O ver time, aging skin cells produce excess free radicals,
small chemical particles susceptible to reactions that can
cause damage to our skin. These are normally removed by
naturally occurring antioxidants within the skin cells.
Aging skin has less antioxidants, leaving the free radicals
unchecked to damage cell membranes, proteins, and DNA.
Free radicals eventually breakdown collagen, a protein in
your connective tissue, and release chemicals that cause
inflammation. The first areas that typically show aging are
the delicate skin around the eyes, cheeks and lips.
With aging, skin becomes thinner and dryer, making it
more prone to wrinkling and damage.
The good news is that there are things you can eliminate
from your life and diet that are accelerating the skin’s
natural aging process. By harnessing the power of plant-
based foods and essential nutrients, you can restore your
skin and improve your overall health.
1. S un Worship: Protect your skin, no single thing ages
skin faster than sun damage!
Sun exposure dries out the skin and leads to the
generation of free radicals that damage skin cells. Did you
know that 70% of sun damage occurs during everyday
activities, like driving and running errands? Ultraviolet A
(UVA) rays do the damage and are present all day long, in
all seasons.
UVA rays erode the elastic tissues in the skin, causing
wrinkling and cumulatively contributing to aging skin.
While a little sunlight early or late in the day can help your
body produce necessary levels of vitamin D, no more than
10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure is necessary.
When you’re going to be outside for extended periods of
time, use sunscreen and/or Beauty Balm (BB) cream with
UVA/UVB protection and do not forget to cover the neck,
chest, ears, exposed hands and arms. Reapply after 4
hours.
-