While the 40s can be a great decade for a woman, it is also a time where certain biochemical changes occur in the body that cause signs of aging. If you are a woman in your 40s, you likely already adhere to a daily routine that has anti-aging benefits. Here are a few additional tips to add to your arsenal in your fight against the signs of aging.
Drink Plenty of Water
We’ve all heard that most of the human body is made up of water. When your body is dehydrated, it will begin to move water from inside your cells to your bloodstream to maintain blood volume and pressure. Keeping your body hydrated keeps the skin cells moist, which contributes to plumper, younger-looking skin. Water also flushes out toxins from the body that, over time, aggravate the aging process and can make you look older than you are. To determine how much water you should drink, divide your body weight in kilos by 30. This will give you an idea of the number of litres to drink per day.
Use a Hydrating Face Cream
Skin can look and feel drier and rougher as you age, and so a good moisturizer is essential, not only to hydrate the skin but to use as a barrier against environmental damage. A moisturizer should contain an SPF protection of at least 30 to protect against sun damage. And moisturizers that contain antioxidants will help neutralize free radicals, which cause skin damage due to sun and pollution. Good antioxidants to look for on a label are green tea, white tea, vitamins C and E and idebenone. The ingredient hyaluronic acid helps the skin attract water and further hydrate the skin. A moisturizer containing peptides will help with crepey skin, by strengthening collagen. For skin that is on the dry side, look for creams containing oils, petrolatum and shea butter.
Eat This, Avoid or Limit That
Food contains some of the most powerful anti-aging nutrients around. A well-balanced or poor diet will not only affect how your body functions, but also how it looks, specifically in your skin, nails and hair. A diet rich in olive oil, which has antioxidants as well as monounsaturated fats that support a healthy heart and arteries, boosts the system and may help to ward off disease. Eggs, which are rich in biotin and iron, will strengthen the hair and help to control hair loss. Spinach is the best source of the nutrients zeaxanthin and lutein, both of which make up the eye’s retina and can help to protect the eyes from sun damage. And the high levels of vitamin K in spinach improve bone density and strength. How about the foods to avoid or limit? Well, it’s no surprise that sugar tops the list. Excess sugar in the body attaches itself to collagen, making it lose its youthful elasticity for a more stiff and inflexible appearance to the skin. Salt is another culprit, as it depletes the body of water, making you look tired and worn out. Excessive amounts of salt can also contribute to kidney disease and high blood pressure.
Are you noticing signs of aging on your face and body? Are you looking for a more permanent, immediate solution to rid yourself from wrinkles and skin that has begun to sag? Why not take the next step by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Eric Pugash? Contact his office today by calling (604) 522-5199.