Let’s face it, who doesn’t want perfect wrinkle-free skin, full-flowing hair and tough healthy nails?

Did you know that there are things you can do to make that happen for you, no matter what age you are right now? Today we will learn how to first rapidly slow the process of aging skin, hair and nails, and then how to even reverse damages that have already taken place.

1. Stop the damage. Before you can effectively make a difference in how you physically look and feel, you must discontinue using products on your skin, hair and nails that increase free radicals. They are unstable and cause the aging process to accelerate.

Chemicals that are not found in nature do not belong on or in our bodies. Currently, mandatory testing of products put on store shelves is not required by the FDA. However, since there are many known carcinogens in these products, there are agencies looking to change this. But until that happens, we need to know what these chemicals are.

There are eight main chemicals found in many every- day products that are either carcinogenic (cancer causing) or have been shown to contribute to hormonal disruptions, headaches, skin clogging (acne and decreased toxin release), allergies, depression, chronic fatigue, learning disabilities, hyperactivity and irritability. These same chemicals greatly increase free radical damage, quickly leading to aged skin and hair. I will list them here so that you can cross-reference with your current products. They are FD&C Color Pigments (ex. FD&C Blue No.1), Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulfates, DEA/MEA/TEA, Triclosan, DMDM Hydantoin, Propylene/Butylene Glycol and Mineral Oil (note: baby oil is 100 percent Mineral Oil). Remember, anything put onto your skin penetrates your blood stream (ex. Nicotine and Birth Control Patches). Again, many of these chemicals are known carcinogens.

Companies claim that because the amounts are small, there is less effect. Just remember that toxins accumulate over time, so little bits every day add up! If this information surprises you, just remember the primary reason a cosmetic company is in business is for profit. These synthetic ingredients are plentiful and inexpensive, therefore allowing more room for profit. Even products claiming to be natural often bury the few natural ingredients in a long list of synthetic chemicals. There is no legal definition for the word natural, so don’t be fooled. Read the labels carefully and verify for yourself.

2. Increase your antioxidants. Most importantly, you need six to eight servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies every day.

Since each type of fruit or vegetable works in different tissues of the body and in different cell parts, we need to eat many different kinds. Some are good at quenching some free radicals, while some are better at quenching others. When you have appropriate amounts of different antioxidants, your results will be faster and greater.

An antioxidant supplement may be necessary as well, but beware of synthetic vitamins. You need whole food supplements in order to properly make the antioxidant cycle work. For example, vitamins C and E are both great antioxidants, but if you see Ascorbic Acid or d- alpha tocopherol on your label, these are just made in a lab with chemicals and did not actually come from the food. A high quality fish oil supplement is also very beneficial when it comes to healthy skin, hair and nails. If you immediately start the two points listed above, no matter what age you are now, you are guaranteed to look and feel younger within a short time. If you add to your current exercise routine, that short time will be even shorter!

As always, if you have questions on products, supplements or anything else, don’t hesitate to contact me. I am more than happy to offer advice on your quest toward better health.