The three-pronged approach I recommend for fighting the signs of aging includes using good products, daily facial exercises and following a healthy diet. What always surprises me is that many people don’t take diet into consideration. Diet definitely impacts your skin—especially when you eat too much sugar and simple carbs. When there is too much sugar in your bloodstream, a nasty process called glycation occurs. Glycation causes the sugars you consume to produce advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
The high blood sugar levels that set the stage for AGEs causes our bodies and skin to age faster. The formation of AGEs leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the essential protein fibers that gives our skin its firmness and elasticity. AGEs also cause age spots and hyperpigmentation, dull skin tone, inflammation, fine lines, wrinkles, and the thickening and sagging of skin. Exposure to ultraviolet rays expedites glycation, further increasing the appearance of the signs of aging.
Below are some five ways to combat AGEs and boost the results of daily facial exercises.
1. Cut Down on Sugar
Skip sugary sweets and simple carbs, which convert to sugar in your bloodstream, as much as possible. Load up on lean protein and fiber to help fill you up so you don’t have hunger pangs. If you have a sweet tooth, opt for a piece of fruit to curb that evil craving.
2. Attain and Maintain a Healthy Weight
Studies show that weight gain can contribute to the formation AGEs. Strive to reach and maintain a healthy weight for your size.
3. Wear Sunscreen
Since exposure to the sun’s rays bolsters the formation of AGEs, wear sunscreen every single day. Wear it on your face, neck, décolletage, arms, legs, hands—basically anywhere that is at risk for sun exposure.
4. Do Strength or Resistance Training
One of the pitfalls of aging is that we naturally lose muscle mass, which can boost blood sugar levels and lead to more AGEs formation. Strength and resistance training is awesome because it helps your rebuild muscles. The greater your lean muscle mass, the more glucose your muscles consume.
5. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can convert to sugar in your body and also boosts glycation. Limit your alcohol intake and avoid sugar-laden mixers altogether.
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