What is it about the human body that suddenly makes you say “Wow, they’ve aged!”? Is it just the odd wrinkle or receding hairline, or are there other giveaways that show your anti-ageing wellness isn’t what it should be? Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which age gives your wellbeing a battering, and how you can fight back.
Thinning hair – According to A. Bobby Spence, a trichologist at The Hair Loss Clinic in Alexandria, Virginia, ‘Elevated testosterone levels have a miniaturizing effect on hair follicles, which causes thinning.’ However, you can increase thickness and shine by taking a daily multivitamin that is rich in amino acids and B vitamins. Otherwise, speak to your doctor about a prescription for Rogaine, as this can thicken your hair by enlarging your follicles.
Yellow teeth and receding gums – Lawrence E. Brecht, D.D.S., a prosthodontist in New York City, explains, ‘Excessive plaque build-up can lead to gingivitis, a disease that causes bleeding and tenderness in the tissue around the teeth.’ However, he adds, daily flossing is ‘a must to help maintain healthy gum tissue and keep it from receding.’ You can also hold on to those pearly whiles by using disposable toothbrushes after every meal and drink, and whitening strips every six months.
Sparse, brittle eyelashes – Jan Marini, founder and CEO of Jan Marini Skin Research, notes that your eyelashes shed when you frequently rubs your eyes, and your natural replenishing system slows down as you age. Therefore, you might want to try OTC remedies to make your lashes more resilient. If your eyelashes are brittle and weak at the ends, you can probably blame your old mascara, so make sure you replace mascara every 90 days and use a gentle eye makeup remover.
Damaged nails– Hands are a dead giveaway of ageing, because your skin and nails lose moisture over time. Jin Soon Choi, a salon owner in New York City, adds, ‘Constant use of polish and coarse nail tools will also weaken the nails. She recommends a good hand and nail moisturiser, and skipping the polish every few weeks and buffing your nails instead. Choi explains, ‘It gives nails a shiny finish and a chance to air out.’