Fight Aging Naturally

With the media pumping out images of models that seem prepubescent and starlets that look barely old enough to vote, it's no surprise that anything and everything that promises to slow the signs of aging is a hot commodity. While some purport that aging gracefully is the only way to go, not all of us are willing to embrace crowsfeet and wrinkles. Many of us would rather fight the signs of aging to the best of our abilities.

While a lot of men and women are now undergoing expensive treatments such as Botox, Juvederm, Restylane and more in order to hang on to their last vestiges of youth, not all of us are willing or able to undergo high priced cosmetic procedures to wage war against wrinkles. The good news is that there are several natural and inexpensive ways to aide you in looking young and vibrant for years to come.

The most important thing to remember when fighting the signs of aging is to keep a healthy, wholesome diet and stay hydrated. What you put inside our bodies is directly reflected by your skin. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, will keep your skin hydrated and plumped, which in turn minimizes wrinkles. Dry, dehydrated skin can also look blotchy and scaly which instantly ages even the youngest among us.

Eating foods that are full of antioxidants, and vitamins E, C and A will protect your skin from free radicals and sun damage at the cellular level which will naturally slow the aging of skin cells. Adding Omega-3's and essential fatty acids to your diet by way of supplements or eating fish, walnuts or flaxseeds is also essential for naturally slowing down the aging process. Essential fatty acids keep all the membranes in your body healthier which in turn helps your skin look more vibrant, and younger since the membranes are lubricated and in good condition.

Along with a healthy diet and plenty of liquids, sleep is the next best way to naturally slow the aging process. Scientists have researched and proven that our bodies rejuvenate while we sleep. Getting 6 to 8 hours of a sleep a night if possible is optimum. To enhance the anti-aging benefits of your slumber, elevating your head while sleeping is key. Simply use a firmer or extra pillow and that small change in gravity will help drain the fluids that normally accumulate under your eyes while sleeping. Puffy eyes add years to a face, and keeping your head raised while sleeping will eliminate that.

Anti-aging creams and potions are all the rage and range from the affordable to the outrageously expensive. A wonderful alternative to these commercial anti-aging products are natural creams and oils that can be found at any local health food store. Not only will they save you money, but they are also pure and will allow you to attain a youthful radiance without the potential side effects of chemical treatments.

Walnut oil and vitamin E oil are perfect, and completely natural anti-aging products. Used together or by themselves, these oils can be massaged all over your face and neck or used as spot treatments. They both aid in toning, preventing wrinkles, moisturizing the skin, repairing damage from the sun or chemicals and regenerating skin cells. Walnut oil and vitamin E oils are fantastic for using on dry lips, cracking cuticles and around the eyes at night. Smooth lips, cuticles and eyelids make for a much more youthful appearance.

Keeping your skin exfoliated and cleansed from dead skin cells is another way to keep your skin looking young and fresh. Dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of our skin and make us look ashen and old. By exfoliating your skin regularly you reveal smoother, younger skin that retains moisture better and looks healthier. Natural exfoliants are apricot kernels, brown sugar, sea salt mixed with olive oil, and baking soda. Your local health food store will have pre-mixed scrubs containing these natural ingredients or you can make your own by adding a small amount of water to the salt, sugar, or baking soda until the consistency you prefer is achieved. After mixing your scrub of choice, massage it gently onto your face for about 60 seconds and rinse with warm water, then pat dry. Younger, more radiant skin will appear instantly!

The enzymes in pineapples have wonderful anti-aging properties. By adding a teaspoon of honey to some mashed, fresh pineapple, you can make a wonderful anti-aging face mask. The honey will help to moisturize and abate any inflammation your skin may have, while the pineapple will deliver it's organic pore shrinking magic. Using this all natural mask a few times a week will refresh your skin, moisturize it and tighten your pores making for a youthful glow.

Another extremely effective, all natural anti-aging treatment is a concoction made up of lavender oil and witch hazel. This combination of natural herbs contains a copious amount of tannins which have a tightening effect on the surface of the skin, thus reducing fine lines almost instantly. You can make this facial treatment at home by adding 5 or 6 drops of lavender oil to 3 ounces of with hazel and applying it liberally on your face with a cotton ball or pad.

The options for fighting the signs of aging naturally are limitless. From a healthy diet, to plenty of rest, and the virtual cornucopia of organic facial treatments at your fingertips, you can opt to look as young and radiant as you feel inside. Natural anti-aging treatments and techniques work just as well if not better than their commercial counterparts and are much friendlier on on your wallet and the environment. You no longer have to feel forced to age gracefully, but rather can stave off those lines and wrinkles with much grace!