anti aging

Jack and Marcus had long played golf together, and both had knee replacements at the same time. Jack exercised religiously before his operation and resumed shortly thereafter. He did his daily stretches and about 30 minutes of strength training a week. His recovery was swift, and he was ready for duck hunting season. Meanwhile Marcus who did not exercise was still on a walker.

Jack stuck to the exercise program for the years that followed. Jack now 78 years old was still an avid golfer but had few golfers his age to golf with. Marcus, five years younger, just played nine holes and the next day was too rundown to play again. Jack insisted that Marcus try his exercise program. Jack said, “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Anybody can stick to one half hour a week.” Marcus tried it. A year later he was playing 18 holes, and the next day, he would play 18 holes again. He was hitting the ball farther and enjoying golf again. Perhaps most importantly of all, he received the added health benefits of walking those additional 27 holes.

The resulting life changes, from just a little of the right exercise, come in many forms. Some of the many reports I have heard from clients over the years include climbing a ladder to change a light bulb, playing with grandchildren again, or walking across the dance floor without clutching an arm for support. The victories may seem small but they are important victories as people reclaim their independence and the lives they once had.

One need not be a prisoner of physical limitations, and one can live well without requiring hours each week engaged in a monotonous exercise. Significant strength increases occur upon exercising as little as once or twice a week IF it’s the right exercise program. An efficiently designed circuit strength training program will start with the premise of not seeing how much exercise one can withstand but with just how little one can get way with and still have significant results. One such strength training program was derived from an exercise study working with women who had osteoporosis. Researchers found that joints hurt less, bone density increased and muscles were stronger and more toned with minimal time exercising. Exercise programs that require too much of your time lead to injury, insufficient recovery, lack of positive results, drudgery and eventually quitting.

Thirty years ago few people lifted weights. It was rare to see women, golfers, or the elderly pumping iron. That has all changed, and of all those who stand to gain, the elderly stand to benefit most. nobody is put in a nursing home for being out of breath; it is generally because they are too weak to carry out daily living activities, and then they fall and hurt themselves. There are plenty of studies out that make the case increasing strength.

You see all the commercials with Anna Nicole Smith and Carmen Electra promoting the newest fad diet pill that will help you lose weight fast but how come we don't see any commercials promoting super foods. Super foods have been proven just as effective to help you lose weight with a variety of other health benefits including slowing the aging process and preventing many diseases. But, you won't see too many commercials promoting that. Especially not with a sexy model.

I'd say one of the main reasons is that they are not sexy. They are relatively inexpensive so there is not a lot of money to be made with them. Sure, you can shell out $12 for a bottle of 100% pure goji berry juice at your local supermarket but when compared to a bottle of TrimSpa, $39.95 a bottle, or NV $29.99 for 18 days worth, diet pills are much more profitable. There's much more money spent on developing the latest and greatest diet pills and much more money to be made selling the latest and greatest diet pill.

Plus, they offer instant gratification galore. You just take a pill and lose weight rapidly. That's it. Which would you choose. Change your diet and eat healthier foods or take a pill once or twice a day? Which choice will have the greater benefit though in the long run? Which choice has more of a benefit to you as a whole?

Eating super foods will help you develop lifelong habits that will keep you healthier longer - mentally, physically, and emotionally - for years to come. Diet pills will only provide you with a quick fix. And the only habits you will learn will be about taking the easy way out. Then when you get older you can just use Botox to get rid of wrinkles or get a facelift. Or you could eat superfoods and not have to worry. There are superfoods that will help eliminate wrinkles and prevent sagging skin in case you're interested.

Here's a few ways eating super foods can help you mentally, physically, and emotionally. One super food can help eliminate toxins from your body. This helps detoxify you naturally and eliminate harmful chemicals that can cause depression or other chemical imbalance illnesses. One super food can boost your immune system, helping you recover from a cold or the flu faster than any over the counter medicine can. Another super food can improve blood flow to your brain, helping prevent many age related diseases such as Alzheimer's. All of this is possible by eating some wholesome foods that you can easily buy at your local farmer's market or supermarket.

You can take a diet pill and lose weight fast. Hopefully. Or you can add some healthy super foods to your diet and lose weight, boost your immune system, develop a healthy cardiovascular system and a host of other benefits. The choice is yours.

If you think anti aging is just for when you're 50 or 60 think again. If you develop healthy habits now when in your 20s, 30s, and 40s, the less you'll have to worry about when you do reach the age where fine lines and wrinkles start to appear. Along with other age related ailments.

Millions of people are concerned about keeping their youthful beauty and vitality for as long as possible. Now that our life expectancy is growing every year we want stay young and look young well into our winter years.

There are two ways you can care for your skin.

You can take care of your skin naturally or you can try and pump your face with chemicals and just give the appearance of beautiful skin. Eventually the artificial effects will wear off. And then you'll have to go back to the doctor and spend hundred even thousands more to do it all over again.

Choosing the natural route will have a much longer lasting effect. Your health and mental well being that go along with a natural anti aging regimen will provide you with a greater satisfaction with your looks. The same healthy habits needed to keep weight off once you've lost it will help you as you try to slow down the aging process.

There are several natural ways to take care of your skin. It's all about your mindset though. It's about developing new lifelong habits. You don't have to change overnight. Small changes can lead to powerful results. Work on adding one small habit at a time. And before you know it you'll have accomplished your goal. You'll have beautiful, vibrant skin - naturally.

Now let's take a look at out first natural anti aging skin care tip.

Stop smoking. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of premature wrinkles and speeding up the aging process. There are several tools available to help you quit. Several companies are now firing smokers. This is a little extreme in my opinion but the message they are trying to send is clear - smoking is harmful to your health. Several research studies have confirmed the negative effects of smoking on the skin.

If you want to keep your beautiful smile, you have to quit smoking.

Our next natural anti aging skin care tip is to add super foods to your diet. Collagen and collagen production are vital to your skin's health. If your body produces it then you don't have to inject your body with it. Super foods can boost your collagen levels. They also provide anti oxidants which ward off free radicals which cause havoc to your skin.

One superfood in particular, bilberry, can help boost and strengthen your collagen levels. And it's much cheaper than a Botox injection.

Incorporating super foods in your diet is not hard. Especially when there are so many of them. Many of them are now made into juices and shakes so you can drink them and enjoy their health benefits even when you're on the run.

Snacking on walnuts and almonds can do wonders for your skin naturally. They are loaded with good fats - omega fatty acids - and can help regenerate healthy new skin cells.

The last natural anti aging skin care tip is to wear sunscreen everyday. Yes, even when it's cloudy. Wearing natural sunscreen everyday will protect your skin from sun damage. It also keeps your skin moisturized. Sun damage and loss of moisture are two leading causes of wrinkles and premature aging.

There are several natural organic sunscreens available to choose from. Many of them combine aloe vera and other proven herbal ingredients in their formulas. Pick one and use it religiously.

There you have it, the top 3 natural anti aging skin care tips. Are any of these changes hard? Can you see yourself adopting these small changes and becoming healthier and happier? Give these changes just 30 days and see and feel the difference.

I figured with the holiday season in full swing there is no better time to share an advanced cooking tip with you.

Here is a virtually unknown anti-aging cooking secret. Have you ever heard the term 'Glycation?' Glycation is a process that causes sugar to bind to collagen and ultimately cause wrinkles and deep lines in your face and loss of skin elasticity. Ouch! When you brown your foods by cooking them too long, this browning effect is the result of Glycation. A study revealed that eating foods cooked at very high temperatures may increase the rate at which you age.

According to this study, ingestion of high-temperature cooked foods causes chronic inflammation and the formation of free-radicals in your body. And while we are on the subject of 'Glycation,' I want you to know that High-Glycemic foods ALSO cause Glycation. High Glycemic foods cause sudden spikes in your sugar (Glucose) levels which in turn increases insulin and inflammation within your body.

This then produces Glycation and creates those nasty free radicals in your body which are directly tied to aging and age related illnesses. Free radicals are kind of like 'rust' in your body. Cut open an apple and leave it on the table for about 10 minutes or so and watch how brown it gets... That is free radical build up. You hear a lot of buzz these days about the 'Glycemic Index' or how you need to eat foods that have a 'Low Glycemic Index.'

Now you probably understand why. The Solution: Saute your food whenever possible over medium heat and do not brown your food. I know sometimes food tastes a bit better browned and crispy.

Uh oh, as a matter of fact... I think I may have browned my vegetables tonight. Just don't go overboard and try sauteing or boiling your foods from time to time to mix things up a bit. Moderation, as always.

If you are one of those that haven’t heard of bath bombs, many ideas can come to mind. Among them may be “Stress Relief by demolishing my bathroom?” and “Is this a new toy for my kids in the tub?” It can definitely bring many other ideas to mind for the unknowing; though none of these creative ideas describe bath bombs.

Bath bombs are shaped items you drop in your bath that fizz and are often used in aromatherapy. They can indeed add to a great relaxing hot bath to relax off the days stress. Along with the fizz that can be quite therapeutic itself also comes scent and color that can set a relaxing environment.

Bath bombs are handmade by mixing sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), citric acid, essential oils, coloring, fillers and fragrances. The fizz reaction is very similar to that found in soda pop (such as Pepsi) and releases carbon dioxide.

Finding Bath Bombs

For those seeking bath bombs, you have many handmade sources to choose from. These many sources for handmade cosmetics are showing up all over the internet. A good place to start would be where you are reading now. Look around and you should find a lot more information as well as many links where you can find bath bombs.

Maybe bath bombs can be your stress relief after a fast paced day of hurry up and wait through tedious traffic, offices, and outdoor endeavors.

Making Bath Bombs

In time you may realize you want more out of bath bombs, or maybe you even want to be an entrepreneur and get into the handmade soaps and cosmetics business. Regardless, you can make your own just as well with a little practice, and lots of research to see what it takes to make the bath bombs you want.

Today online you will find many bath bomb recipes, sources for the ingredients, molds, and other things you need to create your very own bath bombs. Along with these, you will also find a lot of discussions that can help you avoid many mistakes.

When it comes to anything you would submerge your body in, be careful and sure of all of your ingredients and the amounts used. Research them and read everything you can find. Where available be sure to read the material safety data sheets (MSDS). These can help you make great effective products; though ignoring them could lead to many problems.

Today among many spas and online sites you will come across the sugar scrub. When it comes to bath and body products; there are many unique choices. Body scrubs are very popular and if you have been through these before you probably have at least heard of sugar scrubs as well.

The value added benefits of a sugar scrub are cleaner and healthier skin, better outlook, and a happier face looking back at you in the mirror. This is the result of lifting dead skin, and stimulating the live skin. Many find much smoother skin as a result.

Where to Find Sugar Scrubs

While many spas and big names have special private versions of sugar scrubs, you don’t have to travel a long distance or spend large amounts of money for your sugar scrub.

Today among bath bombs, handmade natural soaps, and other handmade cosmetics found online; you will also find many custom and unique choices for your handmade sugar scrub as well. Often you can find many selections of sponges and other things you will need as well at the same places. A good place to begin would be where you are now reading.

DIY Sugar Scrub

Especially when it comes to handmade cosmetics, do it yourself definitely applies. Among the many sugar scrub resources you will find, are many ideas and recipes as well on the subject. People all over the globe are starting to work back towards the days when cosmetics were made at home.

This stems from a lot of discovered needs that the mainstream cosmetic industry fails to fill. Among them are special allergy needs, treatment of less common skin conditions, and the fact that society is learning more about what they need in general.

Why Sugar Scrub

Whether you are looking to buy great skin care products, looking deeper to better things for your own skin, or even looking to start your own business; sugar scrub may indeed bring you closer to what you want. Taking your time to give these replenishing methods of treating your own skin a deeper look may bring you more than you ever imagined.

As with anything you apply to your skin, take care in choosing ingredients. It is very advisable that you research them and when possible read material safety data sheets as well. This especially applies to certain ingredients you may include in your own handmade sugar scrubs. In the end you can buy or make items that are handmade that are unparalleled from mass marketed laboratory products.

What causes skin aging?

Simply put, excessive exposure to the sun and exposure to chemicals, such as cigarette smoke, is considered to be the number one cause of aging skin. In fact, did you know that one puff on a cigarette or breathing in second hand smoke introduces several trillion rampaging free radicals into your body, reducing the flow of oxygen to the skin and depleting the body of Vitamin C.

These factors can cause cross-linking of collagen and elastin (the fibers become disorganized bundles instead of fibers that are lined up properly), which often results in a free radical cascade, causing your skin to age.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are rogue oxygen molecules that cause cellular degeneration of the bodies tissues and, in particularly, aging of the skin. They are created by certain metabolic actions of the body, such as breathing, and can also be introduced through smog, herbicides, pesticides, smoking, radiation, etc.

Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that have unpaired electrons. This process is called oxidation. Generally, free radicals attack the nearest stable molecule, "stealing" its electron. When the "attacked" molecule loses its electron, it becomes a free radical itself, beginning a chain reaction. Once the process is started, it can cascade, finally resulting in the disruption of living cells. Free radical damage can accumulate with age.

What is an antioxidant?

An antioxidant is an ingredient to counteract oxidation and destroy, neutralize or re-direct free radicals. They act as scavengers, helping to prevent cell and tissue damage that could lead to cellular damage and disease. Antioxidants chemically react with free radicals to convert the rogue oxygen into water. They neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electrons, ending the electron-"stealing" reaction. Antioxidants are important agents in protecting the cells from oxidative damage caused by rogue oxygen free radicals that can lead to premature aging. Antioxidants can be maintained and processed through eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, taking vitamins and apply antioxidants to your skin.

Some very effective skin care products that contain antioxidants to prevent premature aging are:

Sircuit Cosmeceuticals "weapon " 10% Vitamin C Antioxidant Therapy Serum

Sircuit "Weapon 10% Serum"

Sircuit Cosmeceuticals "addict" Firming Anti-Oxidant Serum
Sircuit "addict" Antioxidant Serum

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum

Kinerase C6 Peptide Intensive Treatment
Kinerase C6 Peptide Intensive Treatment

Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem to be more afraid of life than death.

James F. Bymes

We all have fears. It is just part of human nature. However, there is a fear that weakens the will, prevents individuals from realizing their talents, and destroys our motivation for living a full life. It is fear of the unknown -- fear of the future.

In a scene from L. Frank Baum’s Wizard of Oz, four companions (Dorothy, Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow) become lost in a forested area. What frightens the travelers? There’s no threat in the environment, only the possibility of what may lie behind the trees and large rocks. Imagination takes hold, and fear - the great contagion - moves from one individual to another, until the entire group is fraught with apprehension and dread. A picture of what could lurk in the woodland is all that’s needed to change the behavior of the traveling companions. The camaraderie of happy explorers is transformed to a small group of hunched-over individuals that walk slowly, not realizing that the danger is an imagined one, and that their fear has no basis in reality.

Fear has been thrust on an aging population with warnings of doom and gloom regarding life expectancy and financial security. It seems that the former will go further than the latter. Then what will YOU do? We now have an entire industry that is dedicated in making sure that you, the future retiree, are equipped to handle the transition. If not, there is that image of the aged -- holding on to their tin cups, wrapped in tattered blankets, and begging in the streets. Or the infirm, lying forgotten in some lifeless institution. Stop! This is really scary! But that’s the whole idea. Be afraid; be very afraid, and come to me -- your financial advisor -- your fund manager -- your social security representative, and we will all ensure that you will not end up destitute. In other words, the individual is no longer capable and skilled enough to look after his own well-being. It’s in the hands of experts and the State to determine your future.

One of the great fears circulating through the world of retirement is the solvency of Social Security. Will there be enough funding to support the burgeoning workforce that will soon become the recipients of the system? Government created this monster, and its running out of food (taxes) to keep the giant alive. Not to worry -- thanks to the inventiveness and technology from the private sector, the great socialist engine can keep humming along for quite a while. Economic research has discovered that the funding of Social Security is not dependent on the ratio of workers, but rather in the productivity of the individual worker. In other words, our technology has created the wealth that runs this antiquated, non-evolving system. The Social Security death knell can be heard in the distance, however, as new technology will replace this worn out socialist structure. The result will be improved efficiency and more wealth for all recipients.

Technology is transforming our lives at an accelerating speed, and “the world as we know it” will dissipate. We should not fear this future, but embrace it. Looking back through our history, we can see that prosperity is built upon the inventions of man. For instance, many of the wonderful developments that enable our generation to enjoy a high standard of living were designed from 1860 to 1890. In that short period of time a whopping 440,000 patents were filed, and every day we reap the benefits from those years -- even with the hindrance of government. The world of invention is again exploding, with 417,508 patents filed in 2005 alone. From nanotechnology and aerospace engineering to fluid behavior and telecommunications, we are moving into a world of new realities.

Anti aging herbs are used to slow down the aging process. They can stimulate blood circulation and boost the body's ability to eliminate wastes and absorb nutrients. Most anti aging herbs have a spirit lifting and mind strengthening qualities. They resist stress on the body and mind. Anti aging herbs also have a deep influence on the skin.

The most commonly used anti aging herbs are lycium fruit, schizandra fruit, reishi mushroom, gynostemma, polygonum root (he shou wu), cordyceps mushroom, longan fruit, wild American ginseng, wild asparagus root, and Siberian ginseng. Nopal cactus, konjac mannan, wild Chinese ginseng, and gymnema sylvestre are some other herbs generally used. Most tonic herbs also have anti aging qualities. Blood tonic herbs such as peony and dang gui can prevent aging. These herbs enhance the beauty of human body and slow down the aging processes.

Modern technology and improved manufacturing capabilities increase the popularity of anti aging herbs. Lycium fruit is rich in antioxidants that slow down aging. Pearl contains mucopolysac-carhides that have the capability to stop wrinkling of the skin. Schizandra eliminate toxins from the liver thereby creating a more youthful body and a more beautiful exterior. Polygonum increases the production of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the body's most important natural antioxidant which significantly slows down aging. Gynostemma has a deep and steady anti-inflammatory activity that prevents aging.

Caloric restriction (CR) is the most important factor in extending life. It is the reduction of caloric intake while keeping good intake of necessary nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals. The extracts from high galactomannan fenugreek, banana leaf, bittermellon, and blueberry leaf can reduce aging. In addition, these can absorb and minimize the quantity of insulin.

Fresh fruits and fresh vegetable juice are always recommended for the cleaning of body. Anti-inflammatory extracts reduce certain symbols of inflammation such as swelling, irritation, tenderness, pain, and redness. Different botanical oils meet a variety of skin nutrition needs.

However, you will want to make yourself as knowledgeable on each Botox alternative as you can, so that you can decide whether any of them are better than the actual Botox procedure in your opinion.

Botox Alternative #1 – Protox

The first Botox alternative is Protox, which is basically the same idea as Botox only without the injections. Basically: Protox reduces the depth of wrinkles around the eyes that are caused by the contraction of the muscles of facial expressions; prevents aging of the skin induced by repeated facial movements mediated by excessive catecholamines release; extends the life of Botox injections reducing the number of procedures and thus saving you money; and Protox is applied as a gel, one which hydrates and moisturizes.

Protox has in fact been shown to reduce the depth of wrinkles by up to 50% in just 30 days, and the price of it is actually quite reasonable. As well, in recent tests, no other Botox alternative was able to outperform Protox in regards to the act of reversing the signs of aging and minimizing wrinkle lines.

Botox Alternative #2 – Face Lift

There are many more possible risks and complications with this type of procedure, which is a fact that is incredibly important to know before venturing down this path. This is certainly a much more severe alternative to botox treatment, as well as more costly, however if you are the type of individual that wishes to have a more permanent and obvious result, and as this proceedure generally achieves this end then this may be just the option you are looking for.

Most cosmetic face lift surgery is used to help improve some of the damage from aging, such as, for instance, loosening of the facial skin where it has become tight and creasing around the nose and mouth; from lift types such as deep plane lifts to feather lifts, almost any variation and extent of surgery is available in order to meet the needs of your facial improvement goals, at a cost.

Obviously, it is completely up to you with regards as to which type of procedure you proceed to have done, or if you feel that the regular Botox treatment would be best for you; just remember to inform yourself on all of the available procedures first. Importantly by doing this step you can make the right decision for yourself so that you will be at the very least comfortable, at ease, and satisfied with the results your treatment brings you. You may require several treatments so your judgement may need to wait till the end of the treatment cycle.

Botox Alternative #3 –Prevention as an alternative

I know this may be self destroying when it comes to what I am about to say on my site but...I would not feel happy or upfront if I omitted this one very important point concerning Botox and the requirements of its' use.

In most age caused problems that are in need of repairs, in this case, using botox, their need would be greatly deminished with greater care and prevention of our person especially our skin over time. What I mean by this, and whom I am directing this at, is especially the young. By protecting your youthful skin especially when in the sun and against the use of tropical toxins, either externally, i.e. creams, lotions etc, or from the enviroment, i.e. dry air exposure etc, you will surely find, as you age, you will not develope as many skin problems that ultimately may require botox or botox alternatives to the same degree as those with wrinkled saging skin as those of us who neglected this care. Not really our fault though. The information available to nearly all now was not readily available to us in our youth.

So enjoy your youth but please take some basic cares concerning your overall health. Those of us that need the odd little bit of help will surely use that help intelligently. Not to worry though there is always botox or a good botox alternative out there for us.

There are so many diets and exercise programs out there that promise renewed vitality that you can get dizzy just considering their pro’s and con’s.

Which one should you believe?

There was that prestigious west coast professor who touted near starvation as a path to a long life. He researched rats, finding that he could extend their tiny lifetimes by a substantial amount through “caloric restriction.”

I don’t know how happy they were, but they were skinnier, and yes, they stuck around, probably looking for food, for a statistically significant greater amount of time than the chubbier control group.

What happened to that lean scientist?

He died fairly young, when you consider that he didn’t make it out of his seventies.

Remember Dr. Atkins, another diet guru? He’s dead, too.

I know what you’re going to say: We ALL die!

Recently, a number of marathon runners have suddenly died during or immediately following races. These are marvelously fit specimens, but early indications suggest they’ve overdone a good thing, and have simply exercised too much.

So, what’s the answer, and how can you add up to nine years to your life without diet or exercise?

That’s easy.

According to the A.C. Nielsen Co., the average American watches more than 4 hours of TV each day (or 28 hours/week, or 2 months of nonstop TV-watching per year).

In a 65-year life, that person will have spent 9 years glued to the tube.

Don’t be average.

Turn off your TV, and instantly, you’ll recover up to 9 of the best years you’re ever going to get!

With all the recent talk about anti-oxidants and their importance in protecting our health, nearly all of us have learned that we should be eating and drinking more foods and beverages with high anti-oxidant contents. But, what about skincare products that contain herbs and plants that are high in anti-oxidants? Can they help reduce aging when used topically?

Today, drugstore and department store shelves are full of moisturizers and other skin care products made from fruits, vegetables and herbs. The products promise to prevent aging, and in some cases, even reverse skin damage that has already occurred. The theory is that the same anti-oxidants that protect our health when consumed as part of our diet can protect our skin when applied directly to the face.

One study, reported by the UK Tea Council examined many of these products, including those containing green tea, soy, pomegranate, grape seed oil, aloe, horse chestnut, comfrey, chamomile, dates and allantoin. The study reviewed the research behind skin care products with each of these ingredients to determine what scientific evidence exists to suggest that the products are indeed effective on the skin.

After reviewing the research on each of the products, the study showed that the only natural products with any evidence to back up their effectiveness were green and black tea, pomegranates, soy and dates have had any real clinical trials to give evidence that the products are effective.

So, what products do you choose? Well, there are a wide variety of products that contain at least one of the ingredients that do have evidence to suggest that they are good treatments for the skin. Highly recognized cosmetic companies like Murad and Proactiv and Aveeno make products using these ingredients. Which natural product you choose really depends upon the type of skin problems you’re having. Here are the most popular natural skin care ingredients and the problems they can help to solve.

Soy – Soy’s an effective moisturizer and offers anti-oxidants, which can help prevent aging. In addition, certain soy proteins have been shown to help with pigmentation problems, like sun spots and other discolorations.

Pomegranate – Pomegranate is also full of anti-oxidants and has been shown to be a cancer preventative. One study on pomegranates showed that when breast cancer cells were exposed to pomegranate extract they self destructed, leaving healthy cells intact. As a skin treatment, pomegranates are best for healing; making it an effective treatment for acne and any other skin ailments that need to heal.

Green Tea – Green tea has some of the most powerful anti-oxidants available. And, they’re apparently just as effective when applied to the skin as they are when part of a healthy diet.

Green tea has been shown to rejuvenate skin, actually reactivating dying skin cells. Green tea does not penetrate below the first layer of the skin, but even here it can have dramatic results. As skin cells reach the epidermis they prepare to die, and over the next week or so, they become dull as they’re dying off.

Green tea rejuvenates these cells, making them live longer and removing that dull tired look that skin gets. So, a green tea in your moisturizer can help improve the look of your skin almost immediately. It’s still important to exfoliate regularly to help rid your skin of the cells that are already dead.

But, green tea may have cancer preventing effects as well. Other studies have shown that green tea’s anti-oxidants have a scavenging effect on free radicals on the skin, and even on abnormal skin cells. So, green tea may help rid your skin of cells that might otherwise become dangerous skin cancer cells. Doctors recommend using green tea cream under your sunscreen for the optimal effect.

Green tea is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason it is sometimes an effective treatment for skin problems like roseacia. Researchers believe that because of the combination of anti-inflammatory properties along with the anti-oxidant activity of green tea, it likely will have many anti-aging properties once more research has been performed.

One question that arises when using any natural product on your skin is whether or not the active ingredients can remain effective after months on the shelf. It’s a sensible question, since we know that, from a dietary standpoint, fresh is best.

We still need more research on the subject, but it’s certain that you should use fresh products whenever you can. For example, in addition to using a commercially available green tea product as a moisturizer, try freezing freshly brewed green tea into ice cubes to be used as toner. Just be sure to let the ice cube sit out just a little bit to thaw, so that they don’t burn the skin.

Natural skin care products will likely gain more popularity as more research emerges showing their potential. In the meantime, there’s no reason not to get a head start. Many natural skin care products, like those that contain green tea, soy and pomegranate offer excellent skin care and treat many types of skin irritations. And, there may be some significant long term benefits to your skin, too!

Natural skin care products are gaining popularity. In addition to the popularity of natural beauty products, many people are also interested in other types of green tea skin products, such as those that can be used for healing cuts and minimizing the appearance of scars. A third area of interest for botanical products is anti-aging.

You’ll find numerous products on the market that are made from natural products. Some of the most popular botanicals used in skin care products include:

• Lavender

• Rosemary

• Ginger

• Green Tea

• Lemon

• Grapeseed

• Echinacea

Since products of this nature are largely unregulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, claims on the products are sometimes largely unsubstantiated. In most cases, we just have to try these products out and see for ourselves.

However, one of these products, green tea, does have some evidence to back up its claims of rejuvenating the skin and preventing aging. Several studies have shown that green tea’s anti-oxidants are beneficial to the skin in several ways.

The first important fact about green tea is that its anti-oxidants act as scavengers on abnormal or damaged skin cells. This may be very important to helping protect us from skin cancer. If we can eradicate skin cells damaged by the sun immediately, they are less likely to develop abnormal qualities. Many doctors are now recommending that you wear a green tea moisturizer under your sunscreen. The sunscreen will protect your skin from most of the sun’s rays, but any that do get through can be mitigated by the green tea.

However, other research has shown that green tea may even be an effective treatment for those who already have cancerous or pre-cancerous skin lesions. One study, performed on mice, showed that not only did green tea seem to scavenge the abnormal cells on the mice that did not have skin cancer, but it also concluded that green tea, whether given orally or topically, slowed the progression of the cancer. In addition, scientists theorize that green tea may be able to actually kill off some of the cancer cells.

Another recent study showed that green tea may also have the ability to provide short term improvement in the skin’s appearance. The study suggested that green tea’s anti-oxidants actually have the ability to rejuvenate skin cells resting on the epidermis that are dying. The green tea helps bring the cells back to life for a period, reducing that dull and lifeless appearance skin can have.

It is believed that green tea also has the ability to reduce aging over the long term. Such claims are difficult to prove, because it requires human trials over many years. However, based on the fact that research has shown that green tea’s anti-oxidants have the ability to scavenge abnormal and dying skin cells, it stands to reason that using green tea regularly over a period of many years would produce a cumulative effect that would be positive for the skin’s condition and appearance.

Many other botanicals that are used in skin care products do have the ability to perform some helpful functions on the skin. For example, all of the natural ingredients listed above do have anti-oxidants, so they likely are good for the skin, at least to some degree. And many are suited for specific skin ailments.

For example, lavender is calming, and can be helpful in soothing redness and rashes. Lemon is an effective astringent, and is sometimes helpful for especially oily skin. The UK Tea Council published a report outlining the effects of many botanical products and their potential to protect and treat the skin.

But, most of the products containing these ingredients have not been through strenuous laboratory testing, so their effects are undocumented. In addition, some botanical products may not require regulation by the Food and Drug Administration, so they may not meet federal health standards.

Because of the attention that green tea has received due to its likely ability to prevent cancer and other diseases, it has been more widely tested than many other botanicals. It has been widely tested for topical application to see if it has the potential to prevent or treat skin cancer, for example.

So, it’s perfectly ok to use botanical products to help with any special skin conditions you’re trying to treat. Most botanical products are safe, as long as you don’t have an allergy to them. And, they may be helpful at treating some skin conditions and at keeping skin moisturized.

But, if you’re looking for the best be in botanical products for the skin, it’s likely that green tea has the most potential. It has been more widely tested than other botanicals, and is likely to be of significant benefit, both in improving skin’s appearance and in preventing aging and skin cancer.

However, since, like other botanical products, green tea products may not have fallen under FDA guidelines, be sure to examine the list of ingredients carefully. You should ensure that green tea products actually contain active anti-oxidants, such as EGCG and theaflavins, before you purchase. Without these important ingredients, the products will likely not provide the benefits you’re seeking.

So, give green tea a try for your skin. You may see smoother and brighter skin in the short term, and you may be preventing skin cancer and aging in the long term.

If you want to be in charge of your aging process (and you can be), having a plan that includes a daily "do or die" regimen is vital. It must also be automatic. Discussion with yourself about "should I or shouldn't I do it today, or "do I have time today" isn't allowed. You just do it. That's one of my major rules to successfully control the aging process.

What is a regimen? It's any system or procedure you devise that you believe is essential to maintain and improve your health. It should also help you be where you want your health and life to be in 25 years.

My daily regimen includes (among other things) taking supplements. For example, first thing in the morning, I whip up in a blender my "wakeup potion." It consists of calcium ascorbate crystals, collagen powder, a potent greens powder and a dynamite vitamin powder, water and some orange juice.

Why this mixture?

I've been taking calcium ascorbate crystals for years. It's a non acidic form of vitamin C, so it's easy on the stomach. It's tasteless and soluble in water. I take about 10 grams (10,000 milligrams). The government, knowing what is best for us, says the minimum daily requirement for vitamin C is about 50 milligrams. That dose is better than nothing at all, but it's useless to help control the ravages of aging.

I use collagen powder to help support bones and joints and above all, to keep my skin smooth. Cosmetic creams that contain collagen or promote collagen production are good, but you can't beat collagen taken internally for maximum benefit.

Using a potent greens powder is essential for two reasons. First, you want to keep your body in an alkaline state. The greens powder helps to do that. It would be better to juice your own fresh greens, but who has time?

Why is it important to be alkaline? I believe cancer can't survive in an alkaline environment. If you wonder what state your body is in, go to the health food store or a pharmacy and purchase test strips to determine acidity/alkalinity. Put a strip on your tongue. If you are in an alkaline state, the paper will turn green. If it turns yellow, you are in an acid state. A yellowish-greenish color somewhere in the middle is okay.

The other reason I use a greens powder is that it's almost impossible to eat enough green vegetables. Eating a serving of broccoli or spinach grown in deficient soil, treated with chemicals to extend shelf life and sprayed with pesticide does little to enhance health.

Finally, I use a "souped up" vitamin powder for the same reason that I don't count on daily intake of vegetables or fruit to provide the nutrients needed to maintain and protect health.

Having a regimen pays off and I encourage you to develop one of your own. In 25 years, when you look and feel as good as you did 25 years earlier, you will be glad you did!