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Tag: healthy aging

  • 5 Expert-Backed Tips To Treat Crepey Skin Head To Toe

    5 Expert-Backed Tips To Treat Crepey Skin Head To Toe

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    The key to exfoliation is finding your sweet spot. You don’t want to do it too frequently or with too abrasive products, as you’ll run the risk of compromising your skin barrier. (A compromised barrier means damaged collagen, increased dryness, and inflammation—so ultimately, you’re back where you started.) However, when done correctly exfoliation can keep skin looking vibrant, improve product penetration, and even spur more collagen production. 

    When exfoliating the face, chest, or neck, error on the side of caution. These are really delicate areas, so you don’t want to go overboard. Look for gentle chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid, mandelic acid, and low level glycolic acid. The latter of which has been shown to improve collagen production and dermal thickness2 in the skin.  

    On the body (like the legs or arms) you can usually opt for something stronger, as the skin is thicker and more durable. You may want to try a body scrub or a body serum with chemical exfoliators. 

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    Alexandra Engler

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  • The Benefits Of Marine Botanicals For The Skin

    The Benefits Of Marine Botanicals For The Skin

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    It’s not always the case that what’s good for the gut is equally beneficial for the skin, but in the case of sea vegetables there’s quite a bit of overlap. Sea veggies—like kelp, algae, chlorella, and spirulina, for example—are hailed as superfoods in nutrition, as they are loaded with antioxidants, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids. Many of these botanicals are beloved in skin care formulations too, with a variety of benefits including improved barrier function, smoother texture, eased appearance of fine lines, and brighter tone. 

    A caveat: Superfood isn’t a specific class of foods, with defined parameters. It’s very similar to how “clean,” “hypoallergenic,” or even “dermatologist-tested” aren’t regulated words in the beauty space. However, many folks have come to understand that “superfood” denotes an ingredient with above average qualities—and that’s how I’m using it here. Because, truly, sea veggies go above and beyond for the skin. Here, what to know and look for. 

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    Alexandra Engler

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  • A Hand Cream To Help Keep Hands Supple & Healthy

    A Hand Cream To Help Keep Hands Supple & Healthy

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    Our special strain of postbiotics provides skin with very specific fatty acids and peptides that have been shown to soothe inflammation, help protect skin against environmental stressors, regulate microcirculation, and activate the skin’s immune system. For added support, we also included prebiotics to make sure that the living flora already present on the skin are being taken care of, too. There are several kinds of prebiotics to use, and we selected one made from microgreen algae that has been shown to have a soothing effect on the skin by preventing inflammation triggered by an unbalanced microbiome.

    Biotic ingredients can be challenging to talk about, because what they’re doing for the skin is somewhat invisible at first. But with time, you’ll notice changes like I did: The skin is more resilient and doesn’t feel as sensitive. The complexion quality improves, easing the appearance of fine lines and fading dark spots. And overall, the skin just functions healthier.  

    To amp up its skin-supporting benefits, we included powerful antioxidants like coenzyme Q10, a potent antioxidant naturally found in the body, and a watermelon, lentil, and apple complex that delivers a wide range of nutrients and benefits. These help support your skin barrier and offer free radical protection. They also provide many aesthetic benefits, such as brightening tone and smoothing out fine lines.

    The hydrating base of the formula contains several botanicals to moisturize and soothe the skin: shea butter, moringa seed oil, aloe vera, and oat oil. Each of these individually is a powerful natural ingredient, but together they’re far more robust in their efficacy. We wanted moisturizers that were going to instantly calm and condition the skin—easing any irritation. The backs of my hands tend to get flaky, and this cream has been one of the only things that stops that. 

    But I’m a firm believer that products are only as good as they feel when you apply them. No matter how good or valuable I think an ingredient is, I’m just not going to use it diligently if I don’t like the texture or experience of it.

    That’s why we took a long time perfecting the texture of the cream. It’s decadent, rich, and slightly whipped like really good butter—but then it soaks so quickly. That’s why I like using it both day and night: It’s thick enough for a night cream, but fast-absorbing enough for day. (My major stipulation when creating this was that I could go back to work right after applying and it wouldn’t leave an oily residue on my keyboard.) 

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    Alexandra Engler

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  • Why You Should Consume Collagen Daily For Firmer Skin

    Why You Should Consume Collagen Daily For Firmer Skin

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    It’s simple: A loss of collagen causes wrinkles. But what does collagen have to do with skin aging, anyway? Well, let’s not forget that your skin is made up of collagen. It’s an essential part of the structure of our skin, bone, cartilage, and muscle that helps tissues to be more elastic and withstand stretching (so, for example, it keeps skin looking young and supple).

    While you do make your very own supply of collagen naturally, it declines as you age. Starting in your 20s, collagen levels decrease about 1% each year1 (we know—much sooner than expected). Plus, other lifestyle and environmental factors can reduce your collagen production, such as sun damage, high-sugar diets2, stress, and more—you can read about all of them here.

    So when your collagen begins to degrade at a quicker rate than you naturally produce it, whether that’s caused by environmental changes or age, that’s when your skin’s elasticity and tightness become compromised (among other full-body effects). 

    The answer: While you can’t apply collagen to your skin and expect it to replenish your internal bank, you can ingest it. Specifically, hydrolyzed collagen peptides have been shown to help promote the body’s natural production of collagen1 and other molecules that make up the skin, like elastin and fibrillin—so keep an eye out for “hydrolyzed collagen peptides” on your product labels.

    Not sure where to look? Here’s a curated list of the nine best collagen supplements on the market, (all backed by a nutrition Ph.D.) to get you started.

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    Hannah Frye

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  • I Was 44 & Healthy When I Had A Heart Attack: What It Taught Me

    I Was 44 & Healthy When I Had A Heart Attack: What It Taught Me

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    After teaching my morning classes at CycleBar, where I’ve been an instructor for years, I went home for the afternoon and took a nap. Then, I went back to the studio to teach my classes for the evening. Throughout the rest of the day, I continued to experience constant pressure in my chest.

    The next morning, I didn’t have any pain. I just felt tired. I decided to take it easy for the next two days but then went back to teaching on Saturday. During my first class of the day, I felt an immediate explosion of pain in my chest, like someone had punched me. Then, I realized I couldn’t feel my arm or grip anything—it was completely numb and tingly. 

    At first, I thought maybe my blood sugar was low so I left the class to grab a snack. I barely made it a few steps into the hallway when I collapsed. I was shaking, freezing, and it was difficult to breathe. I couldn’t feel my body.

    Fortunately, there were many people in the studio who saw what happened, and I was sent to the hospital immediately. Later, I learned I’d experienced a “widowmaker heart attack” which happens when you have a blockage in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery of the heart. In my case, it was 100% blocked.

    Prior to this event, I never experienced any heart issues, and I didn’t have any precursors to a heart attack (hypertension, diabetes, etc.). I was 44, very active, and overall healthy. So it was easy to ignore or justify any discomfort I was feeling. However, if I’d gone to the doctor on Wednesday, when I first experienced symptoms, I wonder if it may have prevented this traumatic health experience.

    Nevertheless, I’m so grateful to be alive, and I believe my active lifestyle was really training my body for when I needed it most.

    After my heart attack, I spent a few days in cardiac intensive care so doctors could monitor my heart. When I was finally discharged from the hospital, I had to wear a vest that served as a portable defibrillator all day, every day, for the next six months. Because my heart attack was so severe, it significantly damaged my heart, and now I live with congestive heart failure.

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    Ratona Harr

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  • Brain Vitamin D Levels Affect Cognitive Function Later In Life

    Brain Vitamin D Levels Affect Cognitive Function Later In Life

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    Researchers analyzed participants of the Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP)—an ongoing longitudinal study that aims to identify risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive decline disorders—before and after death to see how their vitamin D levels affected cognitive function in their later years.

    Free of known dementia at the time of enrollment, all MAP participants agreed to participate in annual evaluations and organ donation when they died. In this study, the average age of participants was 92 at the time of death.

    Total serum vitamin D levels [25(OH)D] and global cognitive function were assessed antemortem, while vitamin D3, 25(OH)D3, and 1,25(OH)D3 (the active form of vitamin D3) were measured in four brain regions (the mid-temporal cortex, mid-frontal cortex, cerebellum, and anterior watershed white matter) post-mortem.

    The main form of vitamin D3 found in the brain (and thus, the form researchers focused on in their analysis) was 25(OH)D3. It’s worth noting that there are two types of vitamin D—D2 and D3—and brain concentrations of vitamin D2 (the form found in most fortified food sources) were not measured in this study.

    Vice president of scientific affairs at mindbodygreen Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN, elaborates on this limitation: “Vitamin D3 is found in animal sources and key algae and lichen, while vitamin D2 comes from plant sources like yeast and irradiated mushrooms. If your health care provider accidentally measured serum 25(OH)D3, but you were knocking back irradiated mushrooms or a vitamin D2 supplement, your lab results wouldn’t reflect your intake. Serum total 25(OH)D is best to capture the full picture.”

    While the results of this study are still pertinent to dementia research, it’s important to keep this discrepancy in mind as you read the results.

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    Morgan Chamberlain

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  • Dementia Diagnoses Under 65 Have Increased 200% — Here’s Why

    Dementia Diagnoses Under 65 Have Increased 200% — Here’s Why

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    The biggest cause of early-onset dementia is genetics. According to a 2020 review from The Lancet, excessive alcohol usage and traumatic brain injury1 (TBI) are two major risk factors for early-onset dementia as well. 

    Though you can’t change your genetics, there are a number of things you can do to prevent your risk of developing dementia (both early-onset and late-onset). Monitoring your alcohol intake and protecting your brain from TBI (i.e., by wearing a helmet during contact sports and a seatbelt in the car) or a good place to start. 

    Eating brain-healthy foods, getting adequate restful sleep, and supporting optimal cognitive function via high-quality supplementation (e.g., taking a daily supplement with citicoline, a neuronutrient that has been clinically shown to improve cognitive impairment) can further bolster your brain longevity.

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    Morgan Chamberlain

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  • 5 Natural Oils For Brighter, More Supple Skin

    5 Natural Oils For Brighter, More Supple Skin

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    For those who are serious about wanting supple, glowing skin—it’s time to invest in a good oil. Oils are so spectacular for the skin for a few reasons: First, many types can act as emollients, which means they soften and repair the skin with things like fatty acids, ceramides, and other lipids. But they also have occlusive properties, so they sit on the skin creating a barrier—keeping hydration underneath, and helping shield the skin from environmental stressors. Finally, many botanical oils come loaded with antioxidant powers, which will help ease oxidative stress, protect against dark spots, and smooth texture.

    If that all sounds like skin care qualities you’re after, allow me to walk you through some of my favorite oils to look for on ingredient lists.

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    Alexandra Engler

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  • Eat These Eye-Critical Carotenoids For Vision Longevity Support

    Eat These Eye-Critical Carotenoids For Vision Longevity Support

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    Your body cannot make carotenoids on its own, which means you need to consume them via foods and/or dietary supplements to bolster healthy levels. To support optimal eye health and longevity, research suggests you need at least 10 milligrams of lutein, 2 milligrams of zeaxanthin, and 6 milligrams of astaxanthin daily.

    When it comes to food, lutein and zeaxanthin can be found in leafy greens (e.g., kale, spinach, and collards), avocado, green peas, orange peppers, and eggs. Astaxanthin is primarily found in marine-derived foods, such as salmon, shrimp, lobster, and algae. 

    For a simpler way to get efficacious daily doses of lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin, you can also consider taking a premium eye health supplement. Check out mindbodygreen’s guide to vision longevity supplements to learn what to look for and see our product recommendations. 

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    Morgan Chamberlain

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  • How Ceramide Supplements Support Skin Hydration*

    How Ceramide Supplements Support Skin Hydration*

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    You may be familiar with the idea of skin supplements, but many of them are more geared toward easing fine lines or brightening complexion than supporting hydration. For those looking to check off the latter box, keep an eye out for ceramides in your supplement formulas.*

    A quick science lesson: Ceramides are polar lipids, key lipids that are naturally present in our skin cells1. They make up the barrier between the outside environment and our body, locking in moisture and protecting our skin from environmental aggressors.

    If you think of the skin barrier as the “bricks and mortar,” ceramides are part of the mortar holding it all together—about 50% of it, in fact2. However, your body naturally begins to lose ceramides as you age—so if you want to get to the root of wrinkles and dry skin1, look to the loss of ceramides. Plus, many other common skin gripes 3have been linked to low ceramide levels. 

    You’ll find ceramides in topical products, but those don’t contribute to your inner ceramide bank—hence, why you should look for high-quality, science-backed ceramides in supplements, specifically as phytoceramides (or plant-derived ceramides).

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    Hannah Frye

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  • A Holistic Nutritionist On How She Approaches Collagen Support

    A Holistic Nutritionist On How She Approaches Collagen Support

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    Treating something holistically isn’t just for feel good vibes: there’s an art and science to it. The gist is that you can’t properly treat a concern by addressing one singular pathway if other parts of the system aren’t functioning properly. 

    “[You can use topicals and treatments] to stimulate collagen production in the skin, but if you’re inflamed, then you’re not going to be able to regenerate that collagen,” says Hanway. “Or if you have too much sugar in the diet, any collagen that’s getting regenerated is just going to get broken down again. Or if the gut health is impaired, then you’re not going to have those raw materials. Finally, if you’re not putting in those raw materials—like amino acids—then you have nothing to build with.”

    I found this insight to be particularly helpful in my own approach to skin care. Products can transcend their base efficacy when paired with a well-rounded approach. A vitamin C serum (beloved by dermatologists as vitamin C is a vital part of the collagen synthesis process) won’t work as effectively when skin is in an inflamed state. You can’t just apply a serum to aggravated skin and hope for the best—you need to find the root cause of the inflammation, which can be from stress, too strong of beauty products, environmental aggressors, or diet.

    Similarly, your body can only produce what it has building blocks for. Amino acids, for example, are the building blocks of collagen and elastin. Without a balanced diet that prioritizes protein intake, your skin and hair may not have all the materials it needs to keep the skin structure strong. You can support your body’s natural collagen production through your diet, as well as supplements. 

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    Alexandra Engler

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  • A Derm’s Makeup Hack To Make Textured Skin Look Dewy

    A Derm’s Makeup Hack To Make Textured Skin Look Dewy

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    We say it all the time in makeup tutorials: A striking face beat always starts with a hydrated, fresh canvas. Without a healthy base, cosmetics can look cakey and patchy, no matter how many creamy, dewy formulas you pile on.

    And if you have textured skin (read: fine lines, large pores, acne scars, etc.), it’s even more important to focus on moisture, which is why Idriss swaps the highlighter for Weleda’s Skin Food, a balmy, rich face cream. “I take a wet beauty blender, and I put a little drop of the Weleda on that beauty blender, and I apply it to the high points of my face,” she shares. 

    She winds up with three dots on her cheekbones, a dot on each side of her forehead, and a dot on the tip of her nose, but feel free to add more wherever you see fit (Personally, I also like to highlight right underneath my brow bone.) 

    Bounce the sponge gently to blend, but don’t let the moisturizer fully melt into your skin. “Allow it to stay on the surface of your face without getting absorbed too much,” says Idriss, so “you’ll look overall nice and dewy.” If the product soaks in, you’ll lose that subtle shine.  

    And there you have it: A hack to make your cheekbones pop without accentuating any textural concerns. Of course, you’ll want to have a moisturizing base before you even begin your makeup routine; think of the face cream as an extra tap of hydration for that fresh, dewy glow. 

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    Jamie Schneider

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  • 3 Makeup Tips To Lift The Eyes For A Youthful Appearance

    3 Makeup Tips To Lift The Eyes For A Youthful Appearance

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    But who says you have to stay minimal? Go ahead and have a ball with pops of color and sparkle; whimsical and youthful are two sides of the same coin, no? 

    “I love a little shimmer in the inner corner paired with a bright-toned pencil on the water line. Sometimes I will use a pale blue color, like our Neen Side Eye Liner in shade Minty. This gives such a fresh vibe,” Lobell shares. 

    Not to mention, that inner shimmer can really open up the eyes and make them appear wide awake. (I personally use Neen’s Pretty Shiny cream highlighter, which offers a subtle glow.) That pale blue liner can also provide a nice contrast on the water line—similar to why folks swear by white eyeliner—which makes the eyes appear brighter. 

    Don’t be afraid to test the waters, but as a general rule, lighter hues will highlight and bring forth an area while richer hues create shadow. “Use lighter, shimmery shades where you want it to look more open, and bring darker shades in where you want to deepen or change the shape,” Lobell adds. From there, the makeup world is truly your oyster. 

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    Jamie Schneider

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  • Getting Ample Vitamin D Reduces Your Dementia Risk By 32%

    Getting Ample Vitamin D Reduces Your Dementia Risk By 32%

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    When there is an excess of the neurotransmitter glutamate, it causes a phenomenon called glutamate neurotoxicity that ultimately leads to the death of neurons. According to a 2018 study published by the Journal of the Neurobiological Studies, vitamin D helps exert antioxidant actions in the brain, protecting it from oxidative stress and glutamate neurotoxicity.

    Considering the growing global rate of dementia and the fact that 29% of U.S. adults3 are deficient in vitamin D, achieving vitamin D sufficiency should be top priority when developing a proactive care plan for maintaining healthy cognitive function with age. The problem? This can be easier said than done.

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    Morgan Chamberlain

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  • 12 Best Under-Eye Patches 2023 For Puffiness, Fine Lines & More

    12 Best Under-Eye Patches 2023 For Puffiness, Fine Lines & More

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    Does 24K gold make the eye mask experience a whole lot fancier? Absolutely. However, the ingredient has some skin care benefits of note: According to Nichols, gold acts as a natural antioxidant, and it has anti-inflammatory properties ideal for reducing irritation and puffiness. 

    “The true benefit to gold, however, is that it helps increase the efficacy of other ingredients a product is formulated with,” she adds. “When combined with ingredients such as caffeine, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, gold under-eye masks help to brighten, de-puff, hydrate, and soothe the eye area.” So along with gold, these masks feature hyaluronic acid, collagen, retinol and bakuchiol for supple, smooth under-eyes.

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    Jamie Schneider

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  • Does Retinol Work For Hair Growth? What Research Says

    Does Retinol Work For Hair Growth? What Research Says

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    You probably know retinol as the popular acne and wrinkle treatment dermatologists swear by, but did you know it can help prevent hair loss, too?

    In this TikTok video, cosmetic dermatologist Noman Mohamed, M.D., applies a retinoid to his hairline and says it helps with thinning—and research backs up his claim. 

    Specifically, one in-vitro study1 shows promise for the use of retinol for hair growth when combined with another active ingredient called minoxidil (a common addition to many popular hair growth products on the market). 

    However, minoxidil can be quite irritating to the skin for some people, and retinol is also a common irritant for those with sensitive skin. This doesn’t mean it will trigger scalp troubles for everyone, but those with sensitive or reactive skin should proceed with caution and patch-test before you apply it to your entire hairline.

    If you want to try something a bit gentler before opting for this method, consider adding rosemary oil to your hair care routine, as it’s been shown to be just as effective as 2% minoxidil2. Not sure how to use it correctly? This guide will help. 

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    Hannah Frye

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  • How To Use A Face Roller: 6 Tips + Benefits, From The Pros

    How To Use A Face Roller: 6 Tips + Benefits, From The Pros

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    Your face roller isn’t just reserved for the face (though the name might have you thinking otherwise). In fact, traditional Chinese medicine uses tools like face rollers to move around heat, or chi, in the body, Kung explains. 

    One way to move around this heat is by rolling upward or downward on the back of the neck. Moving from the bottom of the back of your neck to the top (right where your hairline starts) will help to increase mental clarity and improve complexion, Kung says, thanks to the increase in blood flow and chi. 

    However, if you feel a headache coming on or you’re experiencing a spike in mental stress, she recommends rolling down along the back of the neck to move blood flow and chi down your body, relieving tension in the head. 

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    Hannah Frye

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  • 3 Oils To Look For To Treat Aging Skin & Fine Lines

    3 Oils To Look For To Treat Aging Skin & Fine Lines

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    As we age, our skin gets drier. This is just a natural part of the process—as the body slowly produces fewer lipids, humectants, proteins, and various other aspects of the moisture barrier. This process can become accelerated through damage—such as unprotected UV exposure, prolonged inflammation, and barrier dysfunction. Essentially: Everyone’s skin can become drier with time, but if we’re not careful, our habits can make it worse. 

    One of my favorite ways to keep hydrated is to top my skin with nutrient-dense oils to help trap moisture in the skin. There are many different types of oils to pick from—I prefer a blend of several to target different concerns. Here, some of my favorites to look for on an ingredient list. 

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    Alexandra Engler

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  • How The Antioxidant Power Of Vitamin D Promotes Healthy Aging*

    How The Antioxidant Power Of Vitamin D Promotes Healthy Aging*

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    Vitamin D signaling pathways are a key player in directly protecting cells from the overaccumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).* Specifically, vitamin D helps protect proteins (e.g., hormones, antibodies, collagen, etc.), fatty acids (aka lipids, like those in cell membranes throughout the body), and DNA from oxidation by combating oxidative stress.* 

    Additionally, sufficient levels of vitamin D support mitochondrial resilience (you know, that energy powerhouse organelle in our cells) and endocrine functions.* This, in turn, promotes healthy energy metabolism, hormone activity and balance, and longevity.* 

    Beyond the functions that foster antioxidant activity on a cellular level, here are some additional physiological systems that vitamin D supports to promote our overall well-being as we age:*

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    Morgan Chamberlain

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  • Research Says Aloe Vera Can Address Dark Spots

    Research Says Aloe Vera Can Address Dark Spots

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    When it comes to treating dark spots, the classics tend to be the best. Dermatologist-favorite ingredients, such as AHAs, vitamin C and retinol, can help brighten skin and fade pigmentation concerns fairly effectively. However, it must be noted that these two ingredients can be hard to tolerate. Many folks find them to be irritating on the skin, and struggle to use them consistently. This is especially true of modern formulations, which tend to be fairly potent. 

    So if you have sensitive skin, it can be a struggle to find products that help fade dark spots—without triggering more inflammation and irritation (which can, by way, lead to dark spots worsening down the line). However, there’s another great classic ingredient that’s often missing from the conversation that can not only help address age spots, but is hydrating and anti-inflammatory. Aloe vera, the wonder ingredient, has impressive research indicating it can help with dark spots. 

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    Alexandra Engler

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