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Today, it seems people spend a lot of time, energy and money trying to maintain a youthful look. The store shelves are lines with miracle products claiming they will keep you looking young and beautiful, despite your current condition or age. Do any of products actually deliver? No. There is no miracle product that will keep you looking young forever, however, taking good care of your skin will keep you looking and feeling fresh and healthy no matter your age.

Wrinkle Prevention

As you age, facial wrinkles will appear. Skin cells begin to die at a rate faster than your body can create new ones. Skin loses elasticity and fine lines appear. There are several factors that can increase the appearance of lines and wrinkles, including sun, diet and anxiety. These factors increase free radical damage which, in turn, causes premature aging. To prevent wrinkles, it is important that you understand what causes them.

Sun Protection

The sun is a major factor in premature aging. The best defense against aging is to protect your skin from the sun. Although a little sun exposure is good for us, it is best to apply a moisturizer with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher to reduce premature wrinkles. An SPF should be applied year-round since UVA/UVB rays are present during the winter months as well. If possible, avoid the sun during the middle of the day during the summer, and wear a hat when you are outside.

Diet

Certain foods are particularly beneficial in warding off premature wrinkles. These include omega 3 fatty acids (found in food such as salmon and flax seeds), vitamin C (found in blueberries, strawberries and citrus fruits), vitamin E (found in many seeds), and anything containing antioxidants (such as green tea).

stress and Anxiety

stress and anxiety have been shown to advance the aging process. Most of us arent in a situation where we could quit our stressful jobs, but there are ways to reduce your stress level. Try activities that you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, dance classes, karate, yoga, etc.

Natural Skin Care

Be wary of those that recommend treating skin conditions with medications with potentially irritating side effects, such as cortisone. Instead, first try natural alternatives when treating your skin for burns, eczema, acne, sunburn, or other conditions. Following are natural alternatives to use for treating skin conditions:

• Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is a natural plant used to heal skin conditions without side effects. In particular, it is used to treat skin conditions such as cuts, burns and eczema to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Aloe Vera can found in a gel form or purchased as a plant where you can break a leaf off the plant as needed. It should be applied liberally for as long as needed.
• Emu oil. Emu oil is used topically to soften skin and is frequently found in ointments for dry cracked heels. Studies have shown it is effective in reducing scar formation in healed burned wounds. Since Emu oil contains traces of three of the essential fatty acids Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9 the oil is used to treat many skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, shingles, rosacea, skin irritations and dry skin.
• Red clover. Red clover is effective in treating skin conditions caused by heat and dryness, such as allergic dermatitis and eczema.
• Neem. Neem is a plant that is similar to Aloe Vera and just as beneficial in treating various skin disorders. In particular, Neem oil is useful for skin care such as acne, and keeping skin elasticity.

Before investing money in so-called miracle products, try some natural alternatives for treating skin conditions.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At MyGuidesUSA.com (http://www.myguidesusa.com), you will find valuable tips and resources for handling lifes major events. Whether youre planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, youll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com. Find tips and resources on nutrition, childrens nutrition, diets and weight loss, weight management and more at http://www.myguidesusa.com/dietandnutrition

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