Follow the Yellow Brick Road
You don’t have to see the wizard to slow the aging process. Likely you have developed some habits in your daily routine that are causing you to appear older than you are.
Dr. Oz is no wizard but he makes it seem like magic with these quick and simple fixes to common practices.
Wash your face at night. Because soap and water dry out the skin, washing your face in the morning strips it of the essential oils that protect your skin and give it a supple and radiant appearance.
By washing at night you have 7-8 hours of cellular repair. If you feel a little oily in the morning just blot your skin with a tissue and use a gentle eye make-up remover if necessary.
Make sure you treat the neck. Age shows quicker in the neck area because the skin there is thinner. Use your cleanser and moisturizer in the décolletage area. Dr. Oz claims any brand of facial products will do. You don’t have to spend a lot of money for quality. Just make sure you use a moisturizer with sun protectant during the day.
Don’t brush your hair when it’s wet. Hair thinning can make you look older and feel less attractive. Brushing your hair when you get out of the shower can cause breakage and unnecessary hair loss.
Either gently run your fingers through your hair to style or use a jumbo wide toothed comb. Otherwise wait until your hair is dry.
A reader writes, “I noticed lately that I am more forgetful. I can’t find the words to express a thought and sometimes forget where I am going.” After watching Dr. Oz I wondered if her tap water could be the problem.
Tap water that has been sitting in your pipes overnight contains higher levels of lead. If you drink out of the tap first thing in the morning, or if you make coffee or tea from your tap water, make sure the cold water runs for about 2 minutes before using.
Lead poisoning is linked to deterioration of the brain cells and can be attributed to memory loss.
Texting incessantly can also cause signs of aging. Before you know it you have been hunched over for extended periods of time which causes back strain and tightened chest muscles.
Over time your upper back will begin to round with that unattractive, old person hump at the cervical spine.
Next time you text, hold your phone up so your upper arms are parallel to the floor. Although you will certainly look silly, you will avoid the hunch and will be simultaneously working the shoulder and bicep muscles.
Try these inexpensive solutions for better posture, improved memory, thicker hair, more radiant skin and a more youthful appearance.
For questions or comments email: suzannemcginnis@me.com.