AGE DEFYING COSMETICS

AGE DEFYING COSMETICS   image source:ladycodeblog.com   Best Anti-Aging Makeup The blush of youth is one thing. But can makeup with retinol, antioxidants, soy, and other anti-agers turn back the clock? "It's a good way to round out what you're already doing with your skin-care routine," says Chicago dermatologist Amy Derick, M.D. In other words, pair an anti-aging cosmetic with your favorite serum or cream, and you'll be delivering a one-two punch to your wrinkles, age spots, and more. Dr. Derick is quick to note the best age fighter around is sunscreen, common in many of the latest cosmetics. And while it takes consistent, prolonged use of almost any treatment product (at least four weeks, derms agree) to produce results, most multitasking makeup delivers an instant youth-restorer as well: reflective particles that bounce and scatter light so fine lines and imperfections look less obvious (call it the candlelight effect). Of course, how you apply it matters as much as what you're applying. Here are the best tips for your personal complexion concerns. Your Concern: Dryness What the derms say: Nothing accentuates fine lines like parched skin, but dryness is easy to remedy. Look for a foundation that contains humectants, or moisturizers known for their ability to absorb and hold on to moisture from the air, says New York City dermatologist David Colbert, M.D. He's a fan of glycerin as well as hyaluronic acid, a substance that's naturally in our skin and that he calls a "super humectant," given that the molecule can retain up to a thousand times its weight in water. "The idea is to retain as much moisture as possible, especially since foundation can otherwise make skin look masklike," he says. And if you're really dry, avoid any base that contains salicylic acid, because the exfoliator sweeps away skin's natural oils, says Dr. Derick. What the makeup artist says: Before you scan a package for any of the above ingredients, see whether the word "matte" appears anywhere on it. If so, move on to the next candidate, says makeup artist Kimara Ahnert, owner of studios in Greenwich, CT, and New York City. "A matte finish highlights dryness," she explains. Instead, try MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear SPF10 Foundation ($29.50, department stores) or, for sheerer coverage, Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($32, Sephora); both hydrate with hyaluronic acid. Skip powder foundations, concealers, blushes, and bronzers, too; unless it's specially formulated, powder can easily sink into and emphasize lines. How to get gorgeous? You can head off a lot of your most common beauty concerns simply by downing the right foods. That's right—eating well not only does wonders for your waistline and bolsters your immune system but can also provide some very real get-gorg benefits, such as smoothing wrinkles, giving hair a glossy shine and strengthening flimsy nails. "Your diet directly affects your day-to-day appearance and plays a significant role in how well you age," says Joshua Zeichner, MD. The smart approach, Dr. Zeichner says, is to create a plan that includes what he calls "the building blocks of healthy skin and hair"—nutrients, minerals and fatty acids—as well as antioxidants to protect your body from damaging environmental stresses. Get ready to nab some beauty-boosting perks by tossing these essential face-saving edibles into your grocery cart. 11 Foods That Can Help You Look Younger Aging is a natural part of life that can’t be avoided. However, the foods you eat can help you age better, both inside and out. Here are 11 foods that can help you look younger. 1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest fats on earth. Research has shown that it may help prevent many common diseases associated with aging. It lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart disease, helps prevent metabolic syndrome and may be effective in fighting cancer (1, 2, 3, 4). Olive oil may also help your skin look younger. Animal and lab studies suggest it has strong anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and may protect it from sun damage (5). Additionally, nearly 73% of olive oil consists of monounsaturated fat, which is associated with increased skin elasticity and firmness (6). Two studies looked at food records and questionnaires completed by middle-aged and older adults. They found that those with the highest intake of monounsaturated fat from olive oil were least likely to have severe sun damage (7, 8). 2. Green Tea Green tea is high in antioxidants, which can protect against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that form during metabolism and in response to stress. Antioxidants change their structure so they’re unable to cause damage. Green tea is particularly high in antioxidants called polyphenols, which can fight diabetes, insulin resistance, inflammation and heart disease (9, 10, 11). Polyphenols may also help protect collagen, the main protein in your skin. This may reduce and even partly reverse some signs of aging (6, 12, 13, 14). In one study, women with sun-damaged skin who were treated with green tea cream and supplements for 8 weeks had modest improvements in skin elasticity (15). 3. Fatty Fish Fatty fish is truly an anti-aging food. Its long-chain omega-3 fats are beneficial against heart disease, inflammation and ulcerative colitis, among many other diseases (16, 17, 18). Studies suggest that they may also protect against inflammation and damage that occurs during sun exposure (19, 20). Salmon, one of the most popular types of fatty fish, has an additional component that may keep your skin looking younger. It contains a carotenoid antioxidant called astaxanthin, which is responsible for the pink color of salmon. In one study, people with sun-damaged skin who were given a combination of astaxanthin and collagen for 12 weeks experienced significant improvements in skin elasticity and hydration (21). 4. Dark Chocolate/Cocoa The antioxidant profile of dark chocolate is second to none. It is even more powerful than acai berries, blueberries and cranberries (22). Research suggests it may reduce blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity and improve arterial function and elasticity (23, 24). Chocolate contains antioxidants called flavanols, which protect the skin from sun damage. However, the amount of flavanols varies significantly among different types of chocolate (25). One study showed that high-flavanol dark chocolate doubled the amount of time people could stay in the sun before turning red. This didn’t occur in people who ate chocolate with less flavanols (26). In other studies comparing high-flavanol and low-flavanol cocoa on skin function, people in the high-flavanol groups experienced better blood flow to the skin and improvements in thickness, hydration and smoothness (27, 28). Remember, the higher the cocoa content, the higher the flavanol content. So make sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids. 11 Foods That Can Help You Look Younger Aging is a natural part of life that can’t be avoided. However, the foods you eat can help you age better, both inside and out. Here are 11 foods that can help you look younger. 1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest fats on earth. Research has shown that it may help prevent many common diseases associated with aging. It lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart disease, helps prevent metabolic syndrome and may be effective in fighting cancer . Olive oil may also help your skin look younger. Animal and lab studies suggest it has strong anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and may protect it from sun damage . Additionally, nearly 73% of olive oil consists of monounsaturated fat, which is associated with increased skin elasticity and firmness. Two studies looked at food records and questionnaires completed by middle-aged and older adults. They found that those with the highest intake of monounsaturated fat from olive oil were least likely to have severe sun damage . 2. Green Tea Green tea is high in antioxidants, which can protect against free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that form during metabolism and in response to stress. Antioxidants change their structure so they’re unable to cause damage. Green tea is particularly high in antioxidants called polyphenols, which can fight diabetes, insulin resistance, inflammation and heart disease . Polyphenols may also help protect collagen, the main protein in your skin. This may reduce and even partly reverse some signs of aging . In one study, women with sun-damaged skin who were treated with green tea cream and supplements for 8 weeks had modest improvements in skin elasticity . Bottom Line: Green tea has strong antioxidant properties that protect your skin’s collagen from sun damage and may reduce signs of aging. 3. Fatty Fish Fatty fish is truly an anti-aging food. Its long-chain omega-3 fats are beneficial against heart disease, inflammation and ulcerative colitis, among many other diseases . Studies suggest that they may also protect against inflammation and damage that occurs during sun exposure. Salmon, one of the most popular types of fatty fish, has an additional component that may keep your skin looking younger. It contains a carotenoid antioxidant called astaxanthin, which is responsible for the pink color of salmon. In one study, people with sun-damaged skin who were given a combination of astaxanthin and collagen for 12 weeks experienced significant improvements in skin elasticity and hydration. 4. Dark Chocolate/Cocoa The antioxidant profile of dark chocolate is second to none. It is even more powerful than acai berries, blueberries and cranberries . Research suggests it may reduce blood pressure, increase insulin sensitivity and improve arterial function and elasticity . Chocolate contains antioxidants called flavanols, which protect the skin from sun damage. However, the amount of flavanols varies significantly among different types of chocolate . One study showed that high-flavanol dark chocolate doubled the amount of time people could stay in the sun before turning red. This didn’t occur in people who ate chocolate with less flavanols . In other studies comparing high-flavanol and low-flavanol cocoa on skin function, people in the high-flavanol groups experienced better blood flow to the skin and improvements in thickness, hydration and smoothness . Remember, the higher the cocoa content, the higher the flavanol content. So make sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids. 5. Vegetables Vegetables are extremely nutrient-dense and very low in calories. They contain antioxidants that help reduce the risk of heart disease, cataracts and cancer. Many vegetables are also high in carotenoids like beta carotene. These can protect against sun radiation and free radicals, both of which can lead to skin aging . Some of the best sources of beta carotene are carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes. Many vegetables are also rich in vitamin C, which is important for collagen production and has strong antioxidant effects. In one study, when people were given 180 mg of vitamin C daily for 4 weeks, their skin’s antioxidant activity increased by 37% . Vegetables with the highest vitamin C content include leafy greens, bell peppers, tomatoes and broccoli. In another study, researchers measured elasticity and other skin qualities in more than 700 Japanese women. They found that those who ate more green and yellow vegetables had fewer wrinkles . 6. Flaxseeds Flaxseeds have amazing health benefits. They contain lignans, which can lower cholesterol, reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, while decreasing the risk of breast and prostate cancer . They are also a great source of an omega-3 fatty acid called ALA, which protects your skin from sun radiation and may reduce sun-related skin damage. In controlled studies, women who consumed flaxseeds or flax oil for 12 weeks showed improved hydration and smoother skin . 7. Pomegranates Pomegranates are one of the healthiest fruits. Their antioxidant activity appears to be even higher than that of green tea. Pomegranates decrease inflammation, help prevent damage from high blood sugar levels and may improve outcomes in patients with colon cancer. They also help protect the skin from sun damage . What’s more, researchers suggest that different parts of the pomegranate may work together to repair damaged skin and increase collagen production . 8. Avocados Avocados are rich in heart-healthy fat, fiber and several vitamins and minerals that are essential for health They also taste delicious and are extremely versatile. Furthermore, avocados contain unique compounds called polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols. These can fight inflammation, protect your skin from the sun and help repair damaged DNA Their high content of monounsaturated fat and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin provides additional skin and DNA protection 9. Tomatoes Tomatoes provide many impressive health benefits, several of which can be attributed to their high lycopene content., Lycopene is a type of carotenoid that reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke and prostate cancer. Studies show that it may also protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun . In one study, women who ate a mixture of foods high in lycopene and other plant antioxidants had a measurable decrease in wrinkle depth after 15 weeks. Cooking tomatoes with healthy fats, such as olive oil, significantly boosts the absorption of lycopene into the body . 10. Spices Spices do more than just add flavor to your food. They also contain various plant compounds that may have beneficial effects on your health . Interestingly, research suggests some spices may even help your skin look younger. Cinnamon has been shown to increase collagen production, which may lead to increased skin firmness and elasticity . It may also reduce the skin damage that occurs as a result of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are formed when blood sugar levels are high . Additionally, research suggests that capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers, may reduce some of the age-related changes that occur in skin cells Furthermore, ginger contains gingerol. This compound has anti-inflammatory effects that may help prevent the age spots that develop due to sun exposure. 11. Bone Broth Bone broth has recently become very popular among health-conscious people. It’s made by cooking bones from meat, poultry or fish for an extended period of time. This releases minerals and other beneficial components. One of these components is collagen, which has been credited with beneficial effects on muscle and bone health Although there is no published research on bone broth itself, there’s evidence suggesting that the collagen in it may help reduce signs of aging. When cooked, collagen breaks down into gelatin, which is rich in the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Your body can absorb these amino acids and use them to form new collagen in your skin Controlled studies have shown that consuming collagen may improve skin elasticity, moisture and firmness, while reducing wrinkles In one study, wrinkle depth was significantly reduced in postmenopausal women who took a collagen supplement along with other skin-supporting nutrients like vitamins C and E for 12 weeks. article source:www.webmd.com/beauty/aging/best-anti-aging OWN VIEWS: Are pharmaceutical breakthrough that held slow down aging process to preserve younger  looking aura. Ex.SPF, Vit.E fortified products.