Skin care

My Plan for Aging Gracefully

What to do when you want to avoid the knife and needle

by Charli Schuler

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Recently Kate Winslet, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Thompson poo-poo'd all their plastic, frozen-faced Hollywood counterparts by forming what they call the "Anti-Cosmetic Surgery League," and I couldn't be happier. Three beautiful, accomplished women taking a stand against freezing their furrows and plumping their lips? Awesome.

But as much as I admire them for taking a stand, I'm starting to feel the societal pressure of having to stay young-looking. And I must admit that as the effects of gravity on my face (and other regions) begin to show themselves, I do sometimes daydream about getting cosmetic surgery. I think about how nice it'd be to have a smoother brow, a more taut jawline, a ...

That's when I usually snap out of it and wonder whether there's an effective way to shift course naturally, without the incisions, pain, expense, and risks that come with operations or injections.

According to natural beauty expert and author Liz Earle, I'm not alone in wanting to remain young-looking without heading to the doctor or med spa. Earle says that while it's true that most people start to notice visible signs of aging in their 30s -- signs like dullness, sunspots, dryness and fine lines -- with a few easy changes, you can age naturally -- and beautifully.

So here, thanks to Earle's tutelage, is my plan of attack. Want to make it yours too?.

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Older comments

Excellent, helpful information. I don't believe I'll ever learn to love wrinkles, however. I believe I'll turn to surgery first . . .

by GigiSD Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 08:17PM Report as inappropriate

After I hit 50, I noticed that my skin requires more oily products than before. For example, facial oil caplets work wonders on my skin - I use them 2-3 times per week. Now, I like more buttery moisturizing creams and use cleansing milk instead of simple cleanser. Also, now I am much more responsible with my exposure to fresh air and sunshine. While I make sure that I go out at least once everyday for at least half an hour (or more, depending on the weather), I make sure that my face is not directly exposed to direct sun rays, especially in summer. Besides, a wide hat and stylish sunglasses make you look chick along with almost any outfit! :-) And I really started to watch what I eat. Instead of bread, I usually would have 2-3 whole wheat crackers, if I am really tempted. If not, no-bread, no-pasta diet works well for me. Instead of dairy milk, I would sometimes get some soy or almond milk - also not too much. And, of course, lots and lots of raw fruits and veggies! I enjoy plump flesh of the cantaloupe or honeydew, or simple water melon; fresh fragrance of berries; gentle but firm see-through cut of apple! And it shows on my face as fresh and glowing skin. Really, some self-awareness and "choosiness" goes a long way! :-)

by LadyMia Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 04:15PM Report as inappropriate

Nice

by EricaC123 Friday, December 28, 2012 at 05:02PM Report as inappropriate

cool

by aishak55 Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 04:56PM Report as inappropriate

I love the Olay products mentioned.

by alictasia Monday, May 14, 2012 at 07:56AM Report as inappropriate

I believe in not making facial expressions that cause deep set wrinkles. Don't frown a lot or you'll see it in between the eyebrows

by TBjunkie Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 11:59PM Report as inappropriate

All tips to live by! I have always taken decent care of my skin but at 32, I had to up the ante. I included every one of the items listed above and now at 37, I still get mistaken for 30 and I love it! My most important age fighter? SPF! Always wear sunscreen 365 days a year no matter what! My mom was a sun goddess and at 63 she gets mistaken for over 70.

by powerwoman033 Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 11:02AM Report as inappropriate

Young ladies, heed the warnings. It is best to start taking care of yourself early!

by robinJC Friday, March 2, 2012 at 11:25AM Report as inappropriate

Don't get plastic surgery, obviously. There are so many more wonderful alternatives if you just take care of yourself and discover the right things for your body. Protect yourself before its too late. Plus, I think as you do get older, wrinkles give you character and signify that you have lived a good life. You cant be young forever and honestly, looking like a barbie doll at age 70 is a tad bit strange...thanks for the tips :)

by cheydy15 Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 10:19PM Report as inappropriate

More people should learn about this and stop going under the knife.

by monconduitm2 Friday, December 2, 2011 at 02:26AM Report as inappropriate