Our skin i
s
very delicate and needs all the care that you can give it. In our teens
and youth the skin is very elastic however after years of wear and tear,
pulling and tugging and exposure to the elements, the elasticity wears out
leaving behind wrinkles on our beautiful skin. Wrinkles are caused because
of number of reasons, the most dangerous is sun exposure.
Sun exposure damages skin inside and out. First, it attacks the epidermis,
the thin, outermost tier of skin, forming a layer of dead cells that give
skin a leathery appearance. Then it progressively damages the upper layers
of the dermis, or the bulk of the skin, leaving them thinner, less
resilient and more susceptible to wrinkling. Over time, the collagen and
elastin fibers that form the dermis also break down, causing gradual
drooping and sagging. Thus by protecting yourself from the sun, shunning
cigarettes and eating right, you can prevent many new wrinkles from
occurring. Doctors agree that certain nutrients in our diet can help
prevent wrinkles and keep our skin smooth and supple.
Incorporate
the following vitamins in your diet.

Vitamin C:
1200-1500 milligrams
Vitamin C is known for its importance in the manufacture of collagen,
which plays an important part in keeping the complexion smooth. Vitamin C
is essential for connective tissue in the body, particularly for the layer
where the collagen that maintains the integrity of your skin is made.
Hence people who eat adequate diets of Vitamin C look younger than people
who don't.
Vitamin E: 400
international units
Vitamin
E, another free radical fighting antioxidant, can also prevent skin damage
from sun exposure when used topically, say researchers. Vitamin E oil,
applied up to eight hours after sun exposure, can prevent inflammation and
skin damage. For additional sun damage protection, taking vitamin E
supplements will be useful. Vitamin E rich foods include wheat germ,
spinach and sunflower seeds. Found In: Shampoos, bubble baths,
toothpastes, and lotions.
Plus a multivitamin/mineral supplement containing the daily values of
all essential vitamins and minerals.
Also incorporate the following ingredients in your diet.
Love garlic: Not only can garlic help your body stay young by
fighting heart disease and cancer, it may also prolong the life span of
normal skin cells and help them maintain their youthful shape, according
to preliminary laboratory studies.
Eat protein: Protein is also very essential to keep your skin
looking young and youthful. Great source of protein is fish and chicken.
Letgo of fatty food: Medical research has shown that dietary fat is
a primo generator of free radicals, the naturally occurring unstable
molecules that damage your body's healthy molecules by stealing their
electrons and, in the process, contribute to aging and wrinkle. Thus stick
to a low-fat diet.
Avoid alcohol and smoking: Go easy on the spirits. Making too much
merry can make your skin suffer a lot. Not only does that morning-after
puffiness contribute to wrinkles, but alcohol also dehydrates you, which
is anything but good for your skin. Also avoid smoking as it has been
linked to premature wrinkles since it lessens circulation to surface
capillaries.
Get plenty of water: You should drink eight glasses of water a day.
However the more water you drink is better for your skin.
Eat right: Eat a balanced diet with lots of nutritional food.
Proper balanced diet is the key to a healthy and beautiful skin.
Some important tips
To delay the formation of wrinkles you should become aware of staying out
of the sun as much as possible. If you must be in the sun, always use a
sunscreen.
Try to think about your face several times a day and totally relax all
your facial muscles. Avoid frowning and habitually smooth out your
wrinkled forehead.
Avoid formation of crow's feet, which are wrinkles in the corners of your
eyes, by becoming aware of times when you are squinting.
Try to keep
your hands away from your face since rubbing your eyes or sitting with
your chin on your hand tends to push the face out of its natural position
and stretches delicate skin.
Spend 15 minutes each morning and evening exercising the muscles in your
face.
Be aware that constant weight gain or loss can cause the skin to sag, as
can improper dental hygiene.
When putting on creams or make up always lightly stroke it upward onto
your neck and face.