Sunday, November 2, 2008

How Celebs Stay Young, 6 Secrets

By Dr. Grace Angel

1. DO NOT ABUSE ALCOHOL

Alcohol, as we all know, causes dehydration. "Going to bed after a bender without properly treating your face is like tanning in Cozumel for a week without using sunscreen," says one famous starlet known for her work on High School Musical.

Abusing alcohol will, over time, decrease the body's ability to produce collagen and reduces skin's firmness and elasticity, which will cause dry, sagging, wrinkled skin.

2. STAY OUT OF THE SUN

This one is essential and simple. However, if you must venture into the light use a high powered, high quality sun block. "On my face and neck I use spf 45 and on the rest of my body I use spf. That way I'm protected but I can still get a nice tan," says a famous former Mickey Mouse Club diva.

3. DON'T DRINK COFFEE

Coffee is a natural diuretic and causes the body to void essential liquids and nutrients. According to a Jesus loving country music star and former caffeine addict, "When I drink coffee, I notice that not only are my teeth stained but I think I actually see the crow's feet around my eyes getting more noticeable."

4. EAT LOTS OF CITRUS AND VEGETABLES

Leafy greens like spinach have antioxidants that preserve skin health. Citrus like grapefruit and oranges contain vitamin C that increases collagen production. Boosting collagen production is important because it aids skin firmness and elasticity, which helps fight premature wrinkling and the effects of aging.

5. HAVE AT LEAST TEN GLASSES OF WATER

"Drinking water is one the most important things you can do for your skin. I drink ten glasses religiously now. Years ago, when I didn't I noticed my skin would dry out, become gray and dull, and look vapid."

6. APPLY A NIGHT CREAM WITH PROVEN AGE FIGHTING COMPOUNDS

Using a night cream is the simplest yet most necessary part of your beauty routine. Choose a night cream with proven age-fighters like vitamin C, peptides, and retinol. These compounds applied at night will reduce the effect of aging and the environment on your skin. "Young men always approach me at clubs and at the gym thinking I'm 25. My night cream has allowed me to maintain my youthful skin. These boys obviously haven't seen my movies from the early 1980's and would never guess that I'm actually 45," chuckles a member of Hollywood's brat pack, who chose, astutely, to remain anonymous. - 16004

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