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If you want to look younger, remember this: Essential beauty is more than skin-deep - its true source residing deep in one's soul where compassion, understanding and empathy shine from within for a radiant you.

But, make no mistake - physical beauty is skin-deep and dependent on healthy practices.

STRESS
Stress is probably the number one culprit in hastening the aging process. Thus, if you want to retain beautiful skin, it's very important to know how to manage day-to-day stress.

SLEEP, EXERCISE & NUTRITION
Key to handling stress is getting enough sleep - at least 7 hours - and exercise, too, which, besides other benefits improves the sleep you do get. Both will soften the burdens of life because not only will you feel better, thus improving your outlook, which minimizes stress; but your body will be more capable of repairing itself.

Nutritious foods, particularly those rich in antioxidant vitamin C are also critical to maintaining physical beauty. Peaches, pears and plums are especially helpful in neutralizing free radicals that cause oxidative damage to skin. You might also consider replacing that afternoon cup of coffee with anti-oxidant rich green tea.

Also, don't forget essential fatty acids found in fish, which play a critical role in promoting healthy skin. According to research published in the Journal of Lipid Research, fish oil containing the Omega 3 essential fatty acid EPA helps prevent wrinkles and can delay the aging process of the skin.

And, make sure, if you consume alcohol, to do so in moderation, given its potential ill effects. The key is to find the right balance since as Louis Pasteur said, "wine rejuvenates."

BEAUTY & FASHION PRACTICES
Once you have these priorities firmly in place, it's important to carefully consider your beauty and fashion practices.

If you don't follow a smart beauty regimen to help retain luminescent skin, complementing your beautiful soul, stress-free spirit, and healthy practices, your skin will age faster.

Cleanliness is the most important aspect of any beauty regimen, making a good cleanser essential. In this regard, Galderma's Cetaphil is an excellent choice for keeping skin clean, without stripping it of vital oils or clogging pores. An alcohol-free toner such as Neutrogena manufactures is also helpful in maintaining clean skin, as well as the pH balance.

Next, it's important to exfoliate lest dead skin build up, rendering one's complexion dull-looking. You should exfoliate 2-3 times per week at night with a product such as Aveda's liquid botanical kinetics exfoliator. To space it at proper intervals, monitor how your skin responds, lest it becomes too dry.

After exfoliating, make sure and moisturize. As for brand, it's a fallacy to think the more expensive, the better. For instance, Eucerin and Aveeno make excellent moisturizers.

During the day, an SPF formula moisturizer is recommended - sun damage being another major obstacles to retaining one's youthful beauty.

Skin hydration is also critically important. In this regard, drink sufficient water throughout the day, perhaps lacing it with lemon juice to make it more palatable. Also, you might consider Mineral-rich Dead Sea Products made in Israel, eg., the mud mask, that help restore 26 of the essential minerals skin requires to naturally hydrate itself, which are depleted daily.

Last but not least, your hairstyle and fashion choices should complement the beautiful you. For instance, long hair like you wore, as a teen, will make you look older, as will age-inappropriate clothing.

Learn more about this author, Mary Claire Kendall.
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