50 Beauty Rules for Looking Younger

1

from the editors of Rodale Books

Contents Slow Down Aging the Natural Way 3 Your Beautiful Face

4

Eyes That Shine

8

Your Marvelous Mouth

13

Hair of Your Dreams

16

Soft, Supple Skin

20

Hands to Hold

26

Lovely Legs

29

Happy, Healthy Feet

31

The Best for Breasts

33

Quick Posture Fixes

35

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

2

Your Beautiful Face Get a Youthful Glow

Slow Down Aging the Natural Way Aging may be inevitable, but the good news is you can take control of your appearance and look younger longer. You can firm your skin, minimize wrinkles, keep your hair strong and shiny, ward off varicose veins, and more. Best of all, there’s a lot you can do to maintain a youthful look without spending

a fortune on expensive products and treatments. In this guide, we share our best beauty rules. And they are so easy to follow. Simply eating certain foods and paying a little more attention to your skin will help you keep your healthy glow. (We’ll also let you in on a few

things you shouldn’t do!) These are timeless beauty tips—the advice that gets passed down from one generation of women to the next— combined with the latest research on antiaging. Our favorite tips are numbered 1 through 50, but there are plenty more to get you on track to a younger-looking you!

Rule

Take a Hands-On Approach

1

Try a DIY Facial Massage

As we age, skin rejuvenation starts to decrease. “Facial massage helps the skin stay younger and slows down the aging process,” says Natalia Doran, MD. “The pressure accelerates blood flow to the capillaries, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.” To reap the antiaging benefits, incorporate this into your daily routine, repeating each movement 4 times. 1. Define your chin Position your fingertips on your chin with your thumb beneath your jaw, and edge toward each earlobe using small circular movements. 2. Firm your cheeks Press your palms underneath your cheekbones and work in circular

movements from ear to nose to help tone cheek muscles. 3. Reduce under-eye puffiness Place two fingers on each side of your nose and sweep them from the inner to outer corners of your eyes to clear fluid. 4. Relax your forehead Press your forefingers and middle fingers above your eyebrows and make small circular movements all the way up to your hairline.

Clear Your Complexion Rule

As early as our 30s, we can begin to see signs of aging as facial skin becomes dryer and crow’s-feet and fine lines begin to appear. But you can fight these seemingly inevitable effects of aging and maintain a youthful complexion with the tips and tricks here.

2

Reach for Rose Oils

The latest in younger-looking skin has roses in full bloom. That’s because rose hip and rose oils contain high levels of vitamin A, which increases skin-cell turnover and reduces wrinkles, and vitamin C, which helps even skin tone. “The molecules in rose oils are small, so they pass into the skin easily, delivering the active ingredients where it matters: the dermis,” says Susan Stuart, a boardcertified dermatologist. Find the oils in facial oils and serums.

Back to Contents

3

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

4

Banish Breakouts

Rule

It seems counterintuitive, but acneprone skin needs a moisturizer. “Acne medications are often drying, so you may need more moisturizer, not less, when you’re fighting breakouts,” says Amy Wechsler, MD, a New York City dermatologist. Otherwise, overdryness may trigger inflammation, which causes more acne. Just be sure to buy a lotion that’s labeled “noncomedogenic” or “oil free.”

3

Smooth Flaky Skin

Even if you don’t have dandruff on your scalp, it can show up on the oilier skin on your forehead, between your eyebrows, and in the creases beside your nose. The simplest way to control these pink, scaly splotches: Three times a week, apply dandruff shampoo to the affected areas for 5 minutes, then rinse. “To be most effective, the active ingredient needs time to get into the follicles where

Makeup Magic

4

Bring Out Your Natural Glow

Nothing wakes up your face and makes it look healthy like a rosy flush. To get the pretty pop of color you have after a brisk walk, find a blush hue that works with your skin tone, says Jaclyn Peresetsky, author of Discover the Power of Your Colors. If you have dark skin, try rich pigments, like berries and mauves. If you have olive skin, try apricot for “yellowy” olive tones or try berry for cooler, greener tones. If you have fair skin, try soft coral. Apply blush on the apples of your cheeks to look youthful—or just under them to define your face.

Powder for Perfection

On the list of most-maligned makeup, powder has long been No. 1—but not anymore. Gone are the days of crumbly compacts that leave skin dull and flaky. The latest formulas cover without feeling heavy, look luminescent, and are packed with ingredients straight from your favorite moisturizers. “These new powders have minerals that provide sun protection and ingredients that hydrate,” says Mary Lupo, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine. For a natural finish, use a large

5

Reduce “Parentheses”

To diminish the lines that run from your nose to your mouth, apply concealer one shade lighter than your skin over the shadow below the fold only, not over the entire crease, says Matin Maulawizada of Laura Mercier Cosmetics. This pro trick reduces the appearance of a defined edge.

Cover Pimples

Choose a concealer with a drier texture—for instance, one that’s oilfree—so it adheres better, lasts longer, and doesn’t exacerbate blemishes, says Dallas makeup artist Robert Jones, author of Looking Younger.

Rule

brush and apply only around the chin and T-zone, skipping your cheeks, says celebrity makeup artist AJ Crimson. Rule

Powerful Rx retinoids could be your miracle skin-saver—just be sure to ease into the new regimen. They’re proven wrinkle reducers, but these anti-agers can cause irritation. If you have a hard time tolerating even a low-dose prescription retinoid, try a short-term application: Dab a peasize amount over your entire face, leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse. “You’ll get similar benefits as wearing it overnight,” says New York City dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, author of Simple Skin Beauty.

the yeast that causes the condition resides,” says Houston dermatologist Paul M. Friedman, MD, coauthor of Beautiful Skin Revealed.

Rule

Fight Wrinkles Right

6

Draw a Firmer Jawline

Disguise a double chin with powder bronzer. Dust it along your jawline to add definition and minimize the extra fullness. Use a matte product (shimmer accentuates the problem) that’s a couple of shades darker than your natural skin tone, says Jones. Also, choose eye shadow with a matte finish. It draws less attention to fine lines.

Go for a Sun-Kissed Look

You don’t have to choose between blush and bronzer—it’s better to use both. “Neither is as effective at creating a youthful glow without the other,” explains Jones. Start out by sweeping bronzer onto your cheekbone at the back near your ear, and

Cardio-Friendly Cosmetics Although exercise delivers a natural glow, many women still like to wear a little makeup when working out. If you’re one of them, keep this advice in mind. AVOID PRODUCTS WITH POTENTIAL IRRITANTS, such as retinoids or acids. “Cardio causes your pores to open, making these ingredients more likely to sting,” says Brooke Jackson, MD, medical director of Skin Wellness Center of Chicago. USE MINERAL-BASED MAKEUP instead of foundations or concealers with pore-clogging pigments.

ENHANCE LASHES with basic waterproof mascara. (Lengthening formulas often contain fibers that can flake off when you wipe your face.) Waterproof mascaras are a godsend in water-sport weather but tend to be clumpier than regular formulas. The fix: Apply one coat, then separate lashes with a metal lash comb before it sets. HYDRATE LIPS with a moisturizing balm or gloss, because sweating can dehydrate your body and eventually lead to chapped lips.

Back to Contents

5

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

6

Add the Finishing Touches

Rule

Try these tricks, courtesy of New York City–based makeup artist Laura

7

Snuff Out the Cigarettes

Smoking causes wrinkles and sallow, saggy skin because it damages your mitochondria, the workhorses of cells, which has devastating effects on cellular chatter and metabolism. “Smoking inhibits communication that’s normal and good, and sends out signals to break down existing collagen, which causes wrinkles,” says Jeannette Graf, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Even the occasional smoke reduces blood flow to the skin, which is enough to slow its metabolism. The good news: Once you quit, cells start the repair process immediately. First up? “Blood circulation to skin improves, and so does skin color,” says Graf.

Make Your Eyes Sparkle Studies have shown that when strangers are asked to judge how old a person is, the eye area is one of the biggest influences. So look to your eyes to be a good barometer of aging. Here are some easy ways to keep those peepers bright and youthful.

Brighten Eyes Naturally

8

Skip the Sodium

Diet soda is a vice that Audrey Kunin, MD, a Kansas City, MO, dermatologist, just can’t quit—she downs up to six cans a day. When she realized that all the sodium in soda (anywhere from 25 to 50 mg per can) made her eyes and jawline puffy, she switched to a sodium-free brand that doesn’t punish her skin. “It satisfies my cravings, and my skin looks much better.”

10

Wear Your Veggies

Frozen peas help soothe itchy, irritated eyes for Jeanine Downie, MD, a dermatologist in Montclair, NJ. “Once I get home from work, I remove my makeup and put a bag of frozen peas on my lids for about 5 minutes.” The cold helps reduce swelling and pigmentation, a side effect of repeated irritation from her eczema. Unlike inflexible ice packs, a bag of peas easily conforms to the shape of the eyes for a faster effect. Rule

Hide lines with a highlighting pen. “These amazing innovations contain light-reflecting particles that optically smooth wrinkles—including crow’s-feet, forehead furrows, and smile lines—to make them less visible,” says Jones. Use after your foundation (or apply the cream by itself if you don’t wear base), dabbing just inside the entire length of the crease. Then pat along the highlighted area to blend.

Eyes That Shine

Rule

Banish Flaws

Geller, to enhance your own natural beauty. You’ll need: 1) contouring powder two shades darker than foundation; 2) highlighting powder a shade lighter than skin; 3) blush and shadow brushes. 1. Line your jawline Use a full brush to sweep contouring powder just under your jaw. 2. Define your cheeks Swipe contouring powder from mid-ear to the apple; apply highlighter above the cheekbone. 3. Slim your nose Contour each side of your nose, then swipe highlighting powder down the center. 4. Lift your lids Apply the contouring shade to your eye’s crease, and highlight under your brows. 5. Blend, blend, blend Use a clean, large brush to turn harsh lines into subtle shadows.

Rule

brush forward toward the apple. Pick one that’s no more than two shades darker than your skin tone. Then brush blush onto the apples of your cheeks and over the bronzer. Opt for a sheer shade with peach undertones if you’re fair; use more intense hues of coral and sienna if skin is darker.

9

Kick Circles with Vitamin K

In one study, women who applied an under-eye cream containing vitamin K and retinol every night for 12 weeks saw their dark circles improve 33%. Like retinol, vitamin K is sensitive to ultraviolet light and should be used only at night. Bonus: The retinol helps erase crow’s-feet.

Put Cream On

HOW TO APPLY EYE CREAM: Smooth it on from the outer corners of eyes, working inward. “This is the direction lymph fluids flow, so it encourages the fluids to keep moving and can decrease puffiness,” says Leslie Baumann, MD, director of the Baumann Cosmetic and Research Institute in Miami Beach, FL.

Back to Contents

7

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

8

Makeup Magic Make Dark Circles Disappear

After 40, skin loses elasticity and thins, which can make you look tired and allow blood vessels to show through, heightening discoloration. Concealer lightens dark circles, gives lids the appearance of a lift, and brightens your face. Here are three steps to use this eye makeup to cover correctly. 1. Choose the right concealer shade Pick a yellow-based formula that’s at least two shades lighter than your skin tone. The yellow cancels out the blue in dark circles. 2. Dab, then pause Using a small-headed concealer brush, apply a dab along the lower lashes to the innermost corner of the eyes and the hollows of the nose. Let under-eye concealer sit on your skin for a full minute before blending it in. “This al-

Love Your Lines! When people looked at photos of the same smiling women with and without crow’s-feet, they rated the ones with fine lines as more authentic and more attractive, reports an NYU study. See? Sincerity equals beauty after all. (If you’d rather opt to cover crow’s-feet, see p. 10.)

11

Take Makeup Away

HOW TO REMOVE EYE MAKEUP: Be gentle. Avoid scrubbing the delicate eye area with an easy, no-tug trick: Press a cotton pad with remover to your lids, then wait 30 seconds. “It just needs time to loosen the pigments,” says Ni’Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist in New York City.

lows some moisture to evaporate from the formula, so it’s more opaque and covers better,” says makeup artist Renee Ryan of Cargo Cosmetics. (Look for one with antioxidants or peptides that hide and treat circles.) Use your ring finger, which has a naturally light touch and added warmth, to tap and gently blend. 3. Finish with powder A dusting of a sheer, loose, yellowtoned powder locks the concealer in place for the day.

Master Stay-Put Eyeliner

Liner defines eyes for a more youthful look, but the water-resistant versions designed to last in steamy weather can be hard to apply. Here’s help. Tilt your head back Lift your chin, then look down into the mirror (lids will lower but won’t close). You’ll better see where you’re applying, so you can get superclose to your lash lines, says makeup artist Jessie Powers of Make Up For Ever. Choose your tool Opt for a felt-tip liner with a markerlike tip that creates smoother lines and is especially great on droopy lids, which can cause pencils to skip. Or pick a waterproof gel liner. It is thicker than liquid liner, so it’s easier to control—and it lasts all day.

Stop tugging! Don’t pull your lid taut while lining. “When you let go, you’ll end up with a line that’s misshapen,” says Powers.

Pump Up Lashes

Before applying mascara, when eyelashes are clean and dry (wet ones postshower won’t hold a curl), position a lash curler at the root of the lashes and give three firm, gentle pumps (holding it steady doesn’t create a natural-looking, fluid curl). Release and repeat. For even better curl, heat your curler with your blow-dryer for 15 seconds first. “The warmth holds the bend better,” says makeup artist Mally Roncal. Rule

little water, if necessary, to dampen the mixture. Place the resulting paste on a gauze pad. The gauze pad should feel damp, but not so wet that moisture is dripping through it. Lie down with your head elevated on a pillow, close your eyes, and rest with the gauze on your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes.

12

Camouflage Crow’s-Feet

Nix heavy cover-up, which makes lines more obvious, says Matin Maulawizada of Laura Mercier Cosmetics. Instead, brighten the area with concealer under the outer third of your lower lashes and a creamy highlighter just below any lines. Rule

No need to reach for expensive treatments to depuff your eyes—here are two simple, natural options. Try a spot of tea Tea bags are a great at-home natural beauty trick to perk up tired-looking, puffy eyes. “The caffeine helps shrink the underlying dark blood vessels and forces out some of the liquid that creates puffiness,” explains Ava Shamban, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA. Soak tea bags in hot water for a minute before plunging them into ice water for a few seconds. Lie down and apply them directly to your eyes for 15 minutes. Pick some blue cornflower The brilliant blue cornflower boasts a long history as the go-to remedy for eye troubles, including puffy eyes. Even today, practitioners of herbal medicine treat conjunctivitis with a cornflower eyewash and relieve strain by applying a poultice of petals over the eyes. Studies explain why it’s a natural for peeper problems: Besides being antibacterial, the flower heads contain several anti-inflammatory substances, says a Journal of Ethnopharmacology study. To make the poultice, chop the petals with a knife or in a blender, using a

Rule

Soothe Puffy Eyes

13

Wake Up with Makeup

Whether you had a restless night or always seem to look like it, you can perk up your entire eye area in a wink. Blend a champagne highlighter from

Back to Contents

9

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

10

Rule

just under your brows out to and over your temples, suggests Physicians Formula makeup artist Joanna Schlip. “The highlighter reflects light on an area usually sunken in shadow, giving eyes an instant lift,” she explains.

14

Get Perfect Younger Brows Now

“Like your skin and hair, your brows can start to show their age,” says brow expert Anastasia Soare, owner of Anastasia Beverly Hills Salon. “They can thin out, become coarse and unruly, or turn gray.” And just as a new haircut can trim away the years, a well-groomed, well-defined brow can lend your face a years-younger look. Vanishing brows The Problem:

“Like thinning hair, sparse brows come with age, so they make you look older than you are,” says Eliza Petrescu, owner of Eliza’s Eyes in New York City. The Solution: Use a brow powder (see “Natural Beauties,” p. 12, to find the right color) to fill in patchy spots and make your arches look thicker. Your Brow Fix: Start by gently pulling your skin taut with one hand to create a smooth surface. With a stiff, angled brow brush, dust on the powder in the same direction your hairs grow, using light, feathery strokes. Concentrate on sparse areas, says Kristie Streicher, eyebrow expert at Warren-

Tricomi Salon in Los Angeles. When you’re finished, brush the hairs up and out with a spoolie (it’s like a clean mascara wand); this blends and softens the powder so it looks more natural and removes any excess powder. Disappearing tails The Problem:

Brows naturally thin at the outer edges (by your temples) first, but a fast fade can also be the result of overplucking. “The tail of the brow is the part that sets off the arch, which makes eyes look youthful and sexy,” says Petrescu. “Without it, eyes seem droopy and tired.” The Solution: Lengthen your brow tails with pencil (see “Natural Beauties,” p. 12, for the right color). Your Brow Fix: First, determine where the tail of your brow should end by holding a pencil diagonally from the outside corner of your nostril to the outer corner of your eye. The spot where the pencil intersects with your brow is your target. Extend your brows to that point by using the brow pencil to sketch light, feathery strokes in the same direction your hairs grow. Set the pencil—and blend the penciled-in tails with the rest of your hairs—by stroking a tinted brow gel over the entire length of your eyebrows.

Graying brows The Problem:

“From afar, gray or white brows disappear completely, which makes your features look unbalanced,” Petrescu explains. The Solution: Camouflage colorless hairs using the right technique, which depends on the number of grays you have. Your Brow Fix: Hide a few strays with a brow marker that matches your eyebrow color; the felt-tip point lets you paint hairs precisely with a natural-looking color. If you have a significant number of grays, color them temporarily by brushing on a tinted brow gel that’s slightly lighter than the nongray hairs. If your brows are mostly gray, dyeing them is the best fix. Ask your stylist if your salon offers the service (it’s often free when you get your hair colored), or have it done at a spa. “Even if the hair on your head is silver or gray, I suggest dyeing brows light brown,” says

Petrescu. “It creates a frame for your eyes that sharpens your features for a more youthful look.” Overgrown brows The Problem:

Bushy brows can make eyes look smaller. And longer, coarser hairs (which appear with age) may overhang at the outer edges, making lids look droopy, says Streicher. The Solution: Trim, tweeze, and set hairs in place for arches that are under control. Your Brow Fix: Brush all the hairs up with a spoolie, then use brow scissors to cut the tips of hairs that extend above the top edge of the brow line, one at a time. (Cutting them all with one snip across leaves a straight edge that looks unnatural.) Next, use slant-tip tweezers to pluck stray hairs that grow outside the swath of hair that defines your natural brow shape. “This can be tricky, so I recommend going to a pro,” says Petrescu. Finish with clear brow gel to set hairs in place without darkening them.

Natural Beauties The key to making brow pencil, powder, and gel look natural: using the right hue. “My rule of thumb is to choose a color that’s a shade or two lighter than your hair,” says Kristie Streicher, eyebrow expert at Warren-Tricomi Salon in Los Angeles. It ends up looking more natural, because the colors usually go on darker than you’d expect. In general, medium brown suits brunettes, warm brown is best for redheads, and taupe is best on blondes and those with gray hair.

Back to Contents

11

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

12

As we age, our teeth tend to become dull and our lips can become thinner— not to mention surrounded by fine lines. But there are things you can do to ward off the effects aging has on your smile. Here are some ways to keep your lips nourished and youthful looking and your teeth strong and bright.

Eat like a Caveman

Pop (or Chew) a Probiotic

The average caveman’s teeth and gums may have been healthier than yours. That’s because our ancestors had far more good bacteria to fight the bad ones that cause tooth decay, gum dis-

Probiotic gum and mints claim to improve oral health by crowding out the bad bacteria with the good. “These may provide you with some extra oral protection, as long as you regularly brush and floss, too,” says John Comisi, DDS, a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry.

Sip Smarter

Green tea is rich in antimicrobial antioxidants and may help kill the bacteria associated with tooth decay. A Japanese study found that people who drank one or more cups of green tea daily were less likely to lose their teeth. Coffee, however, is very acidic, which helps bad bacteria thrive.

Rule

Feed Your Smile

Get a Dazzling Smile

15

Eat Apples

They’ll help whiten your teeth naturally. “A mildly acidic nature and rough, fiber-rich flesh make them the ideal food for cleansing and brightening teeth,” explains Jeff Golub-Evans, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in New York City.

Choose Cheese

Cheese also brightens a dingy smile. Cheese (especially Cheddar, which has high levels of alkalizing agents) combats the staining effects of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and coffee. Cheese also wards off acid erosion, keeping enamel stronger for longer, says cosmetic dentist Gregg Lituchy, DDS.

Give Lips TLC Massage Away Dryness

Mix equal parts honey and table sugar together, massage on lips for a minute, then rinse off. The sugar exfoliates, while the honey leaves lips naturally moisturized, even after rinsing. Rule

Your Marvelous Mouth

ease, and funky breath, says a study in Nature Genetics that analyzed the plaque of 34 ancient skeletons. One reason ancient humans had better teeth: Processed foods didn’t exist. The researchers found that bacterial diversity plummeted with the shift from hunting and gathering to farming, and then again with the advent of processed sugar and flour. Make more primal picks by opting for fresh produce, nuts, whole grains, and quality meats.

16

Plump Up a Thinning Pout

Daily exfoliation stimulates blood flow and eliminates dead skin cells, making lips look brighter and fuller. Skip the age-old toothbrush trick (bristles can tear skin) and instead use the home-

Walk Away from This Balm Avoid lip products that contain phenol. Many medicated balms include phenol, which helps relieve pain from dryness and cold sores. But it’s very harsh, stripping away skin and leaving lips drier, says New York City dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD, author of The Mind-Beauty Connection.

Back to Contents

13

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

14

Hair of Your Dreams

made mix described in the tip above, or buy a lip-specific exfoliator. Another way to exfoliate: Before putting on lip color, lightly run a damp washcloth over lips. This increases circulation to boost fullness and provides a smooth canvas for color to adhere to.

Get More Lustrous Locks

Lift Your Kisser

“The sides of the mouth tend to droop with age,” says Joanna Schlip, makeup artist for Physicians Formula. “To lessen the effect, brush highlighter on the corners and concealer just below the outer edges of your lower lip to minimize shadows.”

Create Fuller Lips

Follow these three pointers to get a more prominent pout. Define Line the outer edge of your lips first, then fill in completely. “This creates a barrier that accentuates fullness and reduces lipstick bleeding,” says NYC celebrity makeup artist Laura Geller. Look for a plumping liner that has collagen to add volume. For a natural effect, choose a clear or skin tone or one that’s the same shade as your lip color.

Color softly To get more attention on your lips, opt for a soft pink gloss. This universally flattering hue in a shiny, moisturizing formula reflects the most light, so lips look bigger. For best results, pick a plumping version, which is made with ingredients derived from menthol that slightly swell lips for a few hours. Protect UVA rays can degrade collagen, making lips look thinner. Use a lip balm with a built-in SPF of at least 30 before putting on gloss and liner; reapply when touching up lip color.

Why Do Women Have More Mouth Wrinkles Than Men? Mouth wrinkles plague women more than men, says a Dutch study. Why? We produce less skin-protecting oil and have less facial hair to block UV rays (just this once, we’re jealous of stubble).

Many women discover that their hair is not as thick and full as it once was. In fact, 50% of women experience some kind of hair loss by age 50. Although you can’t change your genes, there are some things you can do to protect the hair you have. But think lifestyle changes—not hope in a jar.

Aim for Naturally Healthy Hair Rule

17

18

Count on Nutrition

If you’re vegetarian or anemic, you may lack adequate iron, which is essential for strong, healthy hair. Make sure you’re eating plenty of leafy greens—such as spinach, kale, and chard—and beans, tofu, or lean cuts of red meat, which are all great sources of iron as well as biotin and zinc, two nutrients that may also play a role in hair growth. Also, enjoy foods rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts. The protein improves the health of your hair, and the fats help your scalp produce natural oils that give sheen. Rule

Rule

Makeup Magic

19

Rub Your Head

Many pros suggest scalp massage for clients with thinning hair. “Use

your fingertips and a bit of argan or coconut oil to rub in a circular motion for several minutes before you shampoo,” says John Masters, owner of John Masters Organic Salon. Mary Lupo, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine, says the theory is that massage temporarily increases circulation to the scalp, which may pump hair follicles with the nutrients needed for hair growth.

De-Stress with Essential Oils

We joke that stress makes us want to pull our hair out—but research suggests it may prompt hair to fall out on its own. “Stress releases cortisol, which produces waste products around hair follicles, making them deteriorate,” says Bahman Guyuron, MD, a professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Essential oils could help on two fronts: The potent plant oils promote relaxation and may treat hair loss. A study published in the Archives of Dermatology found that a daily scalp massage using the oils boosted hair growth in 44% of patients. You can mix your own blend based on the study’s recipe as follows:

Back to Contents

15

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

16

Follow Doctors’ Orders Reach Over the Counter

Currently, the best (and only FDAapproved) treatment for hair loss—no matter what its cause—is topical minoxidil, an OTC treatment available in mousse and liquid formulas. “It’s not clear exactly how minoxidil works, but studies show it lengthens the growth phase of your hair,” says Robert Leonard, DO, founder of Leonard Hair Transplant Associates in

Cranston, RI. Applying 2% minoxidil to the scalp twice daily has been shown to produce minimal regrowth in 40% of women and moderate regrowth in 19%; possible side effects include itching and redness of the scalp.

Visit Your Pharmacy

If you don’t respond to minoxidil, your doctor might prescribe antiandrogen medications, which may slow hair loss and even stimulate growth in some women. “They inhibit male hormones that can exacerbate hair loss,” explains Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a dermatologist in Vallejo, CA, who specializes in hair disorders. In select cases, she may prescribe finasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, which blocks an enzyme that regulates the production of androgens. Because the medication causes birth defects, it is FDA approved only for men. “In premenopausal women who are no longer childbearing, finasteride can be used off label,” Mirmirani notes.

When to See a Doc for Hair Loss If you’re losing more than 100 to 150 hairs per day (you can tell if you see clumps of hair in the shower drain), your part is getting wider, or your hair has become significantly finer, you may be dealing with female pattern hair loss, a genetic

condition that affects 30 million American women. Although FPHL (also called androgenetic alopecia) can begin as early as your 20s, it’s most common after menopause. Although this type of hair loss doesn’t necessarily indicate a medi-

cal issue, you should consult your GP to rule out a thyroid problem, iron deficiency anemia, or an excessive level of male hormones (common when you have polycystic ovarian syndrome or when estrogen levels drop off around menopause).

Style Smart Rule

1. Mix the carrier oils Place ½ tsp jojoba oil and 4 tsp grapeseed oil (known as carrier oils) in a small bowl. 2. Add essential oils Mix in 2 drops of thyme oil, 3 drops of lavender, 3 drops of rosemary, and 2 drops of cedarwood. 3. Rub it in Massage into scalp for 2 minutes every night; rinse in the morning.

20

Switch Your Part

“Changing the direction of your part can really help thinning hair,” says Nexxus Creative Director Kevin Mancuso. Hair tends to lie flatter against the scalp when brushed repeatedly in the same direction; if you typically part your hair on the left, flip it to the right, so it’s more likely to stand away from your scalp and look more voluminous.

Keep Cool

In general, the less heat you use, the better. “Styling with heat can damage the hair shaft,” says Mirmirani. Air-dry whenever possible, and if you must use heated tools, pick those with adjustable settings and keep them on the lowest level. “This won’t affect hair growth, but you’ll see less of the breakage that makes hair look even thinner,” Mirmirani says.

Brush with Care

Used in conjunction with a blowdryer, round metal brushes can heat up significantly, and some brushes with hard plastic or metal bristles can cause breakage, according to Angelo David, owner and creative director of New York City’s Angelo David Salon. Instead, try a brush made of gentle boar bristles or flexible nylon.

Quick Hair Tips These simple tips can go a long way toward keeping your hair looking great with minimal effort. DON’T RESTART; RECHARGE. Don’t feel like styling your hair from scratch? Mist the top layer with water to reactivate products you applied the day before, then dry or diffuse as usual.

PROTECT YOUR HAIR COLOR. Keep your hair color from going brassy when you’re at the beach or pool by spraying it with a solution of sunscreen and water.

Back to Contents

17

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

18

Rule

21

Get a Volumizing Cut

In In most cases, shorter cuts are kinder to thinning hair. “The longer your hair grows, the more likely it is that sections will separate and

reveal your scalp,” explains Mancuso. Whatever length you choose, ask for interior layers, which are placed throughout your cut, not just on the ends, to add fullness.

Soft, Supple Skin Fight Dry Skin and Win

Color Strategically

Rule

Bleaching or significantly lightening your hair color all over can cause damage or breakage, but wellplaced highlights hide thinning by making your hair color more similar to the color of your scalp. Plus, the dye expands the hair shaft slightly so it appears thicker, according to David.

22

Start Shining

Switch Your Skin Care

Rule

Rule

Use conditioner before and after your shampoo as a weekly treatment, says Charles Baker Strahan, hairstylist for Herbal Essences. The pre-shampoo application helps strands soak up more shineenhancing hydrators.

Skin is hydrated through diet and by absorbing water from the air. As we age, our skin has less oil and complex carbohydrates called glycosaminoglycans, which help it hold water. Plus, when the humidity drops and dry heat cranks, there’s less moisture available. Flakes often cluster where we have the fewest oil glands: hands, feet, elbows, and knees. Just slathering on lotion won’t do it. For optimal hydration, try these tweaks.

23

Rescue Your Locks with Oil

If your hair is dry, damaged, or prone to split ends, it needs deep conditioning. “Olive, avocado, and coconut oils found in the beauty aisle can be miracle workers,” says dermatologist Victoria Barbosa, MD, of Rush University Medical Center. “These oils penetrate particularly well to protect hair.” Apply as a mask for 30 minutes before shampooing, or rub a drop in your palms and run through dry hair, working from the ends up.

24

Cleanse Gently

A foamy wash may be your dry skin’s worst enemy. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a cleansing agent used in soaps, cleansers, and shampoos, washes away dirt and also skin’s natural oils. Opt instead for an SLS-free formula or an oil-based cleanser, which does the job without sucking moisture from your skin. If you worry that washing with oil will leave you feeling slick, rest easy:

“Oil breaks down dirt and other oils, then emulsifies to wash them away, cleaning without completely stripping your skin the way soap does,” says dermatologist Noelle Sherber, MD.

Exfoliate with Care

No matter how many thick lotions you slather on, they won’t sink in if the skin is covered with dead cells. The solution? Scrub, but be gentle: “Harsh exfoliants can further irritate dry skin,” says Sherber. Avoid exfoliators with gritty pieces, and look for soft jojoba beads or sugar.

Doctor Your Bath

A steaming hot soak or shower can be tempting when it’s freezing outside,

Back to Contents

19

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

20

Layer Lotions

Rule

To stay warm when you’re spending time outside, you layer long underwear and then pants, not the other way around. Order matters when it comes to skin care, too. After cleansing, while skin is still damp, apply a mild moisturizer that contains shea butter or glycerin. If your skin is extra dry, seal in your moisturizer with a natural oil like jojoba, says Sherber—it's heavier but still nongreasy.

28

Add Humidity

Rule

The most common type of indoor heat is forced air, which is also the most drying. And if you live in a semiarid climate, like Colorado’s, you’re getting a double whammy. Consider this secret weapon: a humidifier in your bedroom. Sleeping in moist air can help rebalance skin and keep it hydrated all day.

26

Spritz Your Skin

To keep her skin supple, LA-based dermatologist Jessica Wu, MD, sprays it several times daily with spring water. Bonus: The water is packed with minerals like selenium that protect against UV damage.

Assess Your Nutrition

27

Reduce Sugar

Too much salty food can dehydrate you and your skin. But switching from popcorn to candy at the movies isn’t the solution—too much sugar can also take a toll. Dry

skin is inflamed, so it’s less able to hold on to moisture. “Sugar causes even more inflammation, which damages collagen and elastin in the skin’s fibers, leading to more moisture loss,” says Lauren Slayton, RD. To stay hydrated, keep your added sugar intake under 25 g a day. That’s a serving of dark chocolate, a protein bar, or a cup of flavored yogurt.

Human Behavior. Scientists believe that this subtle signal of robust good health helped our ancestors find the fittest mates, and the preference still draws us to someone with a luminous skin tone.

Add Omega-6s

To keep skin moist, increase the natural oils inside your body as well as out. Gammalinolenic acid (GLA) is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that helps reduce dry skin. To get more of it through your diet, try taking a capsule of evening primrose or borage oil, or add a scoop of green spirulina to a smoothie.

Eat Foods That Nourish Your Skin Rule

25

Hydrate Your Skin and Home

Rule

Rule

but too-hot water will work against you, breaking down the lipid barrier in your skin and depleting natural oils. Instead, soak in a warm tub that’s infused with a few teaspoons of natural, lightweight, plantbased oils (i.e., not baby oil, which is made from a petroleum byproduct), such as grapeseed, almond, sesame, or coconut. Just be careful exiting an oily tub! The key is sealing moisture in, so pat dry and apply lotions and oils while skin is still damp.

29

Pack More Produce

A diet packed with carotenoid-rich produce (such as tomatoes, carrots, and peaches) actually gives your skin a golden hue that makes you more attractive, according to a study in the journal Evolution and

Strive for Balance

Go for Whole Grains

The breakdown of sugars, called glycation, damages the collagen that keeps skin smooth and firm. To prevent this natural process from careening out of control, Naila Malik, MD, a dermatologist in Southlake, TX, sticks to low-glycemic carbs like whole grains; they’re naturally low in sugar, and the body processes them slowly to limit the loss of collagen.

Add Flaxseed

If you have sensitive skin, try adding flaxseed to your diet. One study shows that flaxseed oil—rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids—can not only reduce skin sensitivity but also increase hydration and smoothness. Store whole flaxseed in your fridge and

"Women who feel great about themselves as they age have found a good balance between looking after themselves and letting other things they feel passionate about matter even more—children, grandchildren, art, sports, an interest in travel. These things play a very important role in ageless beauty. That’s the balance of inner and outer confidence, and it all matters." —Vivian Diller, PhD, psychologist, former model, and author of Face It

Back to Contents

21

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

22

of tea contain protective compounds— like EGCG and theaflavins— that help prevent skin cancers and the breakdown of collagen, the cause of wrinkles.

In her teens, Amy Wechsler, MD, a New York City dermatologist, started drinking green and black tea for the taste. Now she drinks three to five cups a day to safeguard her skin. Research suggests that both types

Rule

Sip Some Tea

30

Just Add Water

Staying well hydrated is the fastest route not only to more energy, less hunger, and a stronger body, but also

to better skin. While that might seem simple, drinking enough becomes tougher as you get older and your sense of thirst fades. In fact, nearly half of adults don’t consume enough water, according to a BMC Public Health study. So are you skimping on fluids? The easiest way to tell is to check the color of your urine: If it’s clear or pale yellow, you’re well watered, says Prevention advisor Rob Danoff, DO. If it’s darker, fill up by drinking plenty of low-calorie fluids (water is best; seltzer and coco-

How Dermatologists Care for Their Skin

nut water are good) and eating waterrich produce like apples, grapes, celery, and lettuce. Women need nine 8-ounce glasses a day, while men need about 12. (Coffee and tea count!)

Get Smart about Sun Care Rule

sprinkle a tablespoon or two of freshly ground seeds over salads, cereals, or potatoes daily.

33

Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 daily, whether you’re out on the slopes or just walking to your car in the cold. An Australian study discovered that SPF 30 is powerful enough to keep your skin from responding to the sun and prevent UV damage to cells.

Apply Generously

To ensure she layers on enough sunscreen (“the best way to keep skin youthful”), Garland, TX– based dermatologist Lisa Garner, MD, president of

32

STRIKE A POSE. Most dermatologists will bend over backward for great skin. Hema Sundaram, MD, a Washington, DC–area dermatologist, bends forward. Yoga moves “like Child’s Pose, DownwardFacing Dog, and Sun Salutations improve circulation—the boost of oxygen is what gives skin that lovely yoga glow.” Another reason to take to the mat: Research finds regular yoga practice may reduce the inflammation and stress that speed skin aging.

DEVELOP A BEDSIDE MANNER. “I often find it difficult to stick to my antiaging regimen at bedtime,” says Francesca Fusco, MD, a New York City dermatologist. To avoid missing her evening routine, she stores these products in a pretty makeup case she keeps on her nightstand. “So if I’ve forgotten—or was just too tired to apply products at the sink—I can do it easily while in bed.”

Super Sunscreen Tips Keep these pointers in mind when you’re applying sunscreen. Rule

PUMP IRON TO PLUMP SKIN. “I am religious about strength-training, and I always tell patients to do it more as they get older,” says Patricia Farris, MD, a dermatologist in Metairie, LA. The payoff: firmer skin from the neck down, the result of having better, more supportive muscle tone. “It’s like adding volume to the face with fillers, except on your body,” says Farris.

Rule

Rule

Try borrowing these surefire tips that dermatologists use to keep their own skin looking great.

31

Shield Yourself Every Day

34

DON’T SKIP SUNSCREEN IN WINTER. Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s UV light, which means you’re extra exposed to wrinkle- and cancercausing rays when the mercury is low.

DON’T FORGET YOUR EARS! Roughly 30% of melanomas in adults are found on the head, ears, and neck.

SHIELD YOUR LIPS FROM THE SUN. “Over the last 5 years, I’ve seen a significant increase in the number of women with skin cancer on their lips,” says Mary Lupo, a dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.

Back to Contents

23

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

24

Hands to Hold

Straight from the Hive

Sunscreen stops working in less than 3 hours, so reappli­ cation is key, says Washington, DC–based dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, MD. For easy touch-ups, she uses powder sunscreen. “It’s light, so makeup stays intact.”

36

Get Your Beauty Sleep—and Sex They call it beauty sleep for a reason: Those who slept 5 hours a night for a month had twice as many wrinkles as those who slept 7, found a University Hospitals Case Medical Center study conducted with Estée Lauder. Sleep is when your skin repairs itself. A paper presented at a conference organized by the British Psychological Society indicates that having sex three times a week will make you look 5 to 7 years younger.

Nourish and Protect

37

Guard against Dryness

When hands are bone-dry, “your goal is to both restore moisture and rebuild skin’s protective barrier layer,” says New York City–based dermatologist Diane Berson, MD. 1. Exfoliate Slough with a gentle, oil-infused exfoliating scrub to help moisturizers penetrate. 2. Hydrate Slather on a moisturizer that has glycerin and plant oils to quench skin, plus fatty acids to condition the skin’s barrier. 3. Hold in moisture Put on cotton gloves (or even plastic wrap) to lock in moisture while body heat speeds treatment. It’s most convenient to wear them overnight.

Rule

Be Sure to Reapply

It’s often said that you can tell a woman’s age by her hands. Brown spots and dry skin can make an appearance in our 30s and 40s as the first signs of sun damage and aging make themselves known. Here are some ways to disguise these effects of aging and keep your hands looking younger longer.

Rule

35

Smooth and Polish Your Hands and Nails 38

Find the Right File

Rule

Rule

the Women’s Dermatologic Society, fills the hollow of her palm (about ½ teaspoon) with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to coat her face, neck, and ears. “I usually have to apply two coats to finish what I’ve squeezed out, but that’s how I make sure I’m covered.”

director of cosmetic research at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Plus, honey has moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Try products with potent free-radicalscavenging manuka honey made by bees that feast on flowers of New Zealand’s manuka bush.

Rule

Want another reason to love honey? The sticky sweet stuff is one of the most time-tested skin fixes around. “It’s been used as an antibacterial remedy for centuries because it naturally contains hydrogen peroxide,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD,

39

Do Your Own Manicure

Using the wrong file for your nails can weaken them, leading to splitting and peeling. Your best move is to find the right file for your nail type. If you have thin nails: Crystal glass files have superfine grit to produce a clean, chip-free nail edge. If you have thick nails: Try a diamond-coated file. Leave it to the hardest natural material to conquer your tough nails without roughing them up. Coated with actual diamond powder, this file gets the job done.

Avoid salon chemicals (and potential infections) with these five simple at-home steps. 1. File with care Hold the file parallel to your nail’s edge. File across, shaping nail tips only—filing the sides weakens nails, says Jan Arnold, of CND, a nail care company.

Back to Contents

25

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

26

Make a Manicure Last Longer Extend Your Pretty Nails

After all the effort you put into your manicure, you want to make it last as long as possible. Here are some ways to keep your polish job looking fresh. Repair wear If your enamel is wearing off along the top edges, file down the exposed nail (using a clipper can crack your polish). “No one will be able to tell that one nail is a millimeter shorter than the others,” says Ji Baek, founder of Rescue Beauty Lounge Nail Polish. Use a glass file—it has an ultrafine grit, so it won’t rough up the remaining polish— and run it in one direction. Buff up Buffing is a quick way to gloss up dulling polish, says New York City manicurist Tatyana Molot. Most buffers have several surfaces—stick with the smoothest one (too much grit will

scratch your lacquer) and use a fast back-and-forth motion on each nail. Reseal the deal Every two days, sweep on a fresh layer of topcoat to protect against damage— but don’t use a fast-dry formula: It yields a thinner coat that’s more likely to chip, says cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer. For fast drying, try plunging wet nails into a bowl of cold water, says CND nail pro Candice Manacchio. Stay slick Cuticle oil not only softens the skin around the nail but also hydrates the nail plate, keeping it flexible so your polish is less likely to crack, says Los Angeles manicurist Tom Bachik. In the days following your mani, rub cuticle oil over nails nightly and before every shower. It will repel water, the biggest cause of chipping: H2O seeps between the layers of polish, which makes them lift, says Jane Park, founder of Julep Nails. Fix a chip When your manicured nail takes a hit, you have two options. “The first is to file the nail down a bit and then paint over what’s left of the chip with the same polish hue,” says celebrity manicurist Bernadette Thompson. Let the polish dry, then finish with a topcoat. If you don’t have the color, dip a clean nail polish brush into remover, then run it in a vertical line from cuticle to nail tip (where the damage is). “This softens the polish so that you can drag some over to fill in the chip,” says Thompson.

Get Artsy Breathe new life into an old manicure with DIY nail art. GLITTER FIX: To conceal chipped tips, swipe clear topcoat onto the ends of your nails, then dip them into glitter or sparkly loose eye shadow to create a cool edge, suggests CND nail pro Candice Manacchio. For allover wear and tear, coat each entire nail with a clear-based chunky glitter topcoat, says Jenna Hipp, a manicurist in Los Angeles.

Select a gentle polish remover Acetone-based nail polish remover dries out nails. Try a nourishing one that replaces acetone with soy. And don’t pick off polish—you’ll peel away the nail’s top protective layer, too. Rule

2. Soften your skin Microwave a bowl of lotion for 10 seconds, then soak your fingers in it for 60 seconds. 3. Care for cuticles Don’t snip cuticles; they protect nails from infection. Moisturize them and gently push them back with a damp cloth. 4. Smooth ridges Run a nail buffing block back and forth across your nails to smooth vertical lines. 5. Top it off Top with polish. Polish fortifies the nail.

40

Avoid These Polish Pitfalls

Here are four surprising reasons your polish job didn’t live up to its potential. 1. You didn’t BYOB Some salons stretch a bottle of enamel by adding a thinning solution to it—a move that affects the quality and shortens the polish’s life span on your nails, says Park. Next time, bring your own along.

STICKER SOLUTION: Significant chip on just one nail? Create a quirky accent nail with an adhesive polish strip in a cool pattern. Place one on the same finger of your other hand for balance.

2. You forgot to tip out If you don’t run the lacquer along the very outer edge of your nail, you leave it open to polish-peeling moisture. 3. You did hot yoga Heat interferes with the drying process. Avoid steamy showers, blowdrying your hair, even folding freshout-of-the-dryer laundry for at least 12 hours after getting a mani. 4. You used a product with alcohol The alcohol in hand sanitizers and sunscreen can break down enamel and make it dull, says Hammer. Try an alcohol-free sanitizer moisturizer.

Artificial Nails Can Haunt You Acrylates—the main ingredient in acrylic nails—can cause an allergic reaction appearing months or years after you first wore artificial nails, according to the American Contact Dermatitis Society. “Look for itchy, swollen cuticles and painful or dry, split, discolored nails,” says Keri Peterson, MD, an internist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Still wearing fakes? Take ’em off! Then see a dermatologist to get checked for an allergy, and calm irritation with topical hydrocortisone twice daily.

Back to Contents

27

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

28

Lovely Legs Unveil YoungerLooking Gams Your legs may have carried you through your first 5-K or a recent woodland hike, and although you appreciate their value, you may not always be thrilled with how they look. Here are some MD-free ways to downplay the bumps on the leg landscape.

Firm and Smooth Cut Cellulite

Cellulite forms when fat accumulates between bands of collagen just below the skin, creating fixed clusters that get pushed against the surface. But the problem isn’t necessarily the number on the scale: Genetics,

hormones, and inflammation all play roles, says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic research at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. A cream that contains caffeine (“It shrinks fat cells,” says Zeichner) can offer small surface fixes. Another option are treatments with carnitine, which may also break down fat. And exercise really helps.

involved in the research.

Make Visible Veins Vanish

The cause of small spider veins and more prominent varicose veins is the same, so it’s common to have both. “When the vein wall is strong and there are properly functioning vein valves, blood flows up to the heart easily,” says dermatologist Steven E. Zimmet, MD, founding president of the American Board of Phlebology. But if the wall weakens, often with pregnancy, proTone Down Stretch Marks The lines left behind after weight gain longed standing, injury, and age, “the valves don’t function properly, causing are stretch-induced scars caused by collagen damage. They can’t be erased, blood to pool in the vein, making it more visible.” but they can be softened. Mederma Not surprisingly, no cream will make Stretch Marks Therapy (drugstores) veins vanish, so covering them up is a has centella, a plant thought to boost collagen, and hyaluronic acid, a mois- much better bet. Look for leg makeup that will wash off with water but won’t ture powerhouse. The cream reduced stain clothes. Also low-tech but effecthe appearance of stretch marks on tive: aerobic exercises, such as running women’s thighs in a test sponsored by the product’s parent company. “It’s and biking, to keep varicose veins from worsening. The increased circulation a small study, but it has promising stops blood from building up. results,” says Zeichner, who wasn’t

Leafy Protection against Leg Veins A serving of romaine contains 45% of the daily value of vitamin K, which a study shows activates a protein that supports vascular health—making a future with bulging leg veins less likely.

Back to Contents

29

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

30

Happy, Healthy Feet Give Your Tootsies Some TLC Keeping your feet pretty and fresh is a two-step process: You need to keep them dry and odor free (there are more than half a million sweat glands in your feet!) as well as make them look nice. Use the expert-approved tips here to pamper and polish your tootsies in the comfort of your own home.

41

Give Shoes a Dry Spell

Make sure each pair gets time off to breathe: Shoes need at least 24 hours to dry out, according to podiatrist Carolyn McAloon, DPM, so don’t wear the same flats every day.

Don’t Be a Closet Case

Rule

Most of us toss our shoes in the closet, but fungus breeds in small, dark spaces. Leave footwear in an area with ample air circulation, advises McAloon.

42

Soak Your Toes

To fight odor, submerge your feet in warm water for 15 minutes a few times a week. Add 4 to 6 drops of tea tree oil, which acts as an antimicrobial.

of moisturizing foot cream. Wipe nails with a remover-soaked cotton ball to remove any residue. Even an amateur masseuse can reduce stress levels in as little as 5 minutes: Use your thumb to knead along the center of your foot, concentrating on tense muscles.

2. Submerge and Soothe

4. Prep and Polish

A foot soak is more than an excuse to relax. “It softens calluses, so they’re easier to remove,” says manicurist Nausil Zaheer, owner of Karma Organic Spa, a natural nail salon in New Jersey. Dip feet in a basin of warm water for 3 minutes; add 1 ounce of a foot soak, such as subtly scented bath salts, for extra skin-softening power. Next, rub a pumice over rough spots. Skip the callus shavers and razors, advises Zaheer: “Doing your own feet, it’s hard to hold them at the right angle—and you can easily take off too much skin or cut yourself.”

3. Moisturize and Massage

Rinse your feet, then rub in a dollop

Sock It to Them

All-cotton socks can leave your feet dripping. Try a sweat-wicking alternative like a nylon-cotton blend or an eco-friendly wool. Rule

Rule

Outlaw Odor

the same squoval that’s popular for fingernails, but the rounded shape can lead to ingrown toenails,” says Kim D’Amato, founder of New York City’s Priti Organic Spa. “I also recommend using a glass nail file, which is easy to disinfect.”

43

Polish with a Pedicure

1. Clip and File

Start by taking off old polish with an acetone-free remover. Next, use nail clippers to trim your nails straight across, then file the edges smooth. “It’s tempting to trim and file toenails into

Use a cuticle pusher to gently push back cuticles. “It’s safer than trimming with a nipper, which can nick skin and invite infection,” Zaheer says. Apply polish, starting at the bottom center of the nail. First, apply one layer of a base coat. Let it dry for a minute, then brush on two layers of polish. D’Amato suggests products without dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, or formaldehyde, which are potentially harmful in large doses, says the Environmental Working Group. Finish with a UVprotecting topcoat (look for sunscreen for nails). Let dry for 15 minutes, then put a drop of olive oil on each cuticle to prevent smudging.

Nail Salon 911 Don’t want to do your own nails? When you visit a salon, take health matters into your own hands (and feet!) by following these tips to ensure your salon is safe. GIVE IT A ONCE-OVER. If there’s no time to sweep the floor, nail dryers may be dirty, too. Up-to-date licenses for all the technicians should be visibly posted.

ASK HOW TOOLS ARE DISINFECTED. FDA-approved steampressurized sterilizers (or autoclaves) are best. Soaking tools may not be as effective if the disinfecting solution isn’t fresh.

SCAN BEFORE YOU SOAK. Make sure the footbaths are drained and cleaned after each client, because they can contain harmful bacteria.

Back to Contents

31

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

32

The Best for Breasts

Easy Care for Lingerie Lingerie doesn’t require hand washing, says Susan Nethero, founder and chief fit strategist of Intimacy, a chain of lingerie boutiques. Use the washing machine’s gentle cycle and avoid detergents that contain bleach (use a special lingerie wash, if you'd like). “Put delicates in a lingerie bag to protect them from the tumbles of washing,” Nethero says. Clasp bras before putting them inside the bag so the hooks don’t snag other items. And air-dry panties and bras—dryers cook residual soap into the fabric, causing it to deteriorate faster.

Help Your Décolletage Defy Aging Rule

Thanks to gravity, pregnancy, bad bras, no bras, sun damage, and more, the chest is a canary in the coal mine of aging—a place where signs of aging first appear, foretelling other age-related effects yet to come. And 85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size! But there is help. Here are a few things you can do to defy the age of your décolletage.

Stand Up Straight

Good posture has all sorts of benefits, including the fact that it makes you look slimmer, taller, and, well, perkier.

Rule Rule

Rule

Check Your Cups

By age 40, most women need to go up a cup size, since the glandular tissue in breasts shrinks with age, only to be replaced with fat, which is less firm and takes up more room. Have a pro fit you once a year to make sure you’re putting your best chest forward.

Ban the Bounce

Exercising in a regular bra or ill-fitting sports bra can stretch and strain the ligaments that keep your breasts shapely. Look for an encapsulated sports bra, which holds each breast separately to prevent bouncing. And always wear it when you work out—even if you’re just going for a walk.

Keep a Youthful Silhouette

44

46

45

Watch Your Back

Women often get a band that’s too big. “The band has to be snug—it provides 90% of the support,” says Kim Caldwell, director of marketing at Linda’s Bra Salon in New York City.

47

Maintain the Right Fit Give It a Rest

“Avoid wearing a bra two days in a row,” says Intimacy bra-fit stylist Dee Binyard. Rotating a few bras a week allows each to snap back to its original shape and prevents them from getting stretched out too quickly.

Know When to Quit

Bras can last up to 12 months, but ones worn by women with bigger busts work harder, so they don’t last as long, says Caldwell. A bra is past its prime if it becomes uncomfortable or misshapen or starts fraying.

Support the Girls

For bra-buying advice, choose the description below that best describes you. STRAIGHT AS A PENCIL: Enhance your bust with contoured padding if you’d like fuller cups.

PEAR SHAPE: Tapered straps won’t slip off dainty shoulders. CURVY: A wide back band lends extra support. REALLY BUSTY: Rein ’em in with a three-part cup.

Back to Contents

33

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

34

If your back aches after a long commute or you get a stiff neck from working at the computer, bad posture may be to blame. It’s important to know what

proper alignment (of your head, shoulders, hips, and knees) feels like so you can self-correct when your body starts getting out of whack. Make these

quick posture fixes to stop slouching, prevent pain, and also look younger. (Bonus: Proper posture can make you look 5 pounds slimmer!)

Implement These Slouch Stoppers When You Stand

48

Rule

Do: • Check your stance by standing in front of a mirror. Facing sideways, line up your ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. Notice how your body feels when it’s aligned correctly. Don’t: • Round your shoulders, arch your back, or jut your chin forward.

In the Car

Do: • Keep the seat at a 90-degree angle. • Use a small pillow behind your lower

back for extra support. • Tilt your rearview mirror up a little bit. This will help your posture by making you sit up straighter to see out the back window. You should still be able to see clearly out the back. Don’t: • Sit too far away from the steering wheel. Stretching your legs out can strain your back, says Darran W. Marlow, DC, former director of the chiropractic division at the Texas Back Institute. Your knees

should be level with your hips.

When You Wear Heels

Do: • Be more conscious of your posture when you wear heels. Make sure your ears, shoulders, and hips stay aligned as you walk. • Save sky-high pairs (more than 3 inches) for events when you don’t have to stand or walk a lot, especially if you feel unbalanced or experience discomfort after wearing them.

When You Carry a Purse

Do: • Split a heavy load between two bags, and carry one on each shoulder. Don’t: • Use the same shoulder every day. Your body elevates the shoulder carrying the bag, which throws your spine off-kilter, says Todd Sinett, a chiropractor and coauthor of The Truth about Back Pain.

50

At the Computer

Do: • Keep your feet flat on the floor and your eyes level with your computer monitor. If you have a tall chair and desk, use a footrest to keep your feet resting flat. • Make sure your chair supports the curve in your lower back and your shoulder blades, says Gregory Thielman, PT, an assistant professor of physical therapy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. • Take regular breaks to walk around the office for 60 seconds— standing improves posture. Do this 5 times over the workday. Don’t: • Keep your legs extended or crossed for long periods. To minimize stress on your

joints, Thielman recommends you keep your ankles, knees, and hips at 90-degree angles.

In Bed

49

Do: Place a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back. By causing your knees to bend slightly, this keeps your spine naturally curved, according to Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource. Don’t: • Snooze on your stomach—side or back is better. If resting on your side is uncomfortable, place a pillow between your knees for more spinal support. This will relieve pressure on lumbar joints and adjust alignment, says Dawn Underwood, DPT, OCS, a physical therapist at the Mayo Clinic. Rule

Stand Tall to Look and Feel Younger

Rule

Quick Posture Fixes

Don’t: • Walk more than a few blocks in high heels. Wear flats and switch shoes later. Heels negatively affect your gait by making you arch your back, which causes your belly to pooch out. • Walk on only the balls of your feet—use the whole foot.

Gain Confidence in One Second

For an instant mood lift, sit or stand up straighter. When Ohio State University researchers asked study participants to rate their skills related to job opportunities, they found that those who completed the task with proper posture were more secure in their abilities than those who were slumped over. “People feel confident when they’re sitting upright, and they can attribute that confidence to their present thoughts,” says study author and psychologist Richard E. Petty, PhD.

Back to Contents

35

50 B ea uty R u les fo r Lo o king Yo u ng e r

36

© 2014 by Rodale Inc. All rights reserved. This material is for the personal use of Rodale customers only. For any other purpose, no part may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any other information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher. The material here is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. It is not intended as a substitute for any treatment prescribed by your doctor. If you suspect that you have a medical problem, please seek competent medical care. Before you undertake a new health program or fitness regimen, we encourage you to discuss your plans with your health care professional, especially if you have not exercised for several years, are over 35, or are overweight. Mention of specific companies, organizations, or authorities does not necessarily imply endorsement by the publisher nor does it imply endorsement of the information by those companies, organizations, or authorities. Internet addresses and product information given were accurate at the time this publication was posted. [P/2025305/001698/2014]

Project editors: Diane Gilroy, Tara Rosenzweig • Project manager: Laura Mory Copy editors: David R. Umla, Jennifer Hoffner Cover designer: Judy Ross • Book designer: Maureen Logan Photo editor: James Gallucci Photography: Claire Benoist: p. 1; Digital Vision/Getty Images: pp. 3, 29; Hilmar: p. 8; Photodisc/Getty Images: p. 13; Alamy: p. 15; Stockbyte/Getty Images: pp. 18, 19; Eyewire/Getty Images: p. 20; Fancy/Veer Incorporated: p. 22 (top); Image 100 Ltd/Corbis: p. 24; Masterfile: p. 25 (top); Thayer Gowdy: p. 25 (bottom); Photolibrary: p. 26; Getty Images: p. 27; Bananastock Ltd: p. 31; Imagestate: p. 33; All other photos: Rodale Inc. Illustrations: Samantha Hahn: pp. 11, 12

001698/EasyWknDetox/202696301/AR