I have always been fairly in sync with my body. I know when my body is overworked and when it needs a good sweat session. But little did I know that after I hit my milestone birthday I would get all the aches, the wrinkles and the weight gain. To me, it was a real wake-up call to the process of ageing. Here’s a breakdown of everything that changed about my body both physical and mental post 25.

Loss of energy
Gone are the dates when I would sustain those night outs. I noticed that my energy levels plummeted suddenly after 25. Little did I know that the maximum intensity with which we work can reduce with age. After, every workout, I found my muscles sorer than they would normally be and would take more time to recover. The best thing I could do was to listen to my body and take ample rest.

Slow metabolism

There was a time when I could eat 4-5 besan ke mithais in a day and see no change in my body composition, energy level or mood. Unfortunately, that was never the case in mid-twenties. I could visibly notice that my metabolism slowed down and I needed more physical activity to maintain my weight. My nutritionist told me that this is due to the hormonal shifts that occur with age. These 5 metabolism mistakes are holding you back from weight loss. 

Thinning hair
I really saw this one coming. My hair lacked volume and was less full. Every day I saw a few extra strands on my comb. I don’t know whether that was because of stress or some hormonal imbalances. Since I did not take any medications, I would assume that I was in good health and all the stress could be the cause for hair fall.

Wrinkles and dry skin
It may seem a little too dramatic but a few mornings after my 25th birthday I woke up to new crow’s feet. I asked my dermat and she told me that I wasn’t delusional. She said it is normal to start seeing the signs of ageing as early as 25 due to the years of sun damage on the skin. She even told me that if you are too expressive you can start getting forehead wrinkles. My skin was also comparatively much drier. Here are 10 blunders that can make you look 10 years older. 

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There are new innovative skin care treatments coming up every day. Recently the vampire facial has been making headlines. But did you hear of the microcurrent facial? It is actually an old school holistic technique that is popular with both celebrities and beauty bloggers. Let us get some dope about microcurrent facial from dermatologist Dr Pooja Taluja.

What is a microcurrent facial?
This technique involves sending microcurrent energy into your skin through a machine for cell repair. The microcurrent triggers the body’s production of amino acids and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to accelerate cell repair and promote healthier cell production. These 5 bizzare beauty treatments spooked us out. 

What are the benefits of a microcurrent facial?
It is great for sensitive skin and makes your skin look lifted and contoured, giving you an amazing glow. The microcurrents help improve muscle tone, reduce fine lines and up the blood circulation. And unlike Botox, microcurrent don’t cause atrophy in facial muscles. What’s more, it is gentle refreshing and takes very less time. So for someone like me who says no to botox and wants her skin to be in top shape, this can be an excellent alternative.

How is the microcurrent facial done?

• Your face is first cleansed of make-up, oil and dirt. You should ideally skip wearing make-up before the treatment.
• Then an aloe-based gel is applied to conduct light electric jolts to your muscles. This gel also aids your skin to become super hydrated.
• The ultrasonic scrubber removes the gel and exfoliates the skin with gentle vibrations.
• Then custom LED lights are used based on your skin tone. The red light stimulates collagen production and reduces fine lines. The blue light helps you get rid of acne.
• The 50-minute treatment ends with a facial massage using a custom moisturiser.

How many microcurrents facial follow-ups do you need?
Results vary, but experts usually recommend doing three to five facials done close together to start, then regular maintenance treatments. And unlike a regular facial, microcurrent facial does not involve extraction. So you can go about your day uninterrupted. You will instead feel like you got a detox immediately. Here’s how to select the right facial for beautiful skin. 

Image source: sb_skin/Instagram

This is one question that looms heavily on every fashionista’s mind. You cannot do without eyeliners and you are worried if they can damage the delicate skin around your eyes and give you wrinkles and fine lines. Let’s not forget the fact that eyeliners are beauty products that come with their own set of pros and cons. And applying any kind of cosmetic repeatedly has its effect on the skin. Eyeliners are used in the most delicate part – the eyelids, where the skin is sensitive. One way the eyeliners can make your eyelids wrinkly is if you stretch them too much while applying the liner. So, one tip that every make-up artist doles out is that never stretch your eyelids while applying eyeliners.

But to know if eyeliners can really lead to wrinkles around your eyes we spoke to Dr Narmada Matang, Dermatologist, Neo Skin Clinic, Powai asking her the same. Here is what she had to say:

‘There are many varieties of eyeliner present on the market today. Unfortunately, there is no omnipotent eyeliner out there; all of them are separated into different categories that are designed for different uses around the eye. The ones we see most often in the cosmetic industry are:

• Liquid eyeliners (brush applicator)
• Felt-tip eyeliner (also called art liner)
• Gel or Cream eyeliner
• Kohl Pencil Eyeliner
• Kajal Eyeliner
• Regular pencil eyeliner
• Mechanical twist-up eyeliner
• Eyeshadow (used as eyeliner)

‘All kinds of eyeliners consist of some basic ingredients like film former thickeners and pigments. Film formers deposit a thin layer of skin thickeners are like waxes, gum or gel which uses the formulation to make it stick to the skin whereas the pigment gives the colour. The pigment is usually a deposit of iron oxide which imparts black or brown, chromium oxide; titanium oxide and other forms of oxides impart specific colours. These are available in forms of gel, wax, cream or liquid. Liquid eyeliners are easiest to apply. While it adorns the eye and makes you look attractive, allergic reactions are not uncommon with them. Make sure you remove it completely and moisturize the eyelid skin at the end of the day. Certain bright pigments can give discolouration, so continuous use should be avoided,’ she says.

Bottom line – Use your favourite eyeliner and make sure you remove it at the end of the day. Do an eye massage at night to rejuvenate the eyes. Never stretch your eyes while applying the liner.

Image source: Shutterstock

It’s no secret that alcohol consumption can cause numerous diseases. But now, it has been found that heavy drinking can also take a toll on your skin. It can also worsen pre-existing skin conditions and leave you vulnerable to skin problems that pose a risk to your health, reports Express.co.uk. According to the research, consuming over 14 units of alcohol causes toxicity and immediate harm to a woman’s facial skin that is visible the next morning. Fourteen units are considered to be healthy for the average woman’s weekly alcohol limit. The scientists found that while the hangover can subside after 24 hours, the effects on the skin for a woman aged 40 can last 28 days.

Younger women bounce back faster but skin ageing on those in their 20s still lasts a couple of weeks. For men, their skin is able to cope with the effects quicker but it can still take at least a week to recover. More symptoms of heavy drinking include dark circles and puffiness around the eyes, dehydration on the forehead, chin and lips causes lines and wrinkles. Read here a new drug may reduce urge to binge drink alcohol

However, alcoholism is more than just a skin-deep issue in India. Already weighed down by problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular health issues, India is also facing a serious alcohol addiction problem. Although traditional Indian culture asks for abstinence from alcoholism, the reality depicts a completely different picture. Alcoholism is a serious problem that not only affects health, but also ruins livelihoods. In India, rampant alcoholism is already creating problems for the country. Most of the population has a preference towards heavy drinks instead of lighter ones like beer. According to a study published in the Lancet, more than half of those who consume alcohol, fall into the category of ‘hazardous drinking.’

Source: ANI

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Cosmetic acupuncture is an ancient, traditional Chinese therapy, that has been in existence since more than 2500 years. It is a non-surgical procedure which is used for holistic face and body rejuvenation. As part of the procedure, certified professionals perform  cosmetic acupuncture on face and body by marking certain points on the skin surface and then, pin these points with thin, hair-like needles. By doing this, the body naturally starts self-healing and regulates its natural functions, says Dr Manoj Kutteri, wellness director at Atmantan Wellness Centre. He elaborates on this unique therapy:

What is cosmetic acupuncture?
The main principle of acupuncture is that there are 12 primary meridians or channels in the body, and stimulating acupoints on these meridians with ultra-thin needles encourages the free flow of blood and Qi (universal life energy) throughout the body to create healing and balance within the mind, body, and soul.

What is cosmetic acupuncture used for?
Cosmetic acupuncture is an alternative to cosmetic surgery, done to reduce anti-ageing signs. This treatment promises to treat common ageing signs like fine lines, skin puffiness, narrowed skin pores and droopy eyelids, eye bags, eye puffiness, double chin, sagging cheeks. One of its main aims is stimulating collagen which makes the skin appear radiant. Besides promoting the skin health, it reduces signs of ageing and revitalises and rejuvenates skin. It moisturizes the skin and the increased blood circulation will make your skin firmer, radiant, youthful and supple.
The other general benefits include improved blood circulation, better digestion, hair texture, sensory organs, brain functioning, and balanced hormonal thyroid and estrogen levels. Estrogen levels usually decline with age in women and make them age faster. Therefore, a hormonal balance is beneficial for the skin too. It also builds immunity. You can try acupuncture for weight loss too.

Who should go for cosmetic acupuncture?
Anybody who wants change in skin texture and skin care from within should opt for a holistic process like cosmetic acupuncture.

Cosmetic acupuncture procedure
The first step is a complete skin analysis. After this, some points are marked on your skin and small, thin needles are placed on them to manipulate the flow of energy in the body. The whole procedure is based on oriental medicine principles.

How much time cosmetic acupuncture takes
It can vary between 3-12 sessions. Each session is for 90-120 minutes.

Aftercare of cosmetic acupuncture
A non-surgical treatment is not painful and has no side-effects either. There will be no swelling, scars or a long recovery period either.

Who shouldn’t go for cosmetic acupuncture?
If you have other health problems like BP or severe diabetes mellitus, it is advisable to tell your doctor everything in detail. Do not hide even the minor of facts like an acute allergy. Avoid doing this during pregnancy. Apart from this, there are no visible side-effects like skin redness, swelling, or scars on your face except if you are easily prone to bruises or bleeding. The result is consistent, flawless, smooth and healthy skin.

Read: Acupuncture pressure points for weight loss.

Image source: Atmantan Wellness Centre

Even if you are an occasional drinker, you still can’t escape the damages that alcohol does to your skin. Alcohol is a toxic, period. We know that regular alcohol consumption can lead to a lot of health crisis – liver damage, kidney failure, blockages in the heart, etc. Its ill-effects don’t spare your skin as well. ‘Too much of alcohol leads to toxin build-up in the body, oxidative stress and robs the skin of its essential nutrients. This makes the skin look dull, pale and wrinkly,’ says Dr Soma Sarkar, Medical Director & Dermatologist, Skin Inn Clinic, Mumbai. Talking more about the damages that alcohol can induce on skin she lists down a few of them:

1. It leads to premature ageing: Probably when you are sipping your drink or cocktails you don’t think of it too much. But your drink, even if it is quenching your thirst is making you dehydrated at the same time. The excess toxic that build-up in your system, thanks to that glass in your hand, robs your skin of its natural moisture and makes it dehydrated. This dehydration is further responsible for those fine lines and wrinkles that habitual and social drinkers end up having. If you don’t control your drinking then premature ageing is inevitable. Here are foods that can prevent premature ageing. 

2. It worsens pre-existing conditions: For people who suffer from skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, etc, alcohol consumption flares up of the symptoms. At times, it gets so worse that even with help of dermatologists getting the symptoms in control becomes a challenge.

3. It leads to breakouts: We are not just talking about acne over here. Of course, those who suffer from chronic acne, alcohol is not going to help them in any way. But even otherwise, alcohol increases blood flow in the facial area and dilates the blood vessels. For chronic drinkers, this could mean danger as the pressure in the veins on the face can increase and lead to a capillary to break or burst. When this happens it leaves behind red spots on the face making it difficult to treat.

4. It makes face look pale: Of all the blunders that alcohol does to your skin this is the greater evil — it robs your face of vitamin A which is essential for skin renewal. This particular vitamin helps in making new cells and getting rid of dead cells from the face. The absence of vitamin A means no skin renewal, no glow on your face. This makes your skin look dull, pale and greyish too.

5. It makes the face look bloated: One mistake that most chronic drinkers do is that they don’t drink enough water to get rid of the toxins in the body or replete the lost moisture. Drinking adequate amount of water is a natural way of keeping your skin glowing and healthy. But excess alcohol intake robs the skin of vital nutrients, electrolytes and fluids but it fills up with the toxins instead, which makes the face look bloated. Add to it the excess blood circulation that is influenced due to alcohol your face looks puffy.

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Apart from leaving you feeling refreshed, a good night’s sleep can also leave you with some lines that cascade across your face from your pillow. Fortunately, there are a few simple strategies you can apply to prevent as well as eliminate those sleep lines quickly. So take note of these tips!

Sleep on your back to prevent sleep lines

Try to sleep on your back rather than your sides or on your stomach. Sleeping on your back is not only the best way to sleep but also the only way to prevent sleep lines on face. Placing some support pillows around you will prevent you from rolling over. Here are expert tips for selecting the right pillow to sleep peacefully. 

Quick tips to get rid of the sleep lines

Massage the area gently

To get rid of the sleep lines on your face just massage the area gently and tap the skin repeatedly over the wrinkled folds until they slowly begin to fade away. Doing this will increase the circulation to the skin surface so the blood will fill in the wrinkles on the skin quickly.

Do some cardio activity in the morning

Going for a morning jog or doing a few jumping jacks will increase your blood rate to pump the blood around your face and body. Cardio can be an excellent way to promote blood circulation to all the skin cells. The blood will fill in the wrinkles you developed while sleeping.

Apply cold tea bag to the creased area

Another way to get rid of the sleep lines is to apply cold green or white tea bags under your eyes and on the sleep wrinkles. The antioxidant properties in tea help reduce the creases. Also, the caffeine in tea plumps the skin reducing the appearance of superficial wrinkles.  Top 5 myths about wrinkles debunked. 

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Designer facial peel procedure is known to be an effective skin resurfacing treatments as it uses a blend of active exfoliating solutions combined with stimulating ingredients to lighten and even the skin tone. Dr Datinderjeet Singh Tulla, Head of Department of the Dermat, Laser, Hair Transplant and Medical Services category, VLCC (India and Overseas) helps us in understanding the A-Z of designer facial peel procedure and why you should get it done.

Designer facial peel is effective for these skin conditions:

• Fine lines, wrinkles, actinic keratosis and lentigines (freckles)
• Active Acne, comedones (blackheads), pustules (whiteheads) and post acne
• Scars, uneven skin texture, and residual hyperpigmentation
• Rosacea transient or persistent erythema (redness) and papules (red bumps)
• Pigmentation and melasma

These peels are also effective for
• General exfoliation
• Maintenance for all skin types to uphold healthy glowing young skin

Winter is the best time for facial peels.

Who is the right target audience for this treatment? People who want clear and healthy skin can opt for it along with those who have sensitive skin or even with normal skin.

What is the session length of designer facial peel procedure: Generally, an average session length ranges from 15 minutes to an hour.

Who shouldn’t go for designer facial peel treatment: This treatment should be avoided by those who have atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and active herpetic eruptions.

Right age of getting this treatment done? 15+ years of age is the right age for getting this treatment done.

What is the number of sessions required? Generally, 6 to 8 sessions are required for maintenance sessions at 2 to 3 months.

Advantages of getting the designer peel treatment done:
a) Precise identification of problem and solutions offered
b) Skin type is taken into account to modify peel
c) Many skin problems can be solved by this one procedure

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LPG works on the principle of Endermologie i.e. activating the stimulation of cells. It boosts the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid for younger skin, re-contours the body shape by activating fat cell’s removal process and also triggers fluid exchanges for a deep detox result. Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder and medical director of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic helps us in understanding the A-Z pf LPF Endermolift procedure.

How does the procedure work? Lift massage by Endermologieis is a mechanical workout for the skin. It delivers micro-beats to stimulate skin cell`s natural production of collagen and elastin. The technology remodels the skin at deeper levels and minimises signs of ageing. Endermolift is specifically designed to prevent and reduce the ageing process of the face, neck and décolleté.
What does it help to achieve? You will see results in form of a healthy glowing skin and a lifting effect. Other benefits are improvement in lines, wrinkles, dark circles and dullness of skin.
Is it suited for acne prone, rosacea and psoriasis skin? It is recommended to avoid it in cases of acne, rosacea and psoriasis.

The number of sessions it takes for the results to show: Endermologie is a connective tissue treatment and long-lasting results can be achieved only after a recommended number of sessions taken at recommended time intervals. Usually, 12-15 sessions are recommended. Once the results are achieved, 1-2 maintenance sessions per month are advisable to sustain the results of Endermolift. The shelf life is not long and the results are not permanent. The results are usually variable and are appreciated as long as sessions are done regularly. Once you stop the sessions, the skin reverts back to the original state.

The recovery time: There may be soreness and discomfort for some time after every session. Some patients might also notice dents or changes in the natural body shape that is undesirable.
Cost of the treatment: Cost depends on the area treated and the number of sessions required.

The right target audience for this treatment: This is an anti-ageing treatment and can be done for anyone with signs of ageing. Hence patients with dull, rough, patchy skin can opt for this treatment.

Who is not a good candidate for this treatment? Patients with a serious illness or skin infection should not take Endermologie.

Top 3 advantages of LPF Endermolift procedure
a) Improved blood circulation and lymphatic drainage
b) Detoxification
c) Rejuvenation

Top 3 disadvantages of LPF Endermolift procedure
a) There are better, more superior technologies that give excellent results in anti-ageing as compared to this treatment.
b) Multiple number of sessions and temporary results
c) Expensive

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Simply getting enough sleep and slathering some SPF sunscreen on your skin is not enough to protect your skin from ageing. Little make-up mistakes can make your skin age faster so you need to ensure that your make-up is always on-point. Sometimes even applying a few products in incorrect places can make you appear a little older. So take note of these beauty blunders from beauty expert Nandini Agarwal, Marvie Ann Beck Academy.

1. You have been wearing the same make-up for years: Just because you rocked the smokey eyes in your 20s does not mean that it will work for you in your 40s. As you age, the dryness and discolouration on your skin becomes more prominent so you really need to re-think your products. Get an appointment with your make-up expert to really understand what type of make-up you should be wearing to not look prematurely aged. Here are 5 expert tips to fix common make-up mistakes. 

2. You use only one concealer: You should always have two types of concealers in your make-up kit. Your under eye delicate area needs a liquid formula in a tube. A thin liquid formula means that you will have less creasing and not widen the creases to wrinkly lines. Then use a creamier formula with a brush to cover any dark spots.

3. You apply make-up on the wrong spot: Your make-up should give a lifting-effect to your skin. Wearing make-up in the wrong place can drag down your features. For instance, instead of applying blush in the apple of your cheeks apply it in the area higher than you normally would give a lifting effect. Similarly, sweep a bronzer just on your forehead and around the sides of your face.

4. You wear the wrong foundation: It is imperative to find your perfect foundation shade as you age. Wearing a colour that does not match with your skin can add on years to your face. Wear a shade that just matches your skin tone. Test the foundation of your jawline instead of your forearm for a more accurate colour match. These 4 foundation mistakes are making you look old. 

Image source: Shutterstock Images

Scientists have discovered a new source of neurotoxin, known for its paradoxical ability to remove wrinkles yet cause an illness associated with food poisoning from a strain of animal gut bacteria, a finding that can potentially expand its therapeutic applications. Clostridium botulinum toxin was able to jump into bacteria called Enterococcus faecium, through plasmids, mobile structures that contain DNA independently of the chromosomes and can be swapped from one bacterium to another, the study showed. Enterococci are hardy microbes that thrive in the gastrointestinal tracts of nearly all land animals, including our own, and generally cause no harm.

But their ruggedness has lately made them leading causes of multi-drug resistant infections, especially in settings like hospitals where antibiotic use disrupts the natural balance of intestinal microbes. “This is the first time that an active botulinum toxin has been identified outside of Clostridium botulinum and its relatives, which are often found in soil and untreated water,” said Andrew Doxey, a bioinformatics professor at the University of Waterloo. “Its discovery has implications in several fields, from monitoring the emergence of new pathogens to the development of new protein therapeutics — it’s a game changer,” Doxey added.

Over the past 20 years, botulinum toxin type A, known as Botox, has been used for a growing number of therapeutic applications including treatment for migraines, leaky bladders, excessive sweating and cardiac conditions.

In the study, which appeared in the journal Cell Host and Microbe, the researchers were able to sequence the genome of the E. faecium bacteria drawn from cow faeces, and found the gene for botulinum toxin in the bacterial strain.

They noted that the botulinum toxin was likely transferred from C. botulinum bacteria in the environment into the E. faecium bacteria in the cow’s gut, showing that the toxin can be transferred between very different species.

“The botulinum toxin is a powerful and versatile protein therapeutic,” said Michael Mansfield, a Biology doctoral student at the varsity.

“By finding more versions of the toxin in nature, we can potentially expand and optimise its therapeutic applications even further.”

Source: IANS
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Waking up with puffy eyes is rather common and it is easy to treat them. Drink sufficient water and use refrigerated slices of potatoes to get rid of the puffiness, suggest experts. Bubbles Singh, Founder at Just B Au Naturel and Ragini Mehra, Founder at Beauty Source, have listed simple ways to treat your problem:

* The easiest way to get rid of puffy eyes is to drink water. When the body is well hydrated, there is less chance of water retention that can cause your under-eye area and other parts of your body to swell.

Water also helps flush toxins out of the body.

* Iced compresses like chilled green or black tea bags can help soothe puffy and irritated eyes. They contain anti-irritant properties that help reduce swelling around your eyes. You could even try splashing your face and eyes with ice cold water.

* Slices of refrigerated potato or cucumber work as a fantastic natural remedy to get rid of under eye puffiness.

The enzymes and the astringent properties in these vegetables help reduce inflammation and help tighten the skin. This remedy will also help get rid of wrinkles and dark circles around your eyes.

* A mask made of egg whites helps in tightening the area around the eyes, as egg whites are a nourishing natural skin care treatment, reducing puffiness of the eyes.

* Puffiness of the eyes can be caused by seasonal or inherited allergies. Allergies prompts us to rub our eyes more, leading to further puffiness. Visit a doctor and get yourself checked in case of any such.

* Use natural products that help reduce dryness, reduce puffiness and hydrate your skin like an eye serum or aloe vera based eye creams which can also cool down the eye area.

These products do not harm the eyes, repair and replenish the skin around the eyes, ensuring that you see a difference in the brightness and texture under your eyes when you get up in the morning.

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If it is common place for you to fall asleep while watching TV, or to groan while bending to pick up a magazine from the floor or forgetting people’s names quite often, then these are tell tale signs that you’re getting old. According to a research, choosing comfort over style and struggling in learning latest technology are a few indicators that you are ageing.

In a research conducted by Future You, it was found that people consider joint pains and stiffness as one of the major signs of growing old.

The Independent quoted a spokesperson of Future You, as saying, “In fact, knees came out as one of the most common body parts giving Brits physical discomfort. So, it’s important you take care of yourself regardless of your age.”

About 47 percent of youth are worried about losing their memory in old age, while 29 percent are concerned about the impact of old age on their fitness.

Not only this, but one in five are scared about their looks and wrinkles that they will get after crossing a certain age.

There are millions of people who think that their dietary habits need to be changed. After a certain point of time, people opt to eat healthy food which may include green vegetables.

“It’s interesting to see a number of Brits are making a conscious effort to reverse the ageing process by recognising the benefits of natural ingredients and taking food supplements,” a spokesperson told The Independent. (ANI)

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Man has always relied on the sun for its healing properties. Sunbathing was used as a treatment for psoriasis as well as a host of other skin problems. Many Indians don’t like skin tanning because it makes their skin darker.  According to renowned dermatologist- Dr Apratim Goel dermatologist and laser surgeon, Director of Cutis skin studio, Mumbai sun tan can massively harm your health.

1. Frequent tanning can cause premature aging of the skin and even cancer. Read:Can suntan lead to cancer?
2. Tanning can cause the skin to change. Common changes in the skin include darkening of freckles and sunspots.
3. Tanning results in more superficial and deep wrinkles.
4. Tanning excessively over prolonged periods of time can decrease your immune system’s ability to combat diseases.
5. Certain skin diseases like lichen planus and photodermatosis can get aggravated by sun exposure.

But ladies, worry not. Here are some tips to protect your skin from suntan:

 Sun protection: Choose a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors. Choose a sunscreen with ingredients that block both UVB and UVA rays. Reapply at least every 2 hours.

 Oral sunscreen capsules: “Yes, you can take certain capsules to protect yourself from the sun.”

 Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

 A broad-brimmed hat goes a long way toward preventing skin cancer in often-exposed areas like the neck, ears, scalp, and face. And they look trendy too!

 UV-blocking sunglasses with large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes.

Image Source: Shutterstock

If you are a smartphone addict or stay hooked to your laptop 24/7 probably this isn’t good news for you. In simple words, your addiction, attachment or even necessity to be glued to your Android, smartphone or laptop is making you age faster. It is not just the face that is affected but your body too. Use of technology can cause wrinkles in the neck and shoulders. Least to say, they don’t spare your face too. Here are the kinds of injuries you can suffer from due to overuse of smart.

These days, people are dependent on their gadgets being plugged in 24/7 while working, travelling and playing. Being accessible to technology 24/7 either for work or pleasure comes with a price. We often stay hunched over our Androids/ smartphones with shoulders and neck strained and thumbs continuously moving. This special position with head hanging, shoulders hunched and eyes glued to the device is called ‘tech neck.’ Here are four types of aches and pains one is susceptible to due to overuse of smartphones.

Now, text neck or repetitive stress injury from looking down at your mobile device for long periods of time is not a new thing for us. We know that experts have coined this term a few years ago and warned us against the dangers of this newfound syndrome – stiff neck, pain in the neck and spine, headaches, muscular weakness and hunched back. But tech neck is different even though it encompasses the problems of text neck, in tech neck with an addition to the above-mentioned problems; you develop wrinkles on the neck area. Did you know smartphone addiction in kids can lead to neck and back problems too?

Dr Mohan Thomas, Senior Cosmetic Surgeon, Cosmetic Surgery Institute says, ‘This causes serious effects to the facial looks of the person which includes frown lines, under eye bags, horizontal lines on the neck along with fat prominence and not to mention the pain associated.’

‘In tech neck, there appears a crease just above the collarbone from repeated use of smartphones because of straining on the small screen called tie line in addition to headaches and numbness in the arms,’ he adds. The sagging jowls and wrinkled necks are happening to younger people because of the use of digital devices.

How can this be treated?

At times, the problem might be so severe with the creases or the wrinkles that one might have to go for a cosmetic procedure. ‘As per the patient’s requirement, one can go for kybella (injection Lipolysis) treatment. It is advantageous for people with a double chin and excess fat in the neckline. It works by destroying fat cells and can be used to treat a double chin too. It works best for people who are against surgery as it can be carried out as an office procedure with no downtime. Multiple sessions are usually required.’

How is lipolysis on neck done?

‘A combination of micro needling and highly focused radiofrequency waves are used to tighten the loose skin and deeper layers. This is minimally invasive and gives good outcomes.’

Dr Thomas adds, ‘The latest rejuvenation technology triggers the skin’s own natural healing process, reducing wrinkles and tightens skin. This is an ultrasound-based treatment wherein the ultrasound waves are focused on the SMAS layer of the face or superficial muscular aponeurotic system of the face. This layer holds the skin up and supports it as it is the strongest layer in the face. Being a painless lunchtime procedure with the results lasting for up to 18 months, this procedure is very much in demand among people who are looking for non-surgical skin tightening.’

‘High definition liposuction and minimally invasive neck lift procedures give chiselled jawlines and long-term benefits. These are recommended for people who would want a permanent solution for their concerns and are open to surgical procedures.’

Image source: Shutterstock

Botox is considered as a solution by the people to preserve their youth. As we age, one experiences wrinkles, sagging skin, crow’s feet and so on. So, to fight these signs of ageing, people choose Botox.  Here, we tell you what you should know about getting Botox in your 20s, 30s and 40s.

What is Botox?
“Botox is a trade name of Botulinum Toxin which is US FDA approved and backed by enough scientific data and studies to support its safety and efficacy. It is a laboratory prepared purified protein which is injected into the muscle,” explains Dr Apratim Goel, dermatologist and laser surgeon Director, Cutis skin studio, Mumbai.

How does it work?
Speaking about the Botox shot, Dr Apratim Goel explains, “When we make facial expressions like laughing, surprised, frown and so on, we use the facial muscles which contract and relax. However, the skin is attached to these muscles too. So this means that when we express, we use muscles but the skin is also moved along which finally makes the expression on the face. Once Botulinum is injected into the muscles, they relax and don’t move and similarly, skin ceases to move too. Once the skin is put to rest, the dynamic lines and wrinkles are reduced. However, the severity of effect depends on the dose injected.”

What are the side effects?

One can suffer from occasional swelling, redness, or bruise after treatment which will vanish in 2-3 days. ” Botulinum injections do n’t paralyse the muscles as it is temporary and can last from 4-6 months. Instead, I would say that it relaxes the muscles. So, the skin also relaxes and doesn’t move and that is the antiaging action of Botulinum. Once the skin overlying the muscles is rested, there is less wear and tear and hence the onset of wrinkles is delayed,” says Dr Apratim Goel. 6 medical uses of Botox™ (non-cosmetic)

What is the right age for a Botox treatment?
There is no age bar for getting Botox shot. One can do it as early as 20 as well! But, make sure you do it under the guidance of a qualified dermatologist to avoid untoward incidences.

What you should know in your 20s
One can get Botox shots to lift brows and acquire a thin face.  In 20s, Botox helps in face contouring and helps your makeup stay for a longer time,” says Dr Apratim Goel. 

What you should know in your 30s
People in the age group of 30 can face many problems – wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage and so on. So, to delay the onset of wrinkles and defy these signs of ageing, people may try it. “Injecting Botox can help the patients to delay these signs of ageing,” says Dr Apratim Goel. BOTOX – Facts you should know

What you should know in your 40s
“At the age of 40, people are very much concerned about the sagging skin, droopy upper eyelids and crow’s feet. Botox can treat dynamic wrinkles but if one has static and sagging wrinkles then threads  or ultherapy for skin tightening and lifting,” says Dr Apratim Goel.

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In a mouse model developed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Keshav Singh, Ph.D., and colleagues found when a change leading to mitochondrial dysfunction is induced; the mouse develops wrinkled skin and extensive, visible hair loss in a matter of weeks.

When the mitochondrial function is restored by turning off the gene responsible for mitochondrial dysfunction, the mouse returns to smooth skin and thick fur, indistinguishable from a healthy mouse of the same age.

Importantly, the mutation that triggers this is in a nuclear gene affecting mitochondrial function, the tiny organelles known as the powerhouses of the cells.

In humans, a decline in mitochondrial function is seen during aging, and mitochondrial dysfunction can drive age-related diseases.

A depletion of the DNA in mitochondria is also implicated in human mitochondrial diseases, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, age-associated neurological disorders, and cancer.

The mutation in the mouse model is induced when the antibiotic doxycycline is added to the food or drinking water. This causes depletion of mitochondrial DNA because the enzyme to replicate the DNA becomes inactive.

In four weeks, the mice showed gray hair, reduced hair density, hair loss, slowed movements and lethargy, changes that are reminiscent of natural aging.

Dramatically, this hair loss and wrinkled skin could be reversed by turning off the mutation.

Little change was seen in other organs when the mutation was induced, suggesting an important role for mitochondria in skin compared to other tissues.

The wrinkled skin showed changes similar to those seen in both intrinsic and extrinsic aging — intrinsic aging is the natural process of aging, and extrinsic aging is the effect of external factors that influence aging, such as skin wrinkles that develop from excess sun or long-term smoking.

Reversal of the mutation restored mitochondrial function, as well as the skin and hair pathology. This showed that mitochondria are reversible regulators of skin aging and loss of hair, an observation that Singh calls “surprising.”

Source: ANI

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Researchers from the University of Michigan (UM) used telomere length to measure cellular ageing — the strongest predictor of telomere length, which shorten in length during each cell cycle, Xinhua news agency reported.

The findings showed that women who followed a diet with plenty of fruit, vegetable, whole grain and plant-based protein and limited sugar, sodium and red and processed meat, had significantly with longer telomere length.

In men, the findings were in the same direction, but not statistically significant.

“We have seen some gender differences in previous nutrition and telomere studies. Men tended to have lower diet quality scores than women. Men also had higher intakes of sugary beverages and processed meats, both of which have been associated with shorter telomeres in prior studies,” said lead author Cindy Leung, assistant professor at the UM School of Public Health.

“Overall, the findings suggest that following these guidelines is associated with longer telomere length and reduces the risk of major chronic disease,” Leung added.

The benefit of these healthy diet patterns is due to the fact that they are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

They create a biochemical environment favourable to telomeres, the researchers noted, in the paper published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that telomeres can also be shortened due to behavioural, environmental and psychological factors. Shorter telomeres have been associated with an increased risk for heart disease, Type-2 diabetes and some cancers.

“Emphasis should be placed on improving the overall quality of your diet rather than emphasising individual foods or nutrients,” Leung said.

The study, examined the diets of a nationally representative sample of nearly 5,000 healthy adults and how well they scored on four evidence-based diet quality indices, including the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet.

Source: IANS

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Wrinkles don’t just look bad and make you look older, there are serious conditions to attached to it, and if the scientists are to be believed, then it can even lead to premature death due to cardiovascular diseases. And deeper the wrinkles, higher the chances of heart diseases striking you!

The research, presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress, Munich found that people with more wrinkles than what’s typical for their age had a greater risk of dying from the condition. Researchers also said that the wrinkles could be linked to atherosclerosis – the condition where plaque is built up due to hardening of arteries. Atherosclerosis has been linked to heart attacks.

For the study, 3,200 healthy working adults of various ages were analysed for over 20 years and they were scored on the basis of number and depth of wrinkles on their foreheads. The marking system was zero for no wrinkles and three for deep wrinkles. During the 20-year period, 233 individuals died of various causes. Out of those, 15.2 per cent had got scores of two and three, 6.6 per cent scored one wrinkles and 2.1 per cent with no wrinkles. They concluded that people with a score of one were at a slightly higher risk, but those with two and three were 10 times more likely to die of heart problems than the ones who had no wrinkles.

Study author Dr. Yolande Esquirol, associate professor of occupational health at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse in France, reportedly said, “The higher your wrinkle score, the more your cardiovascular mortality risk increases. You can’t see or feel risk factors like high cholesterol or hypertension. We explored forehead wrinkles as a marker because it’s so simple and visual. Just looking at a person’s face could sound an alarm, then we could give advice to lower risk.”

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Today, many people get wrinkles even in their mid-20s. One may get wrinkles due to hectic lifestyles, stress, pollution, unhealthy diet and lack of sleep. Your wrinkles can make you look old. It can lower your self-confidence and you may also feel embarrassed.  So, if you start noticing wrinkles around your eyes or forehead, don’t panic, just follow these instructions which we have listed for you. Age gracefully and look beautiful!

• You can apply coconut oil: It has moisturizing and hydrating properties which will help your skin to shine. It can also help you to restore the elasticity of your skin. You can massage the coconut oil on the affected area and wash it off later.
• You can apply cucumber: Did you know that cucumber can be a boon for your wrinkles? Yes, since cucumber is loaded with vitamins and minerals and reduce your wrinkle and dark circles. You should apply cucumber juice on the skin and let it dry. Wash it off after some time.
•  You can apply aloe vera gel: It is loaded with vitamin E and it has anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial for the skin. Apply some aloe vera gel on the affected area and wash it off with water after sometime. You will notice that your wrinkles are vanishing.
• You can apply honey: It can be an effective remedy to tackle your skin problems. It can help you to balance the skin’s pH and reduce the appearance of your wrinkles. You can apply honey on your skin and leave it on your skin for 10 minutes and just feel the difference.
• You can also apply jojoba oil: It can lubricate your skin and help you to deal with wrinkles. Just massage some jojoba oil on the affected area and you are sorted!

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