Aging is an irreversible process. Women tend to get most affected by this undeniable process of aging as it invariably takes a toll on their skin. However, you can keep the symptoms of aging at bay by taking good care of your skin, de-stressing, exercising and by right eating and sleeping habits. This article is all about how to keep a healthy and glowing skin, irrespective of your increasing age.

Eat right: The anti-oxidants present in fruits and vegetables act as body’s defense against free radicals that cause cellular damage. Free radical damage is caused by UV rays which are considered to be one of the leading causes for wrinkles, thickening of skin and other signs of premature aging. In addition to fruits and veggies, you should include cereals and pulses in your diet.

Never skip breakfast: Starving for a long time, more than 18 hours, can slow down your metabolism leaving you completely drained and lowering your energy levels. Hence, eat regular meals, on time. Add enough of carbs in your diet to fuel your metabolism.

Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and aerated drinks may be your favorites but, they are not favorable for your skin .Excess consumption of these results in greasy and tired-looking skin. Too much caffeine can cause dehydration and prevent absorption of essential nutrients by the body. This may also cause shaky hands, irritability and restlessness thereby shooting up stressful feelings. So, avoid drinking more than 3-4 cups a day of drinks containing caffeine.

Sleep tight: Deep sleep for at least 6-7 hours a day is very essential because it promotes your body’s release of growth hormones which in turn helps to melt fat and aid muscle development. Good sleep is vital for your body to take rest from day to day worries. When you are in deep sleep, every cell of your body gets rejuvenated from the stress of everyday pressures.

Exercise regularly: Even medical experts agree with us that exercise can effectively forestall the aging process. Regular exercise improves blood circulation and keeps your skin look and feel healthier.

De-stress yourself: Stress is inevitable part of our day to day life, but it is can surely be managed effectively. Stress is one of the biggest factors that causes illness and diseases in us. So, de-stressing yourself is of prime importance if you are looking forward to live a happier life, free from everyday worries. If you are feeling down, do exercise, this may help pick you up.

Women have always taken special care to adorn themselves in every way possible, missing out on one of the most essential features – The hair! Unfortunately, it’s the skin that takes away all the attention when it comes to beautifying oneself.  Interestingly, studies say that they form one of the most attractive elements that a woman possesses, if taken proper care. But, lack of nutrients in your diet can squeeze out all the life in your hair, making it dry and retarding its growth. Hence, it is important to eat the right way to keep your hair healthy and beautiful.

A well balanced diet prevents a lot of hair problems. So, your diet should be well-balanced, rich in fruits and vegetables. Protein is a very essential nutrient for the natural growth of hair. So, take at least two servings of protein a day. Medical experts recommend the intake of 0.75 g of protein per kilogram of body weight a day. Lean meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, seeds, pulses and nuts are good sources of protein. Thus their inclusion in your meal is a must.
Include large amounts of energy-giving wholegrain carbohydrates in your diet that fuel your metabolism. If you ensure the optimum nutrition for the entire body, your hair will get its fair share. Your hair will then not only grow fast but will also become thick and bounty and strong as well.

If your hair suddenly turns oily, check your intake of spice. Curries, deep fried foods, chilli can cause the skin to sweat and increase oil levels. Hence you should immediately reduce your intake of oily and spicy food.

Healthy hair is formed with a flat cuticle. When light rays hit healthy hair, they bounce back. If your hair doesn’t reflect the light properly, this means that your hair lacks its natural shine. In other words, your hair is dull. Lack of protein and chemical processes like bleaching are the main causes for dull hair. So, make sure that your diet contains optimum amount of proteins.

A healthy and balanced diet is the pre-requisite for a healthy hair that looks beautiful naturally. Shampoos and conditioners also play a role in sprucing up your hair but they are a secondary means to do so.