Sunday, November 2, 2008

How Celebs Stay Young, 6 Secrets

By Dr. Grace Angel

1. AVOID EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL

Alcohol despite its bubbly pleasures causes dehydration and skin damage. "You may as well spend a week at the beach in the sun without sunscreen if you go to sleep after a drinking bender without properly protecting your skin," suggests a High School Musical diva.

If you abuse grandma's cough syrup you will pay the price. Alcohol impairs your skin's ability to produce collagen and will, in the long run, reduce skin elasticity leading to dry, saggy, wrinkled skin.

2. LIMIT YOUR EXPOSURE TO THE SUN

This one is a no-brainer, but if you must hit the beach use a high powered sun-block. "SPF 50 on my face and neck is a must and spf 35 on my body let's me get a nice brownish tan," suggests a former Mickey Mouse club alumna.

3. AVOID COFFEE

Caffeine is nature's diuretic and coffee contains it in spades. It causes the body to get rid of necessary liquids and nutrients. Jesus-lovin' Country music singers agree, "When I drink too much coffee, my teeth become noticeable stained and I can swear that the slight wrinkles around my eyes start developing into crows feet."

4. CITRUS AND VEGETABLES ARE YOUR FRIENDS

Leafy greens like spinach have antioxidants that preserve skin health. Citrus like grapefruit and oranges contain vitamin C that increases collagen production. Boosting collagen production is important because it aids skin firmness and elasticity, which helps fight premature wrinkling and the effects of aging.

5. HAVE AT LEAST TEN GLASSES OF WATER

"Drinking water is one the most important things you can do for your skin. I drink ten glasses religiously now. Years ago, when I didn't I noticed my skin would dry out, become gray and dull, and look vapid."

6. APPLY A NIGHT CREAM WITH PROVEN AGE FIGHTING COMPOUNDS

Using a night cream is the simplest yet most necessary part of your beauty routine. Choose a night cream with proven age-fighters like vitamin C, peptides, and retinol. These compounds applied at night will reduce the effect of aging and the environment on your skin. "Young men always approach me at clubs and at the gym thinking I'm 25. My night cream has allowed me to maintain my youthful skin. These boys obviously haven't seen my movies from the early 1980's and would never guess that I'm actually 45," chuckles a member of Hollywood's brat pack, who chose, astutely, to remain anonymous. - 15995

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