Why the heck is everyone fixated on age? I can”t escape it. My new doctor tells me my blood pressure is high, then carelessly adds 10 years to my age and nearly gives me a heart attack. Three people refer to me as “Mr. David” all in the same day.
The last seminar I participated in for Estee Lauder was all about anti-aging serums that turn back the hands of time. All the cosmetics lines are advertising in the magazines: Clinique has a new age spot lightener that”s “even better” than before; Lancôme is all abuzz over a new foundation that “lifts from within,” and Vanity Fair has a feature story on Estee”s 50-year-old skin potion that gets a facelift in 2010.
The world is obsessed with youth, or so it seems. I”m no exception. The reason I switched doctors this year is because I was told by my former doctor I had too much “excess adipose tissue” and referred to a nutritionist, all prior to driving right up next to him jogging (and resembling Taye Diggs) while stuffing a Krispy Kreme in my mouth. I was too vain to return for another visit, too busy to keep my appointment with the nutritionist. Hearing I”m overweight always makes me want a doughnut. Can anyone relate?
So, I am just like so many other folks. I avoid summertime pool parties like the plague, default to my oversized cardigans November through February and pay homage to the arsenal of anti-aging beauty products on my bathroom counter.
Until I find the fountain of youth, I can only give you advice that others have given me. Some comes from the extraordinarily radiant women I encounter while traveling or in my salon; other tips have been tried and tested by yours truly.
“They say” our exterior is a mirror of our interior. Sunscreen is the one common denominator associated with 60-, 70- and even 80-year-old women with youthful, glowing skin. Eat, live and breathe SPF in everything from moisturizer to foundation. Just do it. The sun should not be our “BFF,” but merely a visiting acquaintance from time to time.
Also, it”s never too early to begin a skincare regime and make it a habit in the a.m. and p.m.
Finally, little things make a big difference when it comes to defying your age. Teeth whitening (professional or at home), regular manicures, a fresh hairstyle and even a daily multi-vitamin can give you a new zest for life. Eight glasses of water a day is no longer a suggestion, but a code to live by.
Last Tuesday, I blew out 39 candles on my double-layered red velvet cake, fed one lick of icing to my Great Dane, Naomi, all while wondering if this column has anything to do with the fact that I am almost 40! When did that happen? Guess I need to follow the advice I am always dispensing and love what I am while becoming what I hope to be!
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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