by Kenda Robertson

Created on: September 15, 2010   Last Updated: November 16, 2010

There are advantages to getting older: a higher income, more personal freedom and finally being comfortable with who you really are. But poor skin texture, wrinkles, sagging skin, and flab aren’t something many of us look forward to as we age.

Heading to the spa for expensive treatments or injections, or going under the surgeon’s knife to get that “youthful look,” may seem like the quickest solutions, but they are not the only ones. Injections are not only expensive, but also painful and not guaranteed safe. Surgery always carries some risk and can make you look unnatural. Less extreme facial peels, laser and exfoliation treatments are better options, but they can still run into thousands of dollars over time.

While aging is inevitable, it doesn’t have to be a battle. Before you break the bank or do anything drastic, consider these natural and inexpensive youth-promoting alternatives that may help you avoid doing something you might regret:

Do Facial Exercises.

Facial muscles need toning too. We exercise our bodies to keep our youthful looks, so why not the face?

You can find free facial exercises online at sites such as www.thebeautytips.com or download a free eBook at www.facialexcercisesguide.com and find low-cost publications and DVDs that are loaded with ways to improve facial structure and appearances through a “targeted facial toning program.”

Practice Inversion Poses.

Gravity has a serious effect on our aging bodies. By defying gravity and going upside down in certain yoga poses such as headstand, handstand, shoulder stand and down dog, you can reverse some of those aging effects. These inversion poses also send fresh blood to your brain and face, help clear out your adrenal glands, remove toxins and increase circulation to prevent varicose veins.

You can take classes, watch Fitness TV, subscribe to Yoga Journal, rent or buy a yoga DVD or visit www.doyogawithme.com to learn how to properly do these simple, but ageless moves.

Eat Raw Foods.

Not everyone can or wants to become a raw foodist (that is someone who eats about 70 percent of their diet raw) like model-actress Carol Alt, but adding more raw foods to your diet could help freshen your looks. Raw foods like fruits, vegetables, raw cheeses, nuts and seeds contain enzymes that help the body replenish cells.

Alt swears by her diet, profiled in her book “Eating in the Raw,” and her smooth skin, lean figure and healthy appearance at the age of 49

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