1. Wash With Oil
Sounds terrifying, right? But you should relax and try it if you have dry, weary skin, says Miami Beach dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D.: "Many natural oils contain linoleic acid, which helps skin retain water." Start with 10 ml of olive oil, says natural skin-care expert Sharon Gnatt Epel, then mix in 2 drops of one of these oils: carrot seed to boost elasticity, frankincense to restore skin tone, or lavender to calm redness. Massage it in for thirty seconds, then rinse with warm water. We promise, no morning-after acne.
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2. Rub These In
Meet the latest crop of natural time-busters from around the globe. African Anogeissus, found in Origins Plantscription antiaging serum, $55, stimulates production of fibrillin (a protein responsible for skin's "bounce back"). Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Youth Regenerating Cream, $60, is infused with Bulgarian Haberlea rhodopensis floral extract, a collagen booster. And sandthorn berry, a skin tightener, is found not only in some of the world's harshest climates but also in Yves Rocher Ovale Lifting Redensifying Night Care, $46, and Badger SPF 30 sunscreen, $16.
Related: 43 Sneaky Beauty Tricks to Help You Look Younger
3. Massage the Years Off
You can smooth skin with D.I.Y. acupressure, according to Maya Kron, acupuncturist at James Corbett Studio, a New York City spa. These moves will release tension and boost elasticity.
- Using the index and middle fingers of one hand, massage between your brows for 20 rotations.
- Apply light pressure to temples for 10 seconds, then to your jawbone joint (located in front of your ears) for 10 seconds. Repeat.
- Lightly press the muscle that protrudes when you clench your teeth for 5 to 10 seconds.
4. Get Juiced
Salma Hayek is 44. How is that possible? The actress swears by juice cleanses, so much so that she cofounded Cooler Cleanse, a $58-a-day juice delivery program. During the three-day cleanse, you guzzle a whopping 18 pounds of organic fruits and veggies each day, says company cofounder Eric Helms. "This floods skin with vitamins A and C and other nutrients that boost cell turnover." No way you're spending more than your family's grocery budget on this regimen? Down a glass of green juice every day for a week instead. (At a juice bar or health-food store, ask for a blend of spinach, celery, parsley, lemon, pears, and cucumber.) By day seven your skin should feel softer and look more luminous. We'll drink to that.
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5. Snack on Superfoods
"Skin is a matrix of proteins, water, and fats that needs a nonprocessed food supply for replenishment," says dermatologist David Colbert, M.D., author of The High School Reunion Diet. Here are three line-softening nibbles to grab now:
- Almonds pack skin-plumping fats and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps offset UV damage.
- Dark chocolate with a cacao content of 72 percent or higher is rich in damage-fighting antioxidants as well.
- Blueberries give you a magic combo of antioxidants and collagen-protecting vitamin C.
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