The best time to fight wrinkles is before you see them

No amount of beauty products or visits to the dermatologist can replace the overall benefit of a healthy diet, regular exercise, limited sun exposure and regular use of moisturizer. However, even with the best of intentions and a well-executed plan, time does begin to catch up with us. Here are three ways modern science can help to keep you looking young.

Oxygen Facial

Oxygen facials don’t come cheap, but many in Hollywood swear by the results – Jennifer Aniston and Madonna to name only two. The idea behind the treatment is that by replacing the oxygen that your skin cells are lacking (environment and age both play a factor in limiting the amount of oxygen that actually gets to the skin). Proponents of the treatment claim that their skin is rejuvenated, their circulation is improved and their skin is left hydrated, exfoliated and luminous.

Botox Injections

Botox gets a lot of press because, when done properly it can yield fantastic results. If you are interested in getting Botox injections, first find a reputable doctor – preferably one whose work you’ve seen. Poll your friends and acquaintances. Gone is the stigma attached to Botox. Almost everyone has tried it and most will tell you how it went. Although primarily a treatment for existing wrinkles, some research points to the possibility that Botox may actually delay the onset of wrinkles.

Non-Ablative Skin Rejuvenation

Sometimes called an epifacial, this treatment is a combination of light therapy and skin resurfacing that can result in some fantastic results. Women who have gone through these treatments have reported that acne has cleared up, fine lines and wrinkles have disappeared, pigmentation has vanished and large pores appear smaller. The treatment is short (only 15-20 minutes in most cases) and does result in some discomfort, likened by some to the feeling of mild sunburn. Of course, results like these do not come cheap, but most who offer the treatment also offer financing options as well.

Acne Prevention

Real acne prevention begins when skin is clear. From common sense to surprising do-it-yourself remedies, here are a few prevention tips to help keep your skin clean and blemish free. Be sure to test each suggestion along the jaw line if you have sensitive skin.

Wash your face. Of course! Gently washing your face removes oil from the surface of your skin, but does not remove oil from clogged skin pores. Dust and other pollutants block the pores of the skin and leads to acne. So, proper cleaning of the face is very important. Gently wash your face twice a day with lukewarm (not hot which irritates acne) water and a mild soap or cleanser. Deodorant soaps will not kill the bacteria that cause acne. Use water-based skincare products that gently clean your skin. Avoid products such as milky cleansers, cold creams, Do not scrub your face. Use gentle, circling motions instead. Washing your face more often than twice a day may irritate and dry your skin. After cleansing, always rinse completely and pat skin to dry.

While deodorant soaps do not kill acne bacteria, tea tree oil does. You`ll find tea tree oil in gels, creams, and oils. Other products that may help your overall skin condition include skin pore-cleaning strips. When you peel these sticky strips off your skin, dirt and/or makeup is removed by the strip. You`ll have better results if you follow the directions for use. If you use a product too often, acne can get worse.

While diet is not the root cause of acne, a healthy diet can help maintain clear skin and prevent breakouts. Eat high fiber rich food and low fat diet. Some vitamins also decrease your chances of acne. Consult with your doctor to see what he suggests. Use a cleansing diet to get rid of the toxins in your system and drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Water is important for the good health of your skin. Some experts feel that cutting down on sugar, flour and caffeine is also an effective way to prevent acne.

Don’t use greasy lotions and cosmetics as they contain oils that can promote acne. Choose cosmetics that fit into a good skin rejuvenation regime to prevent adult acne. To accomplish this remember to cleanse skin thoroughly but gently. Tone skin with an antioxidant or vitamin A ingredient to remove any remaining oils or dirt from the surface of the skin. Exfoliate dead skin cells with an AHA, glycolic acid of 8% to 15% or BHA, salicylic acid of 1% to 2% along with a weekly microdermabrasion scrub. Keep your skin well hydrated with rich moisturizer containing an antioxidant such as vitamin C as well as a vitamin A ingredient. Spot treat any emerging blemishes with an over-the-counter acne treatment suited to your skin type and kind of blemish. Steam your skin twice a week with a facial steamer or over warm water in the sink to open the pores for an extra deep cleansing. Use sunscreen each morning and re-apply throughout the day as necessary.

It will only take a few weeks for you to not only notice that your acne outbreaks have diminished significantly but that your overall skin tone has improved. Over time you will find that prevention is truly the best acne medicine.

Skin Reflects How We Are Feeling

Our skin is the largest organ of our body (around two square meters) and it announces to everyone how we are:

- If we slept late, we have the eyebags to prove it.

- If we lack water or exercise, our skin is dull.

- If we've had a good day or eat healthy, we glow.

Let's have more of those glowing moments! Here are the Four S's to avoid if you want to stay clear of pimples and wrinkles:

- Smoking. There are thousands of toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke and these toxins starve the skin of oxygen. A good supply of oxygen keeps the skin supple, so stay away from smoking.

- Stress. Worry leads to stress. It is easy to advice others to stop worrying but do you follow your own advice? If you feel stress creeping up inside you, go for a walk or do some exercise. It really helps! Maybe even go on vacation! No time? Then relax in a bath.

- Sugar. Sugar may taste heavenly but will leave the skin looking like hell if you're not careful. Too much sugar leads to glycation or to be more descriptive, gives your skin that leathery look and feel.

- Sun. I'm talking here of too much sun. Enough sunlight is very helpful because our bodies absorb the much needed vitamin D. Too much sun is harmful and will wrinkle the skin in due time.