperspirant Deodorant
Pharmanex
Tegreen 97®
LifePak Prime®
LifePak® Prostate Formula
LifePak Women®
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.