Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Skin Care Hollywood Style, Starlets' 6 Beauty Secrets

By Dr. Grace Angel

1. AVOID EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL

It's common knowledge that alcohol causes dehydration. "If you don't take care of your skin before bedtime after drinking all night, you might as well go on a beach vacation for a week without sunscreen. You are totally damaging your skin if drink and fail to treat," says one High School Musical starlet.

Liberal use and abuse of grandpa's cough medicine decreases the body's ability to produce collagen and over time reduces skin's elasticity leading to wrinkles and dry, sagging skin.

2. STAY OUT OF THE SUN

This is just good common sense. But if you cannot avoid it, use a quality high spf sun protectant. "I use spf 50 on my neck and face; however, I do recommend spf 35 on your body. Doing this protects my vulnerable skin, but allows me to develop a nice brownish tan everywhere else," suggests a former Mickey Mouse club member.

3. AVOID COFFEE

Caffeine is nature's diuretic and coffee contains it in spades. It causes the body to get rid of necessary liquids and nutrients. Jesus-lovin' Country music singers agree, "When I drink too much coffee, my teeth become noticeable stained and I can swear that the slight wrinkles around my eyes start developing into crows feet."

4. EAT LOTS OF CITRUS AND VEGETABLES

Leafy greens like spinach have antioxidants that preserve skin health. Citrus like grapefruit and oranges contain vitamin C that increases collagen production. Boosting collagen production is important because it aids skin firmness and elasticity, which helps fight premature wrinkling and the effects of aging.

5. DRINK 10 GLASSES OF WATER

"Drinking water is one the most important things you can do for your skin. I drink ten glasses religiously now. Years ago, when I didn't I noticed my skin would dry out, become gray and dull, and look vapid."

6. APPLY A NIGHT CREAM WITH PROVEN AGE FIGHTING COMPOUNDS

Using a night cream is the simplest yet most necessary part of your beauty routine. Choose a night cream with proven age-fighters like vitamin C, peptides, and retinol. These compounds applied at night will reduce the effect of aging and the environment on your skin. "Young men always approach me at clubs and at the gym thinking I'm 25. My night cream has allowed me to maintain my youthful skin. These boys obviously haven't seen my movies from the early 1980's and would never guess that I'm actually 45," chuckles a member of Hollywood's brat pack, who chose, astutely, to remain anonymous.

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