Whilst most 'anti-aging' treatments in our youth worshipping culture focus on making us look younger, holistic anti aging treatments and approaches are more concerned with actually supporting your whole body in being younger.
Our body ages specifically because the speed at which our cells regenerate slows down as we get older. Holistic anti aging approaches look at the causative factors which determine this slowing down and addresses them....the result? Not only supple, young looking skin but boundless energy, vitality and good health.
The role of free radicals
Free radicals are oxygen molecules that can bear free electrons. They can weaken proteins when the body becomes vulnerable leading to the break down of collagen and elastin; these are proteins which give the skin support and elasticity.
Free radicals can be generated during excessive sun & pollution exposure & periods of stress. Anti-oxidants (including ALA, Vitamin C and Phytonutrients) are key in the battle against free radicals as are avoiding the causes in the first place.
Staying out of the sun
Whilst our genes have a large say in how quickly our skin ages, sun damage is probably the next major contributor.
Sun is essential for emotional and physical wellbeing but excessive sun exposure causes collagen to break down causing wrinkles, liver spots and poor skin elasticity.
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Use a natural mineral sunscreen - which blocks UV-A, B + C rays - when your skin is exposed to the sun. Avoid chemical sunscreens (look out for ingredients such as parasol or octyl methoxycinnamate) which contain skin irritating ingredients. See natural mineral sunscreens >>>
Cigarettes & Alcohol
Smoking can prematurely age skin as much as sun damage.....you have been warned!!! Giving up is not easy but if you really want to then get support and find a method that will best work for you from the Alan Carr method to hypnotherapy or patches.
Alcohol, meanwhile, in excess, dehydrates the skin and can cause broken capillaries. Enjoy great wines and beers in moderation and temper a night out with plenty of water.
Diet and hydration
Our skin is our largest organ and, like every other part of our body, it's dependent on the food we feed it to stay happy and healthy. A balanced diet with plenty of varied fresh wholefoods including meat, fish, fruit, veg, nuts, pulses and grains is best and will ensure your skin gets the essential nutrients it needs such as essential fatty acids, vitamin A, B-complex, zinc and vitamin C.
Likewise drink plenty of water and herbal teas, such as green tea, as chronic dehydration can encourage skin aging.
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A good multivitamin taken daily can help support your diet and ensure you are getting a balanced in take of vitamins and minerals.
Glucose & Aging
When high levels of glucose are present in our bodies, irreversible cross-links between adjacent proteins are formed, contributing to a loss of elasticity in the skin. A low GL (glycemic load) diet not only has plentiful health benefits but can also help prevent this skin damage.
Good skincare
Skincare not only keeps skin well conditioned but organic skincare can be a secondary source of nutrients to the skin, for example of essential fatty acids from facial serums. Combine your routine with regular holistic facials.
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LoveLula's range of organic skincare includes products specifically designed to combat skin aging. See natural anti aging skin care products >>>
Sleep
8 hours sleep a night will ensure your mind, body and skin have time to rest and regenerate, right down to the cellular level.
Exercise
Exercise gives your skin a surge of oxygen, enabling it to work more efficiently. Increased oxygen in take helps to prevent free radical damage, a major cause of skin aging. Exercise can also help to cleanse the blood which can help skin metabolism.
Stress
When your body is under fire, you produce hormones that increase your heart rate and generally speed up other metabolic processes. This includes the production of free radicals.
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Lula's recommendations for dealing with stress >>>
