Yoga has become more and more popular over the past few years. It is known for its many health benefits, but yoga can also have a major impact on your anti-aging efforts as well. In fact, yoga is beneficial to just about every organ in the body; including skin. Combined with a healthy diet, quality skin care products and anti-wrinkle creams, yoga can help take years off your face, while adding years to your life.

Among its many other benefits, yoga is believed to create anti-aging effects such as firming up skin, removing tension from the body – which is one of the biggest enemies of all of our youth enhancing efforts – and increased vitality, and fighting osteoporosis. Enhanced energy is one of the best anti-aging secrets because when you feel good, you look good. There are many forms of yoga, so there is something for every body and every level of fitness.

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Fine lines and wrinkles are the first signs of aging. Try as we might, we can’t fend them off forever; however, there are some anti-aging makeup tips you can employ, to get the best youth enhancing results. Of course, the first step should be to try and avoid these fine lines and wrinkles for as long as possible, and there are many anti-wrinkle creams out there that do a great job. But, once you’ve reached a certain stage in life, there’s just no getting around the fact that they are here to stay. That being said, there are makeup tips you can use to help minimize their appearance.

At a certain age, foundation becomes the enemy. That doesn’t mean; however, that you have to give up on having a clear and even complexion. One tip you can try is to only apply your foundation on the areas that need it the most, avoiding danger zones such as around the mouth and eyes. While you’re at it, get a foundation with a good sunburn protecting SPF, which will help reduce the chance of incurring anymore fine lines and wrinkles caused by the sun. Or – if you can – avoid foundation altogether. There are great new glowing moisturizers that give a hint of color, while minimizing the appearance of aging skin. Personally, that’s one of my favorite anti-aging skin care tips.

Lastly, try using loose powders made up of ground-up minerals. This type of anti-aging makeup lies evenly and lightly on the face, without burrowing into fine lines and wrinkles. There are also all-in-one foundation and powder kits that are a bit more moisturizing to the skin, and still give you that even skin tone while preventing drying of the skin. You may have to try different options, to find out what works best for you; but, don’t give up because the right one is out there. And remember to keep checking back, because there are new products and breakthroughs everyday, and I make it my business to share my knowledge with the public. Growing old may not sound appealing, but aging gracefully does. By re-evaluating your skin care products as you age, and employing anti-aging makeup tips, we can look as young as we feel.

Anti-aging supplements aid in the prevention of deterioration to our body’s cells. It is this deterioration that is believed to accelerate the aging process, which is why protecting our cells is so important. One of the most important things to understand is that as we age, our body’s nutritional needs change, so ensuring you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need is vital in the never-ending search for longer-lasting youth.

While a good multi-vitamin is helpful, in most cases, some key components may be missing. Keep in mind, supplements work from the inside out, so you can’t get more natural than nourishing your body with the right vitamins and minerals. One of the most helpful food nutrients in the anti-aging fight is lycopene. Lycopene is a caratenoid and is considered one of the best free radical scavengers out there. Among many other things, lycopene is a great anti-aging agent because it can detoxify dangerous molecules in our bodies. Taking a good supplement, with lycopene in it, is important as we age because levels of it in our body begin to drop.

Vitamin E is another vital nutrient that aids in our anti-aging fight. Vitamin E is fat soluble, so it is important to take it with food. Among many other benefits, Vitamin E protects our cell membranes against oxidative damage, and helps maintain selenium, and it works with this trace mineral to boost our immune functions. Nothing ages you more than poor health, so you can see why this is so beneficial.

There are a myriad of supplements out there, and it can be very confusing to know which one is right for you. The best thing you can do is to set up an appointment with your doctor and come up with a healthy anti-aging plan. Knowledge is power, and having the right knowledge about your body can prolong your health, youth and life.

Skin care isn’t just for women, men benefit from it as well. Don’t worry guys; the women out there will still respect you in the morning, even after they see you dipping into their skin care products and anti wrinkle cream. Then again, maybe you better get your own; because men’s skin is different than women’s, it needs its own special care. Let’s face it, we’re all interested in prolonging our youth, and a good skin care regime is a key component in that quest. Ok men, before you run right out and grab every skin care product on the market, there are a few things you should know.

To start off with, men really do get dirtier than women. Because men have larger pores, their skin gets approximately 15 percent oilier. For this reason, it is vital that men deep clean their face at least once a day, twice a day, if you spend a lot of time outdoors in the UV rays of the sun. This helps to keep the pores clear, and gives you healthier, younger looking skin. And keep this in mind guys; make sure your skin products are as chemical-free as possible, as chemicals can be drying agents. With drier skin, you get the appearance of more fine lines and wrinkles, so you can see why this is so important.

After you finish the cleansing process, apply an astringent or toner with glycolic, alpha hydroxy, and Hyaluronic Acid included in their ingredients. This will help keep your gorgeous mugs clear and firm. These ingredients help tone facial skin, reduce the size of pores and help avoid ingrown hairs. Once you’ve properly cleansed and toned your face, it is time to moisturize. Yes, I said moisturize! Don’t panic, you don’t have to get the girly stuff in the pretty bottles; there are actually special moisturizing products made just for men, and they come in strong and manly containers.

It seems as if there are as many different anti wrinkle and skin care product’s as there are grains of sand. But, it doesn’t have to be that complicated. You can keep it simple by buying a light facial moisturizer, but remember to rub it into your neck as well. Nothing looks worse than an even, firm face with wiggly jowls. You can go the natural skin care product route as well - if it makes you feel more comfortable - by using pure vitamin E oil or aloe vera gel, especially if you want a more intense skin treatment. These ingredients work even better on the more sensitive part of your skin, such as under and around the eyes.

Well men, this should get you started. But, it is by no means the end. I will be keeping you updated – along with the gals – about new and exciting skin care products, natural skin care products and health, so come back often for all the latest updates!

As we age, make-up becomes a trickier prospect. While we want to ensure the best anti-aging effect, we can create just the opposite. If applied properly, make-up can be our most powerful youth enhancing tool. That being said, as we mature, we do have to re-evaluate how we put our make-up on, what color palette we use and the proper amount to apply.

Here is a mantra you should familiarize yourself with, if you want to achieve anti-aging results; less is more. Say it again, because it is so important; less is more. This may seem counter-intuitive, as most of us feel compelled to apply more make-up to cover our perceived flaws; however, this excess make-up will settle into fine lines and wrinkles as well as dry out the skin. This will just undo all the hard work of those fancy skin care products we all spend a fortune on. That tip leads us to our next one; rather than applying an all-over foundation, only put it on where needed in order to cover up brown or red spots. Once you have created a clear foundation to work with, you are ready to add some color. And don’t forget to clean your face with natural cleansing products to make sure old make-up is washed away.

Once again, we will follow the less is more, youth enhancing mantra. Because our skin gets drier as we age, try using a cream blush for your cheeks. This way you will be nourishing your skin, while giving it some color. For your eyes, stick with soft subtle tones. Rimming your eyes with a brown powder liner is a great way to make your eyes pop, without drawing too much attention to those annoying little crow’s feet. A little touch of colored lip-gloss is all you will need for your mouth, to get that sun-kissed, healthy glow. Keep in mind, we do get better as we age, but that doesn’t mean we have to show our war wounds. A good attitude will go a long way in pushing back the hands of time as well. Love who you are right now, do your best to re-adjust your old skin care regime, when needed, and forge ahead at full-steam.

The 4th of July is just about here, and it is the perfect time for a healthy bbq. Previously, I talked about “super foods,” which pack the biggest punch, with regards to our health. The best thing is that we can enjoy beautiful, delicious food and provide our bodies with the best nutrients and vitamins out there. I don’t know about you, but I love to eat. Knowing that I can enjoy a delightful bbq guilt-free just makes me giddy! So, without further ado, here is our next installment of super foods, and they go perfectly with that summer bbq.

Citrus Fruits
Come on, how perfectly does citrus fruit go with a bbq? They are rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid and fiber. A mixed fruit salad makes a great accompaniment for any meal on a hot summer night.

Grape Tomatoes
Perfect for throwing into a salad or on the grill, these bite-size gems are packed with lycopene (one of the best phytochemicals), fiber and vitamin A.

Sweet Potatoes
This is one of the best vegetables there is. They are loaded with carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium and fiber. These little sweeties make a great alternative to the brown potato, and a healthy way to add starch to a meal. They are a colorful way to add brightness to your summer meal. Why not try throwing them on the grill, to give them a smokey, bbq flavor.

Chili Peppers
These little firecrackers add a great punch to any meal, whether bbq’d or not. The capsaicin, which “provide the heat to the chili, is an antioxidant and contains blood thinning properties to prevent strokes, lowers cholesterol and protects DNA against carcinogens,” according to healthchecksystems.com

As you can see, food does not have to be the enemy. In fact, a super food can be the best thing you do for your body. So, this holiday, eat in good health!

What’s a girl to do about dry skin? Dry, itchy, red patches that not only cause uncomfortable scratching, but also, flaking and pain! Dry skin is more than annoying; it’s also a hindrance to that healthy, youth enhancing glow we all strive for. There are many reasons for and causes of dry skin. For some people, weather is to blame, for some it’s their use of cosmetics and make-up, and for others it may be how we treat our skin on a daily basis. Then there are those who suffer from sensitive skin that is affected by just about everything. Aging is also one of the biggest culprits. Because the skin on our entire body becomes drier as we age, it is important to re-evaluate your skin type and the skin care products you use.

Dry skin can be a hassle to deal with but there are a lot of things you can do to combat it. One of the causes of dry skin is bathing. I’m not saying you shouldn’t bathe everyday, in fact I personally highly endorse it; but there are those of you who bathe too often. Frequent showers limit the skin’s ability to replace its natural oils. Here’s a bathing tip; apply your body lotion while your skin is still damp. This will help lock the moisture in. another problem, for those suffering from dry skin is products that contain alcohol, and other harsh chemicals. Not only do these things dry out your skin and cause itching and flaking, they also leave your skin looking dull and drab.

The sun can be another big problem. Not just the fact that a sunburn dries out and damages the skin, but also, the fact that the sun can soak up all of our body’s natural moisture. If you are a sun worshiper, and can’t see living the rest of your life without a tan make sure you stay safe in the sun by applying a good SPF of 15 or higher. It is also vital that you stay hydrated, and this goes for everybody whether you spend a lot of time in the sun or not. Staying hydrated helps our body moisturize itself from the inside out. Dry skin can be a problem, but by taking a few simple steps, it doesn’t have to be. And remember, take care of your skin, and it will take care of you by looking and feeling great!

Oily hair can be a nightmare, especially for those of us with longer hairstyles. It can destroy all the effort and time we put into creating a style, and even make it impossible to style at all. Wile a nice healthy shine always adds to the look of our hair, too much can leave it looking drab and lifeless. The problem of oily hair is caused by the sebaceous glands on our scalp producing too much oil. Oh, and ladies, all of you with fine hair have it even worse. People with fine hair have more glands on their scalp, so they tend to have a higher propensity for oily hair. That’s the bad news; the good news is there are natural ways to control this annoying problem.

One way of controlling excess oil is to add 2 to 3 tsps of Epsom salts to ½ cup of shampoo. Here is they key to this tip, you apply about 1 tbsp of the mixture to dry hair. Thoroughly massage it into your scalp and rinse. Keep in mind that conditioner is used to moisturize hair, so there is no need for it, if you’re hair is oily. Another great idea is to try a lemon juice rinse. Mix the juice of one lemon with 1 cup of warm water and pour over your hair. Leave on for 10 minutes, and then rinse with cool water. This should be done after you shampoo.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from dull, oily hair, there are many ways to control it, and many hair recipes that will help. The best news is that most of the ingredients are cheap and easy to get. Many of them can even be found in your very own fridge. Here is one of my favorites.

Ingredients
· ½ tsp aloe vera gel (squeeze gel out of Aloe Very plant)
· 1 tbsp lemon juice

Preparation
Blend ingredients together with ¼ cup of shampoo. Wash your hair, and then rinse.

A few years ago, my mother severely broke both her wrists. She was angry about something and slammed her fists down on the arm of her couch. Now, my mother has a pretty bad temper, but breaking both her wrists seemed a bit extreme. Granted, her couches are old, but that just didn’t explain how she could cause so much bodily damage simply by hitting them. Well, we soon found out. My mother was suffering from what 10 million Americans suffer from every day, Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. The damage from this disease can lead to bone fragility and increased risk of fractures and breaks. While both men and women can get osteoporosis, it is usually associated with women, as 80% of those who suffer from it are female. But, not all the news is bad. There are ways you can help prevent getting osteoporosis.

One of the best things you can do to help lower your risk of getting osteoporosis is to never smoke and to quit if you are currently smoking. Because our bones are made up of calcium, among other things, getting enough of it in your diet is vital. You can help boost your calcium intake by eating low-fat dairy foods such as yogurt and milk as well as taking a daily vitamin supplement.

Excessive use of alcohol can also lead to osteoporosis, but weight-bearing exercise is a great way to help hold it at bay. Smaller women are more susceptible to this disease, so if you are under 5’5” and weigh less than 127lbs, you have to be even more vigilant than the average woman. Just like anything else, with a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine, you can help to greatly minimize your risk of ever getting osteoporosis as well as many other harmful diseases. Have fun, work out and drink lots of milk!

You know, I’ve been hearing a lot about these so called “super foods” over the past few years. Apparently, they can help prevent and lessen the damaging effects of everything from Heart Disease to Cancer. I mean, we can all agree a good, well-balanced diet can help improve our health, but there are actually a handful of foods that pack the biggest punch. It can all be so confusing, but I’m here for you people! I’ve done the research for you, so sit back and read on.

First of all, you need to know what some of the super foods are: Beans, Blueberries, Salmon, Spinach, Tomatoes,Walnuts and Yogurt And those are just to name a few, but it’s a good place to start. Before we go over some of these, keep in mind that any food that contains antioxidants, whether on this list or not, is not only extremely beneficial to your health, but it is also great for your skin. Antioxidants fight free-radical damage, which is responsible for the break down of our cells and cause wrinkles on the face. Now, let’s take a look at a few of the foods on the list and why they’re so good for you.

Walnuts – Just about any type of nut contains vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which is excellent for the heart. In fact, “studies show you can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by 15% to 50% if you eat a small handful of nuts five times a week.

Yogurt – this creamy delight helps aid and boost the digestive system. Yogurt contains good bacteria that fight the bad bacteria in our system, which is the cause of bloating, gas and sour stomach. Even more than that, yogurt, like all dairy products, is the best source of calcium, which decreases your risk of osteoporosis.

Beans – whether it’s kidney, pinto or black, beans are an excellent source of fiber, which lowers blood cholesterol and helps prevent colon cancer.

These are just a few of the healthy food choices you can make. I’ll be bringing you more helpful information about super foods, in the coming weeks. For now, eat, drink (in moderation of course) and be merry!