Sipping from the Fountain of Youth
Tips to minimize the effects of aging on our skin.
Searching for magic restorative waters to maintain youth, beauty, and vigor has been a quest for mankind for centuries. Alexander the Great supposedly searched for this mythical fountain around 330 BC as he conquered most of the known world. Later King Prester John ruled a land that was rumored to contain rivers of gold and a Fountain of Youth in the 12th century.
However, the most well-known ‘Fountain of Youth’ was discovered in Florida in what is known today as “the oldest city in the United States”. In the year 1513 AD the Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de Leon, landed in Florida near Saint Augustine many years before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock.
Although Saint Augustine itself has maintained its beauty over the years, the folks who drank from its sulfur-rich “Fountain of Youth” are still waiting for the effects of time to unwind.
Whether we like it or not, aging is an inevitable natural process. As time marches on, structural volume in our faces will diminish, visible lines will appear, and our skin will become a bit more dry and thin. These changes are part of the natural genetic changes that will occur in everyone that can only minimally be influenced, called “Intrinsic Aging”.
However, not all of the factors that affect our skin are genetic. In fact, we have a major influence on many factors through smart healthy lifestyle choices. “Extrinsic Aging” refers to the effects from factors that we can control and influence. Smart choices can minimize the effects of father time, especially sun protection. By following these preventative tips, you can help your skin stay healthy and prevent premature aging.
Top 5 things YOU CAN DO to PREVENT premature aging
- Use sunscreen and photoprotection: Daily sun protection is the most important thing you can do for your skin. Whether you’re at the beach or running errands, you should always use at least SPF 30 on all sun-exposed skin. Other tips include hats, umbrellas, SPF clothing, and seeking shade when possible.