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Anti-Aging Beauty Tip: 5 Best Ingredients For Aging Skin

Who doesn’t want more youthful, glowing skin?

But with hundreds of products on the market, it’s hard to know just what’s in all of those little bottles and which ones work best.

If you’re confused by the fancy jargon but eager to restore your youthful glow, there are some very specific ingredients that you should be looking for.

The Importance Of Collagen

Collagen is a fibrous protein that provides our skin with strength and flexibility.

As we age, Collagen declines and causes our skin to wrinkle and sag.

To prevent these signs of aging and retain our youthful appearance, we must find new ways to stimulate production.

In addition, things like sunlight, air pollution, alcohol, and cigarette smoke can damage your skin by producing harmful free radicals.  If left untreated, these harmful byproducts cause cellular damage and increase Collagen loss — leading to wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Following are the 5 best anti-aging ingredients that can help to restore your skin’s Collagen levels and protect against Free Radicals…

Antioxidants

Studies show that Antioxidant VitaminsA, C, and E protect against damage fromFree Radicals and help strengthen blood vessels by penetrating the skin’s outer layer.

Look for sunscreens and moisture lotions enhanced with Antioxidant Vitamins, or Anthocyanin – a powerful skin protectant derived from plant pigments.

Here are the 5 best skin antioxidants with anti-aging properties.

Glycolic Acid

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) peel away the dead cells that sit along the surface of the skin.

Glycolic Acid, made from cane sugar, is considered the most effective in this family of ‘fruit acids’.

It works by penetrating the damaged layers of the skin and helps newer skin to emerge.  The result is a mild to moderate peeling process that creates a smoother and more youthful appearance.

More About Alpha-Hydroxy Acids – Other names: glycolic acid – from sugar cane, lactic acid -from dairy products or honey , tartaric acid or pyruvic acid – from grapes, malic acid- from fruit, citric acid from citrus fruits, kojic acid from mushrooms. Percentages: home care: 1-5%mild-medium, 5-15%medium-strong, it is best to start your skin slowly with a lower percentages. (15%-70% clinical strength-recommended 1-4x a month) Results you get:clearer skin, less acne, less pigment, smaller pores, firmer collagen and elastin growth, scar reductio, increase in spf by 2-4, deeper product penetration with a breakdown of the skins natural barrier, fast skin cell turn over more like it was when you were a baby, the faster your skin cells shed the younger you look, with more new cells are on the surface making your skin glow!  When studied fruit acids work best as a mixture each one works differently.  Choose a 2-4 acid blend for the best results! (example: glycolic, lactic, malic & kojic) also get kojic or pigment fighting acids in everything this will combat melanin which makes uneven skin tone & age spots.  Source

Niacinamide

Our skin cells contain natural lubricants called Ceramides.  As we age, these natural emollients diminish, and we need to find new ways to restore moisture.

Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, appears to be highly effective in stimulating skin circulation and preventing water loss.

Niacinamide also appears to offer antioxidant benefit, guarding against the harmful effects of UV sunlight.

Research conducted by Proctor and Gamble concluded that a 5% Niacinamide cream improved the appearance of wrinkles, evened skin tone, and increased skin elasticity after 12 weeks.

More About Niacinamide – Other names: 3-Pyridine Carboxamide, 3-Pyridinecarboxylic Acid, Acide Nicotinique, Anti-Blacktongue Factor, Antipellagra Factor, B Complex Vitamin, Niacina y Niacinamida, Niacine, Niacinamide, Nicamid, Nicosedine, Nicotinamide, Nicotinic Acid, Nicotinic Acid Amide, Nicotylamidum, Pellagra Preventing Factor, Vitamin B3, Vitamin PP, Vitamina B3, Vitamine B3.  Source

Retinol

Exfoliation removes dead cells from the skin’s surface.  Retinol, a potent form of Vitamin A, is a popular exfoliant that penetrates deeply into the skin.  It speeds cell turnover, reduces fine lines, and evens skin color.

A study reported in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology concluded that lotions and creams containing 0.1 % Retinol (found in over-the-counter products) improved skin tone and fine lines after 12 weeks of use, without significant side effects.

My personal favorite is ROC  Retinol Correction Cream. For the past 2 years, I’ve used it religiously.

What’s the difference between Retinol and Retin-A?

Peptides

The most popular cosmetic Peptide is called Palmitoyl Penapeptide.  It actually signals the skin to produce more Collagen, thus reducing fine lines.  You’ll find it in Strivectin creams and many other over-the-counter anti-aging products.

Copper Peptides are another derivative known to promote more youthful skin.  Copper is a powerful antioxidant long prized for its ability to heal wounds.  Because it can penetrate below the skin’s protective barriers, it also stimulates Collagen production and improves skin texture.

More About Peptides – Other names: ARGIRELINE (Acetyl Hexapeptide) – is a wrinkle inhibitor reduces pre-existing wrinkle depth and relax facial tension. LEUPHASYL (Pentapeptide-3) – Compliments Argireline by modulating muscle contraction, reduces depth of wrinkles around the eye and forehead areas.  OCTAPEPTIDE (Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1) – Extends and lengthens the muscle under tension reduces wrinkle depth. Matrixyl 3000 (Palmitoyl Oligopeptide & Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3) – Helps stimulate new Collagen I, III & IV and Elastin. TRIPEPTIDE (Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate) – temporarily relaxes the muscle, keeping it from contracting and thereby smoothing wrinkles, Copper Peptide.  Percentages:5% or more, some over the counter formulas such as Olay Regenerist are low percentages of peptides don’t be fooled by a cheap price tag!  Results you get: Peptides have been shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by 50-70% over 3 months of use. Muscle Toning & Collagen and Elastin growth. Source

More About Anti-Aging Ingredients

Anti-aging over-the-counter products include creams, lotions, and facial cleansers.

For the best visible results, some skin care experts suggest starting with products that contain a minimum of 8% to 10% AHA concentration.  Once your skin becomes accustomed to mild peeling, then stronger formulas may be well-tolerated.

Though many over-the-counter products are milder in strength than prescription formulas, they can still fight the signs of aging.  The key is to choose ingredients with a proven track record, and experiment to see which ones produce the best results for your skin type.

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Facial Exfoliation Definitely Works, But Can You Exfoliate Your Face Too Much?

Initially, I liked the effects of my at-home microdermabrasion so much that I wanted to do it every single day.

But I resisted the urge and just did the facial exfoliation 3 times a week, as instructed.

I’m glad I didn’t overdo the microdermabrasionfor these reasons.

Constantly forcing your cells to renew (by peels, exfoliation and such) is not the wonderful thing we originally thought it to be. After all, the skin only has a finite amount of layers, and if we keep peeling them off so that we get that fresh glowy new skin we have all become so addicted to, eventually we won’t be left with anything other than overly thin, sad, tired skin and small white lines (caeloides) made of collagen that look like little stretch marks and these will not be able to be removed. And that’s no fun. The key is to slow down cell renewal, not speed it up.  Source

To be honest, after awhile, I did start to increase the microdermabrasion treatments to 4 or 5 times a week, but I noticed that my skin started to dry out and break out!

I felt like I was stripping my skin of all its natural oils or something. So I cut back to using the microdermabrasion only 3 times a week.

Here’s why you want to exfoliate your face in the first place.

My Cleansing & Microdermabrasion Routine

So now my regular routine is this:

• Once a day, I cleanse my skin using Bare Minerals Purifying Facial Cleanser. (I also like Cetaphil for cleaning and moisturizing sometimes. But lately I’m hooked on Bare Minerals products.)
• Twice a week (immediately after cleansing), I use one of the microdermabrasion creams I currently own to really get into those pores. (I alternate between the Olay ProX Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser  and the Artistry Polishing Scrub.)

I use the Olay brush for every microdermabrasion treatment and sometimes for my routine facial cleansing as well. I really like how the ProX brush spreads the cleanser orcream AND it lifts as it cleanses. So all of those tiny particles of dirt & grime are being removed from my pores this way.

You could also use a very fine baby brush to lightly exfoliate your face.

Then, whether I’ve used the Olay brush or not during cleansing, I always use the Artistry cloth to remove all traces of the cleanser from my face. (I always use it to remove the microdermabrasion creams from my face, as well.)

I like how this facial cloth really grabs onto the pores and leaves my skin feeling completely clean. I’ve compared this facial cloth to a standard chamois cloth (like one that’s used to gently clean your car). This one is really high quality and made with super-fine threads that each do their part to cleanse and remove loose, dead skin and cleanser/exfoliator creams from your skin.

Here are some other face chamois cloths that work like the Artistry cloth.

Facial Exfoliation Has Helped My Dry Skin

As a result of regularly cleansing and exfoliating my skin (and using both the Olay brush and the Artistry cloth), now my skin is much tighter, looks healthier, and it feels thoroughly cleansed.

Even with my dry skin, this process works wonders for me. I no longer have dry flaky skin on my nose, chin, and cheeks thanks to regular facial exfoliation.

Very often, people with dry or sensitive skin believe that they cannot exfoliate, which is simply not true.  You may need to start slower and use more mild methods, but exfoliation can actually help dry skin.  Dead skin cells and other grime or debris on the skin can prevent your moisturizer from getting to your live skin. People with dry or sensitive skin might do better with chemical exfoliation because the acids are doing most of the work and you don’t need to scrub and worry about applying too much pressure. You can also incorporate mild chemical exfoliation into your routine easily by switching your usual cream or lotion with one that contains lactic acid.  This is a milder acid than glycolic and is great at reducing ingrown hairs and getting rid of keratosis pilaris, or chicken skin. If you have sensitive skin, use creams or lotions with acid concentrations of 5% or lower.  These are also great to start out with and work you way up, or for those timid to try glycolic acid

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How To Wash Bras + 6 Tips To Make A Bra Last Longer

Not me! I replace ’em when they’re worn out. Period.

For me, that’s about every year or so, depending on how much I wear each one. (I do have 7 bras that I rotate regularly, so that helps.)

Here are the best tips for making your bras last longer…

How To Wash Bras To Make Them Last Longer

If you want to make them last longer, then don’t wash your bras after every wearing.

You really don’t need to wash them until after you’ve perspired in them. Especially during the winter months, I sometimes go a long time before washing my bras.

There’s no need to wash in between each use. You can wear a bra up to 7 or 8 times before cleaning it. — Linda Becker, aka The Bra Lady

What about hand washing them?

Many lingerie manufacturers say that you should handwash only.

Honestly, I don’t have the time and patience required to hand-wash anything. Instead, I uselingerie bags and just toss them in the washer. You may want to choose the delicate wash cycle — but I typically only use that for things with lace, embroidery, or open loops on them.

• Always use cold water. Hot water may shrink some undergarments. And you spent enough time finding bras that fit you perfectly, so why would you want to negatively impact the fit?
• Always air dry bras and underwear. Items with elastic, spandex, and lycra in them won’t last long if heat is applied to them. That’s why I always hang my undergarments on clothes drying racks and never place them in the dryer.
• Always wash bras by themselves (or in mesh bags) because zippers, velcro, and other items commonly found on clothing can snag — or even ruin — the delicate material that bras are made of.

Other Ways To Prolong The Life Of Your Bras

#1 Don’t put your bra on backwards and then flip it around.

This how some women put on a bra backwards then spin it around to the front:

• First, you place the bra against your body, upside down (with the hooks in front and the cups in back) and then hook the bra in front.
• Next, rotate the bra all the way around until the bra cups are in the front.
• Finally, flip the bra up to meet your breasts and pull the bra straps up into place.

If you do ‘the flip’, your bras won’t last very long. The underwires will start to poke out, the bra cups will become dented and flimsy, and the bra band will become stretched out in no time.

#2 Do buy several bras and rotate them frequently.

The more you wear the same bra over and over again, the faster it will wear out.

However, if you own several bras (I’ve got 7 that I rotate through), your bras will last much longer.

#3 Don’t wear a regular bra when working out.

Instead, you should wear a sports bra.

In addition to the extra support and better fit while exercising, sports bras usually hold up better in the washing machine. And they tend to last longer since most people wear them less often than regular bras.

So if you’re going to do something that makes you perspire a lot (even if it’s a really hot day and you’re just going to spend time outdoors), opt for the sports bra since it will need to be washed right away.

#4 Do store your bras in a way that preserves their natural shape.

I usually hang my bras long-ways (from a bra strap) from hooks on the closet door or on the doorknob itself. I used to store them flat with the cups nested inside one another.

The method you choose isn’t all that important, but treating your bras with care — over time — is important!

Ideally, if you want your bras to last a long time, here’s how to store bras: securely, separated, sorted, and scented!

• Here’s a DIY hanging bra storage system.
• Here are lots of bra storage & organization systems that you can buy.

#5 Don’t wear the same bra 2 days in a row.

This shouldn’t be a problem if you have several bras on hand that fit you properly.

But the reason for this makes sense…

If you give a bra at least 1 day off in between wearings, you’re giving it a chance to breathe and bounce back to its natural shape.

You’re also helping to restore the elasticity that is the foundation of a bra (in the bra band, sides, and bra straps).

#6. Do use each of the 3 sets of hooks on the back of your bra.

Since your bra stretches out each time you wear it (and wash it), you need to move to a different set of bra clasps over time.

Here’s how you should be using each of those bra clasps:

• When you first buy a new bra, start on the loosest (closest) of the 3 bra clasps in the middle of your back.
• Then, every few months, as the bra stretches out a bit, move in and use the middle clasp for awhile.
• Finally, use the tightest (farthest) clasp until the bra no longer fits you well.

Time For A New Bra?

By the way, if you’ve done any of these things recently, then you probably need to adjust your bra size:

• Lost or gained 5 to 7 pounds
• Experienced childbirth or menopause
• Changed your diet or exercise regime

And if your bra shows any of these characteristics, then you probably need to toss it and buy a new bra:

• Keeps riding up in back, even though it’s on the tightest hook
• Elastic bra band is stretched out and doesn’t hug you firmly anymore
• Underwire is poking through the cup or the sides
• Molded bra cups have lost their shape
• No longer supports your breasts like it once did

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How To Clean Jewelry At Home: Tips For Cleaning Yellow Gold, White Gold, Platinum …And Diamonds!

For years, I’ve been doing this to clean my gold & diamond jewelry:

1. Mix 2-3 drops of Murphy’s Oil Soap with super hot water in a small glass.  (To make distilled water hot, microwave it.)
2. Place gold ring with diamonds inside.
3. Swish the ring around using a kid-size toothbrush (that’s only used for cleaning jewelry).
4. Put ring on left pointer finger and use the toothbrush’s soft bristles to gently remove dirt and debris from top of the diamonds.
5. Take off ring to clean underside of the diamonds, making sure the sink drain is plugged or closed off.
6. Rinse thoroughly with hot water from the faucet — with the ring still on left pointer finger (and the drain still closed).

This is a jewelry cleaning process that I learned from a jeweler years ago when I acquired my first piece of gold jewelry with diamonds: my wedding ring.

Through the years, I’ve found a few other people who also use Murphys Oil Soap to clean jewelry, but it seems to be a little-known secret for the most part.

By the way…

Murphy’s Oil Soap does not contain ammonia, bleach, or oils. It contains plant-based and coconut-based cleaning agents, filtered water, and natural fragrance. ~Colgate-Palmolive

It has worked perfectly for me for the past 15 years.

I tried using a couple of different ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, but I didn’t like the ones I found in department stores. They didn’t seem to be of professional quality. They were made of cheap plastic, lightweight, and chintzy. I also didn’t like the ongoing expense of having to buy new cleaning solution all the time. (A bottle of the concentrated jewelry cleaner typically lasts 6 or 8 uses.)

With my DIY jewelry cleaning solution, I can buy the cleaner in bulk and it will last for years! Plus, I don’t have to find space on my bathroom countertop to use — and store — another handy dandy gadget.

If I ever change my mind and decide to try another (inexpensive) ultrasonic jewelry cleaner,this is the one I’d get. Though I would probably want to do some research on true professional-grade ultrasonic cleaners first. Surely, the more expensive ones would work even better and last even longer — right?

Another Jeweler’s Advice For Cleaning Jewelry

Recently, for our 15th wedding anniversary, we upgraded my 14-karat yellow gold wedding ring for a 14-karat white gold wedding ring and anniversary band.

Wanting to do it right from the get-go, I asked the jeweler how to clean my new rings.

Here’s how to clean jewelry at home, according my jeweler:

1. Put 2-3 drops of dishwashing soap that has ammonia in it into a small glass.
2. Fill the glass with very hot water and mix well. (To make distilled water hot, microwave it.)
3. Place diamond ring inside.
4. Let it set in this cleaning solution for 30 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly with hot water.
6. Use a hair dryer (instead of a lint-free cloth) to dry the ring and make the diamonds sparkle.

By the way, this jeweler recommends not using a soft toothbrush to clean diamonds. The reason? He said if a diamond is loose in its setting, using a brush could send the diamond flying and you may not ever find it.

Ammonia And A Hair Dryer… Seriously?

After I got home with my new diamond rings, 2 questions came to mind:

#1 – Which brands of dishwashing soap have ammonia in them?

#2 – Use a hair dryer to dry diamond rings… really?

So I did some research and found others recommending the same thing: dish soap with ammonia and a hair dryer.

Though, I’ll be honest, I also found some people saying that you should never use ammonia on jewelry, and even some say not to use a hair dryer.

Since more than one professional said TO do these things, I’ve decided to follow the advice of my jeweler (and others) and use dish soap with ammonia to clean my jewelryand a hair dryer to dry my jewelry.

The safest solution is 1 part ammonia to 6 parts water. For the purest formulation, use distilled water (or at least bottled water) instead of tap water — unless you want hard water stains and calcium deposits that are naturally found in tap water to settle onto your diamonds. Distilled water is budget-friendly too. A gallon jug is just 99 cents at most grocery stores!

Here’s some discussion about dish soaps that contain ammonia:

• Dawn and Joy Detergent: Ammonia Or Not?
• Palmolive Dishwashing Detergent Ingredients
• Does Dawn Dish Soap Have Ammonia In It?
• Palmolive Ingredients Decoded
• Dawn MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) & List Of Ingredients
• A Clue About Ammonia In Dawn: “Do Not Add Bleach”

I found bits & pieces from each of those discussions helpful when determining how to clean jewelry at home myself.

By the way, my jeweler’s recommendation to not use a soft toothbrush makes perfect sense. But since I’m not a jeweler with the “right” tools to clean all sides of a diamond, I still use a soft baby toothbrush very carefully — because I can’t imagine the liquid solution alone removes all of the body oils, hand lotion, sunscreen, and soap that acquires over time.

How do you clean your gold jewelry and diamonds? Have you learned any other tips and tricks that work?

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