Anti-Aging Remedies

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1.Hyaluronic Acid Fillers and Collagen Fillers
The days of stretching and lifting our faces are drawing to a close. Hyaluronic acid and collagen fillers are behind the "new look," a plumped-up, pushed-out baby face, adding volumed to sagging, weathered faces. As you age, the collagen in your skin breaks down due to an increased production of enzymes, leaving you more susceptible to bruising, wrinkling and tearing. "Collagen is a key supporting substance," says the University of Michigan (UM) Health System. A 2007 UM Health System study looked at Restylane, a dermal filler, and found it promoted new and limited the breakdown of existing collagen. All this, just twice a year. Maybe the rich and famous aren't so crazy after all.


2.Botox injections

Who hasn't had Botox injections these days? From top Hollywood stars to the stay-at-home mom down the street, the Botox craze continues to stiffen the faces of countless women. A skilled dermatologist, however, can inject Botox very precisely into the muscle, allowing facial movement in all except one small area. "The treatment is quick and not terribly painful, and the results are visible almost immediately," says Krupp. "Results only last about three to six months, but some doctors claim that if you have regular Botox injections, the results are cumulative, allowing you to go longer between injections until you don't need them anymore."


3.Retinoid creams

If you own a TV, no doubt you've been bombarded with commercials for rejuvenating creams, wrinkle-reducing moisturizers and countless other "miracles." What's the truth behind these weighty claims? According to the Harvard Health Publications, skin creams containing retinoid may do the trick. Tretinoin, a popular retinoid better known as Retin-A or Renova, "reduces fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen." If you're unable to get your hands on these prescriptions, there are over-the-counter options that "do improve the appearance of photoaged skin." Results appear in about 6 months to a year.


4.Chemical peels
A chemical peel, which eliminates the first layer of skin actually reveals the face that lies beneath the surface. There are varying levels of chemical peels, ranging from superficial peels with salicylic acid to deep peels with phenol. These procedures can effectively banish the appearance of wrinkles, scars and age spots, according to the Baylor College of Medicine. Superficial peels are not a one-time procedure; the best result won't come until you've gotten a number of peels. On the upside, they don't require an extended recovery period. For deeper peels, "Recovery may be slow and complete healing may take several months," according to Weill Medical College of Cornell University.


5.Laser skin resurfacing
Like a chemical peel, laser skin resurfacing aims to encourage growth of new cells beneath your damaged outer layer, as a means of tuning back the clock. But be prepared for some serious down time -- the UM Health System recommends that you do not return to work two weeks post-op. and have someone around for a day or two to help you out.


6.Vitamin Therapy: Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C and E
Simply taking vitamins won't halt the aging process, unless you're taking the ones that have a proven effect on your body. Vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene are antioxidants that have the power to protect your skin against harmful free radicals, which are believed to play a role in the aging process, according to the UM Health System. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals, which can develop from a variety of normal metabolic functions in the body or environmental factors, including smoke, smog and the sun. But before you start swallowing handfuls, be aware that an excess of vitamins can be dangerous to your health. Play it safe by taking the daily recommended amount of vitamins by eating foods rich in antioxidants.


7.Wear Sunscreen
The facts still stand firm: Sunscreen might be your best defense against the aging effects of the sun. "Excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun can result in premature aging and undesirable changes in skin texture," says the Center for Disease Control. The proper sunscreen can block UVA and UVB rays that can cause cancerous growths in addition to unsightly skin conditions. To be extra safe, stay out of direct sunlight when the rays are their strongest, usually in the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.


8.Anti-Aging Foods
"Those who ate a diet containing more 'whole foods' -- vegetables, fruits, legumes, eggs, yogurt, nuts, oils rich in monounsaturated fats, multigrain bread, tea, and water -- had less wrinkling and premature skin aging than those whose diets were rich in whole milk, red meat (particularly processed meats), butter, potatoes, and sugar," according to a study cited by University at California, Berkeley. These particular foods may help prevent aging because they are rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals and monounsaturated fats.


9.De-stressing techniques
"It's hard to think of any disease in which stress cannot play an aggravating role, or any part of the body that is not affected [by stress]," according to The American Institute of Stress. That includes the ravages of aging. The key is to de-stress without harmful crutches like alcohol and cigarettes. Natural stress reduction methods like yoga, deep-breathing and meditation can be highly effective in contributing to a more youthful appearance.


10.Calorie Restriction
"Calorie restriction is the practice of eating less than your body needs to maintain your normal weight," according to the Mayo Clinic. And with the restriction may come revitalization and rejunvenation. Animals that have been placed on a restricted calorie diet in lab studies have lived longer lives than their counterparts who ate normal diets. They were also less likely to develop chronic illnesses that often develop with age. Also, "short trials of calorie restriction diets in people have shown some benefit," including improved blood pressure, a lower body fat percentage and lower levels of cholesterol, says the Mayo Clinic. A calorie-restricted diet can affect your overall health, but it has not been proven as conclusive anti-aging agent; speak with your doctor before starting.


11.Giveaway Areas
It used to be all about the face. Now, in order to mask their age, women are asking plastic surgeons to make improvements on more subtle parts of their bodies: hands, knees and the neck. Hands are one of the first body parts that can betray your age. Laser treatments can be used to remove spots that have already surfaced and the same fillers that are being used to plump up faces can be used to thicken skin on the hands. As for the neck and chest, a variety of prescription creams and Botox can work together to lighten spots, wrinkling and banding. As for the knees, there's no quick fix, but baggy knees can be lasered into their previous condition and treated with Botox and fillers.


12.Wear sunglasses
You've been told a thousand times that not wearing sunscreen will leave your skin wrinkly and leathery, but what about the sun's effects on your eyes? Sunglasses can shield your eyes from harsh rays that can induce cataracts and macular degeneration. The cosmetic benefits are plentiful too. "With shades, you'll squint less, helping you keep crow's feet and forehead wrinkles at bay, and you'll protect the delicate skin on the sides of your eyes, just as long as you make sure the shades cover that area as well," says Krupp.