HOW CELEBS STAY YOUNG, 6 SECRETS

By Dr. Grace Angel


1. AVOID EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL

Alcohol despite its bubbly pleasures causes dehydration and skin damage. "You may as well spend a week at the beach in the sun without sunscreen if you go to sleep after a drinking bender without properly protecting your skin," suggests a High School Musical diva.

If you abuse grandma's cough syrup you will pay the price. Alcohol impairs your skin's ability to produce collagen and will, in the long run, reduce skin elasticity leading to dry, saggy, wrinkled skin.

2. STAY OUT OF THE SUN

This is just good common sense. But if you cannot avoid it, use a quality high spf sun protectant. "I use spf 50 on my neck and face; however, I do recommend spf 35 on your body. Doing this protects my vulnerable skin, but allows me to develop a nice brownish tan everywhere else," suggests a former Mickey Mouse club member.

3. COFFEE IS YOUR ENEMY

Coffee is a natural diuretic and causes the body to void essential liquids and nutrients. According to a Jesus loving country music star and former caffeine addict, "When I drink coffee, I notice that not only are my teeth stained but I think I actually see the crow's feet around my eyes getting more noticeable."

4. EAT LOTS OF CITRUS AND VEGETABLES

Green leafy vegetables like spinach contain antioxidants essential to skin health. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits contain vitamin C, which boosts the skin's collagen production increasing skin elasticity and firmness.

5. H20! DRINK AT LEAST TEN GLASSES OF WATER

"Drinking water is one the most important things you can do for your skin. I drink ten glasses religiously now. Years ago, when I didn't I noticed my skin would dry out, become gray and dull, and look vapid."

6. USE A HIGH QUALITY NIGHT CREAM

This is the most important step you can take to reduce the environment's wear and tear on your face. Choose a night cream that contains proven age-fighting compounds like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides. "My night time moisturizer is my saving grace. I use it religiously and know that it is saving my skin. I am 45 and boys approach me at the gym and clubs thinking I'm 25," says a member of Hollywood royalty who judiciously declined to be named.