Roberta Mittman s. Wrinkles 101: Natural Secrets For Pretty, Youthful, and Healthy Skin

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1 Roberta Mittman s Wrinkles 101: Natural Secrets For Pretty, Youthful, and Healthy Skin

2 The Basics of Beautiful Skin I can remember the first time when, in my 30s, I looked in the mirror and saw a few creases near my eyes. Could those be signs of aging already? I wondered. Some years later, I was dismayed to notice that those creases were turning into wrinkles. How did that happen? Some may say these little marks add character and personality to a face, while others declare them a necessary, natural, graceful sign of the aging process. Well, I m not sure how great those furrows are myself. I m someone who tries her best to stay healthy, and of course, youthful. Now that I m older, I m even more concerned with preventing an increase in those relentless lines and wrinkles. So, if you re like me and would rather try to keep your youthful appearance as long as you can, please read on. What s a Wrinkle Anyway? Skin wrinkles with age because, as time passes, our bodies can t fully repair damage to the cells that provide skin strength and resilience. The underlayer of our skin is comprised of proteins and collagen that give skin elasticity, and these elements decline as we age. The sun, environmental assaults, and a less-than-optimal diet add to the free-radical damage that causes proteins and collagen to break down while preventing them from being replaced quickly and with the right structure. Wrinkling and sagging are an unfortunate result. Sigh. The good news: We can intervene with some to-the-rescue measures today to slow down the skin aging process.

3 Dos and Don ts to Preserve Youthful-Looking Skin Right Now Avoid the sun, except for a few minutes early or late in the day, depending on where you live. (Sun is the number 1 cause of wrinkles and leathery skin.) Are you a driver? Pay special attention to the left side of your face since it s more exposed to the sun. Wear sunscreen. Don t smoke. Smoking adds wrinkles and lip lines and contributes to thinner skin and that s all on top of the other host of health problems caused by this dangerous habit. Get enough sleep. Otherwise, your body produces the stress hormone cortisol, which breaks down skin cells. Sleep on your back. Give up front or side sleeping to reduce lines and wrinkles caused by your pillow. (This is also better for your spine.) Squinting? Don t. That kind of repetitive facial movement can cause wrinkles to form wrinkles that will add to the appearance of aging far more than glasses would. Treat your skin with TLC. Don t over-dry or irritate your face with harsh cleansers or hot water, or over- or under-clean away makeup. Those are the basics. Ready for the big guns? Here are some further important steps you can begin today for glowing, radiant skin. Consider a food-based detoxification Spring is the ideal time for self-renewal. Because your skin serves as the barrier between your body and a toxic environment, I suggest a week-long, easy-to-follow program that eliminates the most damaging foods while adding back beneficial nutrients to help your body release stored toxins. (Please me at support@robertamittman.com with Detox in the subject line, and I ll help you get started.)

4 Change to organic, chemical-free skin-care products. Not only do toxins contribute to allergic reactions, but harmful chemicals are also absorbed through your skin and add to the burden of the skin s detoxification and protection duties. New to try as a moisturizer: organic coconut oil. Reduce digestive distress, candida, and inflammation. Your skin can be a reflection of internal metabolic and absorption issues, and these issues in turn slow your skin s ability to protect, excrete, and absorb. Inquire about probiotics, repair and healing supplements, and a diet designed to help your skin stay clear and healthy including free from acne and eczema. Speaking of diet (you knew I would!): Essential nutrition as outlined below builds and maintains youthful, healthy skin. Good Food, Good Looks at Every Age Your skin is like every other part of the human body: It needs the right conditions to perform at its peak., I discussed some strategies above that you can implement immediately to preserve the largest organ in your body your skin. To maintain youthful skin as we age, it s also imperative to stay healthy and provide those cells with the nutrients they need to be strong and defend themselves against changes and damage that come with aging, pollution, and toxins. If your skin looks fabulous right now, don t think you re off the hook. Take note: This information is crucial for all ages, starting with prevention in your 20s. Sorry to say, but once wrinkling begins, attempts to rehabilitate damaged skin can be less successful, and wrinkles may worsen as you age.

5 That s the unfortunate news. But the good news is, as with so many other physical concerns, sound nutrition is a key to prevention. Yes, good food strategies can even help keep wrinkles at bay! Add essential fatty acids and omega 3-rich foods. Pick up any book on glowing skin, and the topic of eating healthful fats is at the top of the list. These help combat dryness from the inside out. (And don t worry. Essential fats won t make you fat!) The best sources of good fats are wild salmon, walnuts, sardines, halibut, flaxseed, and avocados. New to try: chia seeds. Sprinkle on foods or add to protein drinks. Hydrate. Your skin will stay moist and glowing with pure water, and lots of it. Not a water guzzler? Many tasty, satisfying fruits and vegetables have a high water content. Add watermelon, grapes, spinach, tomatoes, papaya, and cucumbers to your diet, and you also take in lots of additional H2O. The surprise for anti-aging? With their added vitamins and minerals, these foods can actually hydrate you more effectively than water alone! Eat anti-wrinkle antioxidants for younger skin. Antioxidants (beta-carotene and vitamins A, C, and E) help your body prevent and repair cell damage, and that includes skin damage. Foods that fit the bill include berries, broccoli, spinach, garlic, beans, yellow and orange root vegetables, nuts, and green tea. And buy organic when possible, of course.

6 Thwart premature aging by cutting free-radical-forming foods. No doubt you ve heard that you should limit your intake of processed foods, refined grains and sugars, and foods laden with additives. Those foods stimulate production of free radicals, rogue compounds that damage cells and lower your body s natural immune response. Avoid them, and you essentially make yourself younger and healthier, inside and out. Consider using healthful ingredients topically. What do honey, oatmeal, egg whites, yogurt, lemon, papaya, and coconut oil have in common? You can eat them or you can mix and match them to create your own natural, cost-effective masks, moisturizers, and cleansers. Try kosher salt (carefully) or brown sugar for exfoliation and diluted apple cider vinegar as a toner. The options are unlimited and come from your local grocer or farm. Sweat. Your skin is designed to detoxify naturally. Sweat or steam can aid your body in releasing stored toxins and increasing the circulation healthy skin needs. Just wash after your workout, and you ve taken a step toward youthful skin. If you think you need to buy expensive, hyped, and media-promoted products, think again. What goes for the rest of your body is operative for your skin as well, and with a few changes along the way, you can begin to slow down the aging clock naturally. It may look like a tall order especially if these things are not part of your current routine but I assure you it s worthwhile to make these changes. I m here to guide you toward your best skin and body health, at every age. Give me a call at for personalized help. Want more right away? Let s discuss some nutritional supplements that will boost your skin s ability to stay young and glorious.

7 For a Youthful Boost We talked wrinkle-fighting basics, and we talked good skin nutrition. Is there anything else a person can do to keep the glowing, supple skin of youth? Absolutely. Once you ve made sure what you take into and put on your body and skin are beneficial, the world of supplements can offer extra help in your fight against the outward signs of aging. A quality multivitamin is, of course, a good starting point for your overall health. In addition, here s a rundown of some of the most important vitamins and other compounds that can assist in your anti-aging efforts and help to keep your skin strong and fresh looking. Fish oils are an excellent source of healthful omega-3 fats, which combat skin dryness from the inside out. Studies have also suggested these fats can help protect skin against sun sensitivity and assist in relieving psoriasis symptoms. What s more, fish oil fights age-related memory and cognition trouble, too. Coconut naturally contains antioxidants, healthful fatty acids, and antimicrobial agents. As a food, coconut has long been noted for its healing qualities. And if you have extremely dry skin, rich coconut oil offers long-lasting relief when used topically. Antioxidants naturally found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables as well as green tea help eliminate the free radicals that cause damage to skin and body cells. Vitamin C is useful in treating skin infections that cause boils or acne. It may be applied topically as part of a protective barrier against sun damage. Some studies have even suggested that cancer patients with skin damage from radiation treatments heal more quickly when given supplemental vitamins C and E.

8 Vitamin D3 gives immunity and skin protection. It s an important supplement particularly for people who are sensitive to the sun, which is the human body s natural source for the vitamin. Lutein, a compound abundant in spinach and kale, helps protect your skin from sun damage by filtering ultraviolet waves. Bonus: Lutein may also fight age-induced vision trouble since it s key in protecting the eyes from light damage. Lycopene has antioxidant properties and may even have an ability to thwart the excessive cellular growth that characterizes cancer. Vitamin E may help relieve the symptoms of chronic skin problems. Note: Use this supplement cautiously. Enough is good, but too much can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or worsening of other conditions. Does this list sound familiar? Good catch! It s no coincidence that the same elements that add up to young, strong skin contribute to the good health of your other body systems, too. Remember this: Keeping your skin healthy and avoiding the effects of aging are not just vanity. Your skin is, literally, your body s first barrier against outside offenders. Keep it strong, from inside and out, and you ve given your whole body a formidable system for defending itself. Ready for your 17-minute energy fix? If you'd like to speak with me totally free about what you can do today to have more vitality and wellness in your life, just schedule an appointment by clicking here: I look forward to helping you work on your mini-makeover for 2013!

9 About Roberta Roberta Mittman, L.Ac., a dedicated alternative health care practitioner and licensed acupuncturist, is the founder of the Park Avenue Center for Wellbeing. She serves her local community of New York City as well as those around the world who connect with her virtually online and through telephone coaching to help them achieve their optimal health, balance, energy, and weight. An author and self-proclaimed chocolate enthusiast, Roberta brings patient-tested, timeless, and cutting-edge information to successfully integrate the two worlds of traditional and alternative forms of medicine for long-lasting results and inner confidence. Visit for your F.R.E.E. Special Report-- "Your Thoughts Can Change Your Life: 3 Holistic Mindset Shifts Four Patients Took to Change the Course of their Health Forever."