SKIN:

Sleeping gives your body a chance to repair itself on the cellular level. As you sleep, extra protein molecules are produced to rid your skin of pollutants and infections while they simultaneously rebuild the cells that allow you to wake up refreshed with radiant skin. Think of the days you don’t get enough sleep. You pull yourself up with puffy, bloodshot eyes surrounded by dark circles. You don’t get the necessary sleep to allow the molecules to repair yesterday’s damage. Getting the right amount of sleep is the proven “anti aging” miracle we all dream of.

WEIGHT:

Now you can stop feeling guilty when you go to bed early and skip your daily workout because proper sleeping habits can help control your body weight. When you sleep, the hormones that regulate your appetite are placed back in control, possibly ridding your thoughts of those nasty cravings. When you deprive your body of sleep, your body naturally craves sugar and carbohydrates as a defense mechanism to jolt you awake. For those of you who can’t seem to shed those last five pounds, try hitting the hay an hour early.

STRESS:

Of course, the best way to feel beautiful is to not feel stressed. Stress hormones are released during the day as a result of today’s fast paced lifestyle. These hormones have physical effects on the body as well. Excessive stress is a common cause of the degeneration of internal organs as well as the aging of your skin (aka: wrinkles!). Sleep helps to reverse many of these effects as it maintains a state of relaxation.

OVERALL HEALTH:

The average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, but it varies depending on the individual. Not getting enough sleep results in a whole bunch of problems, but too much sleep also makes it more difficult for your body to enter back into its functioning mode.

photo credit: Eden in China

How much an individual needs is dependent on many factors. Here are some things to keep in mind: Women often require an extra hour in the week before they begin menstruating and during pregnancy. Genetics also play a part in determining your specific needs. The amount of time it takes your body to reach the phase of deep sleep where the benefits are received is often hereditary.

The best way to find out what works best for you is to take into consideration your individual situation based on the criteria above. And then, experiment. If you often feel groggy, try going to bed earlier. If you habitually go to sleep early, sleep late, and still wake up unrested, try staying up an hour later. While “beauty sleep” is often used in regards to women’s needs, it is vital for everyone. Get your sleep and you will wake up energized, beautiful, and healthier.

The solution to this dilemma is to take a close look at the actual ingredients contained in each anti-aging product. Instead of making a decision based on marketing hype, choose to trust only those products that actually contain key anti-aging ingredients.

We all want smoother, firmer skin and a more youthful glow. Choosing the right skin care products is the best place to start.

Here are some key ingredients to look for:

Retinol (Vitamin A) is one of the most effective anti aging ingredients used in skin creams and lotions. The acid form of retinol is tretinoin. Retinol is extremely effective in reducing lines and wrinkles and improving skin texture. Be sure to protect your skin from sunlight with a daily SPF product, as retinol can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.

Niacin (Vitamin B3) has recently been shown to activate sirtuins, a chemical in our body that has anti-aging properties.

Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid is another commonly used anti-aging ingredient in skin care. Vitamin C is proven to reduce wrinkles and activate skin’s natural collagen, making it much more elastic.

Vitamin E has been called the “ultimate anti-aging ingredient” by many people. It has been used for years to improve skin’s texture and to prevent wrinkles.

Licorice Extract helps to reduce and prevent age spots. It is proven to improve skin tone and evenness.

Omega Acids, including Omega 3 (fish oil) and Omega 6, are powerful anti aging skin care ingredients as they are extremely effective in moisturizing the skin. Not only are omega acids effective in reducing wrinkles and lines, but they can be used early on to prevent them and keep skin looking younger, longer.

photo credit: savor_soaps

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are wonderfully effective exfoliants that slough away dead cells on the skin’s surface to expose younger, healthier looking skin. Of all the ingredients in anti-aging products, this is a great one for cell turnover and skin renewal.

Beta-Hydroxy Acids (more commonly known as salicylic acids) are a peeling agent. These too are effective in exposing healthier skin below the surface by removing old, dead skin cells. Both alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids are also quite effective in the treatment of acne and discoloration.

Jojoba oil is wonderful for women with sensitive skin and is effective in reducing find lines and wrinkles as well as making the skin much more soft and supple. Don’t let the word “oil” scare you off – it is actually a wax and does not promote acne or clog pores.

Grapeseed oil is a moisturizing ingredient that contains many antioxidants which help promote skin’s firmness and elasticity.

Always, always remember that anti-aging cream ingredients are much more important than any advertisement or marketing scheme. Looking back, you’ll be glad you didn’t waste your money on an inferior product.