Cosmetics

I’m 51 & losing collagen rapidly in my already thin face….?

…Had Radiesse injections – they don’t last. What REALLY works?
I try to eat healthy; soy protein, fruits, veggies, etc. I get some exercise but not as much as I should. The only thing that helps is gaining weight, which goes first to my stomach, thighs and butt areas before it shows in my face. I’m tired of looking sick with sunken-in cheeks.

For young-looking, attractive skin, consider these factors: antioxidant defense to protect our delicate skin against deterioration, and density of collagen and elastic fibres to give skin elasticity.

Vitamin C is essential in the production of collagen and elastin for healthy skin and connective tissue.

Vitamins C and E and carotenoids provide valuable antioxidant activity to the skin, which helps with UV (ultra-violet) protection, antioxidant protection and helping the skin’s immune response. Wear sunblock in the sun and a hat. In my business, skin cancer is seriously on the rise and if we’re not serious about taking care of our skin – who will? Carotenoids are found in many vegetables. Tomato extract has broad range carotenoids, including lycopene and lutein. Also consider a product with blueberry as an ingredient.

Pycnogenol protects the skin, supports collagen density, and assists in wound healing from the articles I’ve read. Then there’s Zinc which is often overlooked in the diet, but is important for RNA/DNA, the very blueprint of cells, for lack of a better description. We need Zinc to help our cells heal and help with rough skin.

Let’s not forget Selenium, another antioxidant also vital in protecting skin cells from damage caused by the sun.

Horsetail herb contains silica (an often overlooked mineral) and zinc for healing and connective tissue, which is why I take Horsetail herb to make my nails grow. Minerals are very important to the skin.

We don’t eat a diet with enough variation according to the experts. The average American diet consists high carbs, empty calories, over processed foods, and very little in the way of fresh raw food with life-giving enzymes which assist the body in breaking down the very food we consume. Cut an apple in half and you’ll know what I mean. It begins to turn brown very quickly. This is what nature intended. The nutrients have to come from within, through foods rich in the nutrients we need or through good quality vitamin supplements. And please don’t buy them from your local drug store, supermarket or membership chain – you aren’t getting what you pay for. I’ve been the health foods business for over 20 years and believe me, we really ARE what we eat! So make it count.

Prescription medications can have a bearing on pulling vitamins and minerals from the body at an excellerated rate. Steroids given to many of our elderly are causing much more damage than good, and this is an understatement to say the least. I see this at work everyday and it breaks my heart. I’ve assisted a few who bearly bump against a display and their skin tears like paper. There IS a better way.

Lastly, drink WATER. The skin has to hydrate to be healthy and rid itself of toxins. Drink clean water, not tap. Use natural products to clean and moisturize the skin. Not commercial, chemically prepared products that will age you much faster than using nothing at all. Do your homework. Check out some of the ingredients in the products you buy at the super saver stores. What you put ON your skin is absorbed INTO your skin. This is a known fact. Well enough of my soapbox. There is plenty of reserach to support what I’m saying. Check out dyingtolookgood.com if you get the chance. Hope this helps.

Radiesse Injection at Jardin Medical Spa in Philadelphia