Hello Darlings, I was shocked to find out that from 2000 to 2010, the number of people getting Botox in the U.S.A. increased by 584%! I am believer in the “do what makes you feel fabulous” approach to life, but the idea of having someone poke needles into my face is terrifying!

There are two types of aging: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic aging is influenced by internal physiological factors, so all you can do is blame your parents for how you intrinsically age :) However the most visibly noticeable aging is extrinsic, which can be managed, prevented and postponed. Of all extrinsic causes including ultra-violet radiation, cigarette smoking, and air pollution, the most harmful on the skin is sun damage. For anyone who loves tanning, you probably should know that most of visible aging is 90% attributed to sun exposure!

Now that I’ve brought you down, let me cheer you back up with a number of amazing tips from the dermatologic superstar, Dr. Fredric Brandt:

Tip 1: SPF in make-up is not enough

Be sure to apply at least a teaspoon of sunscreen to your face every day. By wearing sun block, the repair enzymes shift from defending skin to healing it. Try Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch sunblock SPF 100+. Personally, I wear Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 55 everyday.

Tip 2: Don’t forget the neck

The face cream that you apply to your face should also be applied to your neck including SPF. Your neck ages the fastest.

Tip 3: Introduce Retinoids

All retinoids are derived from vitamin A, which reduce wrinkles, clears up breakouts and improve skin texture. The best anti-ager is sunscreen; the next is vitamin A. Retinoids make skin healthier. Retinoids can cause redness and itching when first used but that is  all a part of acclimation process. If it is too uncomfortable, try using it every other day or leaving it on for a few minutes and then rinse. Take gradual steps so that your skin can get used to it.

Tip 4: Watch what you eat

Eating gluten, sugar and white flour may disturb your body's production of collagen, which is a key agent in wrinkle-fighting. Also introduce green tea into your diet as it rich a great anti-oxidant. Wild Alaskan Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids which can help with chronic inflammation that causes pre-mature aging.

I AM WEARING: H&M Top // Abercrombie & Fitch Shorts // Kate Spade Alda Sunglasses

When it comes to aging proper sun block is the best solution! Of course, we all enjoy frolicking in the sun but NEVER forget to wear high SPF! At the end of the day, if you are wrinkly and have lots of sun spots, no tan can cover it up. So remember that that golden tan that we all love so much is just a sign of skin damage.

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With Love...

Marta

Sources: "10 Minutes 10 Years" by Dr. Brandt

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