In 1513 Juan Ponce de Leon was in search of the Fountain of Youth (a legendary spring that is reported to restore the youth of anyone who drinks of its waters). He was not the first to search for eternal youth, or the last. Today we are still seeking the eternal look of youth and beautiful skin.

In our 20’s we seem to own this “fountain”. It springs from inside of us; but as we age nature has a way of making the myth of eternal youth seem just that - a myth. However, the secrets to a long, healthy life and a youthful appearance are not unattainable. Aging is a natural event and we can’t turn back the clock, but we can take steps to delay the process.

Sun/Weather Protection:

• It’s a fact - sun ages skin and sun protection is one of the best ‘miracle workers’ in helping protect the skin from the damaging rays of the sun.
• Use sun protection of at least SPF 30 – in the summer and winter. If you can, avoid direct sunlight during the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM. This is when the sun is at its most intense. Don’t forget your sunglasses – the sun’s ultraviolet light can be damaging to your retina and the delicate skin around your eyes. Constant squinting also encourages wrinkles in this fragile area.
• Cold or hot windy days can be damaging to your skin. Be sure to use plenty of moisturizer, lip balm, and cover-ups to protect your skin from the drying effects of wind.

Good Skin Care Regime:

• Facials are important for maintenance and aid in prevention of wrinkles.
• Cleanse, tone, moisturize and don’t forget to exfoliate to remove the dead skin cells.

Smoking:

• Smoke constricts blood vessels, keeping vital nutrients from being supplied to the skin.
• Smoking destroys Vitamin C in your body and damages the elastic tissue that supports the skin.
• The constant “pursing” motion a smoker’s mouth makes inhaling and exhaling promotes fine wrinkles around the lips.
• Nicotine stains your skin and teeth.
• Smoking cigarettes greatly increases your risk of developing serious medical conditions, like heart disease and cancer, significantly reducing healthy longevity and negatively impacting your appearance.

Alcohol:

• Drinking too much alcohol expands the blood vessels causing redness as well as chronic dilation of the capillaries if done on a regular basis
• If you suffer from rosacea, drinking can make it worse.
• Drinking red wine in moderation has shown heart-health benefits in many scientific studies, which translates to a strong vascular system and glowing skin.

A healthy diet:

• The old saying “you are what you eat” is true. Fresh vegetables, fruit and fish are essential. A diet as organic as possible is ideal. Even if not labeled organic, there are dairy, poultry, and meat products widely available in regular grocery stores that are antibiotic and steroid-free.
• Nourish your skin from the inside out. Certain vitamins and minerals aid in maintaining supple skin, others aid in the toxin-elimination process.

Water:

• Drinking 8 glasses of water a day helps hydrate the skin cells.
• Water also aids in the proper elimination of waste.

Treat your skin gently:

• Pulling, tugging and resting your face in your hands stretch the muscles of the skin; in turn this can lead to sagging and wrinkles.
• Gently wash the skin without stretching, pat dry, and lightly apply moisturizers. Pamper your skin like a baby.

Exercise:

• Regular exercise increases blood circulation which supplies nutrients and oxygen to your body.
• Exercise also aids in the elimination process.
• The overall health benefits of regular exercise will be reflected in a more youthful appearance.

Reduce stress:

• Light meditation, or other relaxing techniques help calm the nerves and soothe the soul.
• Adequate rest allows your body to rejuvenate and aids in healing.

We don’t need to travel around the world to find the mythical “Fountain of Youth”. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and habits right at home are the answer to finding our own youthful longevity.