Fine Lines

8 ASCP Fine Lines don't heal as well, rosacea flares become problematic, acne breakouts occur, hyperpigmentation sets in, and our skin ages faster. The aging process itself can cause constant low levels of inflammation because skin develops a disproportionate immune response— one that goes too far or not far enough to repair the environmental insult or stress-induced damage. With uncontrolled inflammation, skin is crying for help because it can't do it on its own—we have to act and assist it internally, externally, and emotionally. We may not be able to stop inflammation completely, nor would we want to, but we can accelerate its healing and even prevent chronic inflammation. To do this, we need to focus on water—intracellular water, that is. 10 DE-PUFFING REMEDIES The following is a list of the best remedies that can profoundly reduce puffiness. 1. Alkaline Diet: The more alkaline the diet, the better. Acidic foods can cause cell dehydration and can enhance cellular oxidation, which increases inflammation. The most hydrating foods are those packed with the highest levels of nutrients and are beneficial to cell health. In general, this includes foods that are anti-inflammatory and as low-acid to alkaline-forming as possible, such as fruits, nuts, legumes, and vegetables. 2. Exercise: Inflammation decreases when circulation improves. Exercise increases circulation, and as the heart pumps blood through all the tissues, cells are bathed with nutrients. Exercise also reduces stress and helps the body process damaging cortisol levels. 3. Sleep: Sleep is wonderfully restorative and necessary for good health. Sleep reduces high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which causes damage and inflammation in all tissues. Sleep also promotes hormone recycling and balance within the body. Adults need at least seven hours every night. 4. Cucumbers: Cucumbers are comprised of 96 percent water, so they are deeply hydrating. Their high levels of vitamin K reduce dark circles, and the lignans they contain reduce inflammation. They are one of the most alkaline vegetables, and The Power of Water When we are born, cells are plump, young, and juicy, with a lot of water inside. They're resilient to damage. However, as we age, our cells start to leak vital intracellular water. Think of this process like a raisin—it starts as a plump grape, but gets progressively dehydrated and the interior of the raisin concentrates and becomes stickier and stickier. Within cells, this stickiness traps waste and the cell is less able to hold water in. Naturally, you may be thinking that we just need to drink more water, but this is only partly correct. If a cell is leaky, it simply can't hold the water we drink. Puffy tissues already have enough water in the extracellular matrix surrounding cells, but dehydrated cells can't do anything with this water. Rather than drink water, we should eat it in the form of juicy, nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. As we digest these foods, the nutrients are delivered to the cells through the bloodstream so they can initiate cell repair and close the leaks. Cells function better, healthy water stays inside the cells, and puffiness goes away. Rejuvenated cells are stronger, so future inflammation and damage is easier to handle and heal.

• Blank Page