Nine Anti-Aging Tips

As my 41-year old self watched Madonna’s 53-year old self rock the stage at the Super Bowl this past Sunday I wanted to know her secret.

The all knowing Google told me that Madonna used to be Vegan but she recently switched to a Macrobiotic Diet (meaning she added fish and more whole grains). Her workout schedule sounds rigorous: 2-hours combined cardio, pilates, yoga and a little swimming.

I like looking at other people’s programs and regims. Occupational hazard, I guess. I’m interested in which diet and exercise programs people follow.

Different things work for different people and there is no-one-size-fits-all. It’s important to choose what resonates with you and what is realistic for your lifestyle and daily routines.

But whatever you choose, consistency is key!

Watching Madonna on Sunday inspired me to think about and write down a couple of my favorite tips for anti-aging.

 

1. Sleep– It’s been said that sleep is the best anti-aging resource of all time. For women over 40 a good night’s sleep is a must have. 8-10 hours each night is optimal. When you sleep soundly your body releases growth hormone – growth hormone equals “youth hormone”. Sleep has many positive benefits on your skin and immune system as well.

2. Hydrate– One of the many benefits of drinking water is softer, better looking skin. Adequate hydration is probably more important than lotions applied topically. Loss of hydration in the skin can significantly increase the visibility of lines, dryness and puffiness under the eyes.

3. Avoid Sugar–  The Age Journal reports that people with higher blood sugar levels were judged to look older on average than participants with low sugar levels. This happens because sugar binds to collagen and causes it to harden and lose flexibility. Collagen is a key factor in skin’s youthful suppleness. Excess sugar in the diet can also increase body weight.

4. Yoga/Pilates– Yoga poses, yogic breath work and meditation are all believed to slow the aging process. Yoga helps keep the spine and nervous system strong and supple. Creating a well oxygenated body is great for keeping you young. Pilates focuses on strengthening the core and posture. An improved posture can make you look much younger.

5. Eat Colorful (Green, Purple, Yellow, Orange, Red) Vegetables– Vegetables are full of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants help fight the damage caused by free-radicals which contribute to the aging process. Optimal intake: At least 5 cups of colorful organic vegetables daily.

6. Eat Fats– Omega-3 fats (primarily found in cold water fish like salmon or a high quality pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement) reduce inflammation in the body. The Journal of the American Medical Association shows that Omega-3 fats slow down and protect the body from aging on a cellular level.

7. Sit In a Sauna– Saunas increase circulation and metabolism. Sweating in a sauna helps waste products move more quickly out of the body and the appearance of the skin improves. Saunas also help eliminate stress and strengthen the immune system. My favorite sauna in Denver is Lake Steam Baths.

8. Moisturize Your Skin- I’m a big fan of putting real food on my skin instead of expensive, chemical-filled cosmetics. My friend, Tonja Reichley, owner of Moondance Botanicals makes organic, natural beauty products from fresh food, herbs and oils like lavender and rose oil. She makes things like dark chocolate and strawberry face masks, poppy seed and oatmeal face scrubs and honey, yogurt moisturizers. Her products are priced between $7-$21. If you don’t live in Denver and can’t stop by MoonDance Botanicals, it’s incredibly easy to make your own products.

• Homemade Moisturizer– Put some extra virgin coconut oil on your freshly washed face before bed. Your skin will be incredibly moisturized and look fabulous in the morning.
• Homemade Facial– Blend together: 1 beaten egg, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 avocado, 1 cooked carrot, 3 Tbsp honey. Apply to face and neck. Leave for 15 mins. Rinse well with cool water.

9. Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol- Alcohol inhibits the uptake of essential nutrients needed for youthful looking skin. It’s dehydrating and throws off blood sugar levels; all of which makes someone look older than they are. Extra alcohol consumption is likely to be stored as fat around the abdomen, hence the term “beer belly”. Carrying extra weight as we get older is bad for our health and our looks. Bottom line, alcohol has the potential to make you age more quickly.

Smoking will age the face significantly faster than non-smokers. Smoking deepens wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, it gives the skin an ashy, dull appearance along with a loss of tone and elasticity.

 

So what about you? What are some of your personal anti-aging, beauty tips that you do on a consistent basis?