Turn Back the Hands of Time and Live Younger

We've all seen the commercials and heard the sales pitch on miracle anti-aging products and practices, but what should you look for the next time you invest in a 'miracle' cream, product or food?

The shelves are stocked with beauty and anti-aging creams, serums and makeup products. Next time you are shopping for anti-aging product, look for these key or active ingredients: Peptides, Retinol, Antioxidants, Sirtuins, and Ceramides. They will enhance the look and health of your skin.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that stimulate collagen production, enhance wound healing and cell repair, modulate pigmentation, and provide antimicrobial activity. Retinol has long been used for anti-aging purposes. It promotes skin renewal, increases the production of collagen, and decreases UV induced collegians. Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative and works great for the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyper pigmentation.


Antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E work together to protect the skin barrier. Vitamin C is the most plentiful antioxidant in our skin and neutralizes free radicals. Applying Vitamin C topically improves fine and course wrinkling, improves smoothness, tone,  laxity, and can lighten hyper pigmentation. Vitamin E works with Vitamin C to help protect the skin barrier and upper dermis from the oxidative damage from UV exposure. Using topically before UV exposure can reduce skin responses such as erythema, edema, and sunburn cell formation.

Sirluins are cellular proteins that regulate aging. On a cellular level, they promote cell repair and production of protective antioxidants. Ceramides are cellular fats (lipids) that are found in between skin cells, which seal them together. They are critical for our skin barrier as they keep pathogens out, but keep moisture in. Hydration is necessary to allow cellular turnover and keeps skin healthy and vibrant.

Sunscreen should always be at the top of your list. Always. It is probably one of the most important anti-aging products. Modest amounts of UV exposure is healthy, and promotes Vitamin D production,  but too much is detrimental and leads to premature aging. Adding these to your beauty routine will keep you looking young on the outside, but what you put on the inside is just as important.

Produce, especially those high in Vitamin C, contain antioxidants that will keep your complexion looking top notch. Antioxidants fight off skin damaging free radicals, prevents heart disease, and protects against cartilage deterioration.

Vitamin C also helps to keep your hair healthy and shiny, as it aids in the production of sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. Sebum acts as a body's natural conditioner and keeps hair shiny and smooth. Add apricots, pomegranates, blueberries, cranberries, spinach, and blackberries to your next grocery shopping list. .

Complex carbohydrates are great at regulating blood sugar. Blood sugar levels cause significant stress on the body, and actually accelerate aging. Brown rice, oats, wheat germ, barley, and cornmeal are rich sources of complex carbohydrates. Omega-3's brighten your complexion, leading to a natural glow. As we age, our skin produces less oil, creating rough patches and dry skin. Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3, and brings radiance back to the skin.