Grapes contain natural UV-shielding properties

Women who wish to maintain a younger-looking appearance would do well to use sunscreen each day to prevent spots, wrinkles and loose neck skin. Now, research reveals that grape extract may be an effective supplement to SPF.

A team of scientists at the University of Barcelona found that grapes naturally contain a compound that may absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays, one of the more skin-damaging elements around.

Grapes are rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which the researchers found to be effective in inhibiting the activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

"These polyphenolic fractions inhibit the generation of the ROSs and, as a result, the subsequent activation of the JNK and p38 enzymes, meaning they have a protective effect against ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun," said lead author Marta Cascante.

The researchers noted that their findings may lead to the development of enhanced skin care products that protect from the sun.

Meanwhile, the best neck creams on the market already contain grape extract for its antioxidant properties, which may help reduce the signs of aging.  

Sagging neck skin: a telltale sign of aging

Dressing in trendy clothes or dying your hair to appear younger may be in vain if the skin around the neck appears loose.

In fact, many plastic surgeons report that they are often able to tell a woman's age by the skin on her neck and jowls.

“The front of the neck is one of the primary features we use to guess a person’s age. It often catches our eye first,” said Rod Rohrich, M.D., of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Specifically, banding, fullness and wrinkles in the neck area tend to be the most prominent signs of a neck that has seen better days. While plastic surgery may give noticeable results, there are always risks of invasive operations, including scarring and infection.

As a result, women who are looking for neck firming treatments may do better to be on the lookout for the best cream for a sagging neck. Research has shown that lotions and potions containing antioxidant-rich ingredients may be the best non-invasive way to firm skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  

Saggy neck skin may indicate a need for bone density screening

While loose neck skin can have a negative impact on a woman's self-esteem, this may not be the worst side effect of wrinkled skin. A study conducted at the Yale School of Medicine suggests that deep wrinkles can be a sign of low bone density.

The research involved 114 women on their 40s and 50s who had recently gone through menopause, and scientists found that more severe skin wrinkles correlated with a higher risk of osteoporosis.

"This information may allow for the possibility of identifying postmenopausal women at fracture risk at a glance, without dependence on costly tests," said study author Lubna Pal, M.D.

The researchers explained that skin collagen and bones have some of the same "building blocks," so a deficiency in one may signal lower levels of the compound in the other.

As a result, women with saggy neck skin may want to consider seeing their healthcare provider to determine whether they are at risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, ladies who still desire a firm neck can look into purchasing the best neck creams for loose skin.  

What causes sagging jowls?

It's a normal sign of getting older: sagging neck skin. It may appear as early as a woman's 30s, or as late as her 50s, for the especially lucky ones among us. 

But what causes the neck skin to lose its firmness? The answer is a combination of factors, from genetics to lifestyle habits.

According to an article in the Globe and Mail, exposure to UV rays, smoking and genes all play a role in why skin loses its elasticity. Additionally, skin pigmentation may have something to do with it.

"People with fair skin color are at higher risk of showing signs of aging earlier than those with darker complexions," according to the news source.

While prevention efforts may be too little, too late for women already beginning to experience loose neck skin, there are several non-invasive treatments to help turn back the clock.

For instance, SkinCareBase.org reports that strengthening the neck muscles may help give the appearance of firm neck skin.

Additionally, there are a number of creams on the market that contain natural ingredients and antioxidants to help keep women looking their best.  

Neck exercises may reduce sagging jowls

No woman likes her saggy neck skin, that's a given. However, invasive neck lifts are not for everyone and come with the usual risks of surgery.

So, in addition to using the best neck creams on the market, aging ladies may also want to try giving their neck a workout.

In the Jewish Journal, a facial yoga practitioner gave his advice for firm neck skin. He said that facial yoga targets the neck, chin, forehead and eye areas.

“Facial yoga combines five simple facial exercises with a simple yoga workout,” said Michael Glen, owner of Facial Yoga Online, quoted by the news source. “The result is that you tone up the muscles, which helps remove the wrinkles."

For a more traditional approach, the University of Maryland gave some simple instructions on strengthening the neck. The institution reports that moving the head from side to side or front to back, holding for five to 10 seconds with each repetition.

Ladies who don't want to get a bulky neck should practice moderation with these exercises, and continue to use their favorite skin care products for saggy neck skin.  

Hollywood secrets for looking younger

There’s an old joke that the real stars in Hollywood are the makeup artist. Sure, A-listers have enjoy the benefits of working with top makeup pros, but their wrinkle-free looks aren’t all smoke and mirrors. There’s still a thing or two the stars can teach us preserving our youthful beauty.

Star secret #1: Stay in the shade

Stars know the sun is the No. 1 cause of prematurely aging skin ― and they protect themselves accordingly. Take Nicole Kidman. She shuns the sun. “It is the worst thing in terms of aging, so I wear a lot of sunscreen, and I never go in the sun,” she reveals. Her payoff? A creaseless complexion at 44.

Star secret #2: Moisturize to the max

When 47-year-old Demi Moore hits the Red Carpet with 33-year-old beau Ashton Kutcher, people focus on how great they look together, not their age difference. How does she erase the age gap? “I moisturize, moisturize, moisturize,” says Moore. “No matter how late it is, when I get home, I take the time to clean and moisturize my face.”

Star secret #3: Stress release
Nobody would ever guess Naomi Watts is 43. For her fresh-faced look, she swears by simple relaxation. “I love being outside with trees and water, lying down somewhere or walking. I do transcendental meditation, which keeps me calm and steady.”

Risk-free offer: AgeZone Ultra-Defining Neck Cream

If you’re over 35, chances are you’ve noticed your neck developing a dreaded crepé paper-like texture. And deep wrinkles. And let’s not forget sagging around your jawline. So, like most women, you reach for your favorite face cream and slather it on your neck and chest.

Huh? And then you’re surprised when it doesn’t work? The fact is, using face cream on your neck makes about as much sense as wearing a boot on your head to keep it warm in the winter.

A lot of science and research goes into skincare formulations and the bottom line is, face cream is made for your face. If you want a smoother-looking neck, you need to use a treatment that’s created specifically for your neck. AgeZone Ultra Defining Neck Cream is designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging on the neck and give you a more sculpted jawline.

Don’t make these common mistakes that can sabotage your skin

If you want to slow the hands of time, avoid these age accelerators:

Age accelerator #1 – you’re too thin

We know what you’re thinking: There’s no such thing as being too thin! Actually, there is a big downside to being too thin. As you mature, your face naturally loses fat, which can cause sagging and accentuate wrinkles. If you’re too thin, the problem is more pronounced.

So, do yourself a favor ― have a healthy appetite and eat foods that will help you maintain some volume in your cheeks, such as salmon and walnuts, which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids (as a bonus, they help fight wrinkle-causing inflammation)

Age accelerator #2 – you don’t sleep enough

Sleep is essential because it is your body’s natural repair and renewal mechanism. If you don’t get enough sleep, your body will start stealing from your cells for the energy it needs, and this can make your skin age at light speed.

Calculate a bedtime that will get you 7-8 hours of sleep and stick to it. And always turn off your phone, your computer and your TV at least half an hour before bed because artificial lights can mess up your body’s ability to produce the sleep hormone melatonin.

Worried about eye wrinkles? Take a hands off approach

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face. When your rub your eyes, you break down the collagen which accelerates the rate of wrinkles appearing on the skin, plus you disturb tiny blood vessels just under the skin’s surface which can lead to dark under-eye circles.

Remember to be kind to your eyes and use a gentle touch!

Exercise for the mind, body … and skin

Health experts say regular exercise can go a long way in improving skin’s health, from reducing acne breakouts, to cleansing the skin of toxins, and even keeping our skin looking young.

Exercise:

1. Increases circulation and gives better blood flow to the skin, helping to remove toxins
2. Provides skin cells with a healthy dose of oxygen and nutrients needed to produce collagen ― the structural support that helps plump your skin and minimize lines and wrinkles
3. Helps control the production of testosterone-related hormones that lead to acne flare-ups.

So next time you’re thinking of treating yourself to a skin treatment at the spa, hit the gym instead!

AgeZone launches with Ultra Defining Neck Cream

Are you concerned about skin aging? You’re not alone. We all want to look younger. AgeZone is the newest breakthrough in the battle against skin aging.

You might be wondering, what makes AgeZone different from other anti-aging skincare? It’s the first skincare line based on Zone Targeting Technology.

AgeZone product formulators study how different skin zones age, then select anti-aging ingredients designed specific for that zone. The result is more effective anti-aging treatments such as our first product release, AgeZone Ultra Defining Neck Cream.

If sagging along your jawline has you secretly Googling “neck lift,” we suggest you give this product a try first. In a study, nine out of 10 women saw a reduction in the appearance of neck wrinkles as well as a more defined chin & jawline. Pretty impressive stuff.

You can check out all the study results and user reviews at www.agezone.com.