Mirror, mirror on the wall...

Now, that's a scary picture! Most people would avoid magnifying mirrors, and definitely cameras that would point out all the skin's flaws. Or if you are one like me that looks for the tiniest imperfection and magnifies it to the 100%, then you will find yourself looking for ways to make your skin look flawless!

Covering up with foundation and concealers might appear to be the first quick fix we go for. But this of course is not treating the problem, it's just hiding it temporally. 

All the dark areas on the picture above, are sun damage. My skin is predisposed to hyperpigmentation since my latina roots blessed me with plenty of melanin to have a forever tan, which is cool, but on the down side, if my SPF 30 doesn't do the work under the Mayan sun, I would get really dark spots making my skin look uneven and definitely not pretty.  Trust me, my skin doesn't look as porcelain as it appears under all this makeup.

Since prevention is key, I always protect my skin from the sun, wearing fabulous hats, sunglasses and sun block lotion. But let's face it, avoiding the sun is inevitable. Even when it's raining and dark out...yep, there's sun hiding behind those clouds. 

Well, let me just stop blaming the sun for all the damage. The truth is I'm not getting any younger either. This thermal camera pointed out LOTS of signs of aging...lines, spots, skin sagging -oh my!!!

What do I do? Go running to a makeup counter and buy the best (and most expensive) DMAE, hydroquinone, day cream, night cream, and "take along in your purse for touch ups" cream. Umm. Well, maybe if you're desperate and unaware of the pro's and con's. 

Let me just share what I've learned after my horrifying experience with the thermal camera. A little something I'm going to name: The Ugly Truth.

The Ugly Truth

Facelift in a jar? How many makeup companies are now claiming to have the magic cream. Let's put this  miraculous potion on the hot seat, shall we? You might be familiar with the ever so popular Retin-A better known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in some people (others might use it as an acne treatment) but what about the newest sensation DMAE? Can it help, or is this another "rub-on facelift" scam?  Now seriously, would you really think a topical cream can stretch and tuck your skin like a facelift would? We all now the answer to this question...right? Right. Let me just clarify that I'm not trying to promote facelifts here, nor am I trying to bash topical remedies either. Just want to bring some light to a subject that interests us so much: "The fountain of Youth".

Since I didn't majored in Biology and I'm not a Chemist, I had to do a little bit of research just so I can understand what's behind the hype of DMAE.

According to my findings, DMAE is short for  "dimethylaminoethanol".  A naturally occurring substance that facilitates the synthesis of a neurotransmitter  acetylcholine. DMAE also may stimulate the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, an important component of cell membranes.

I don't know if it's my ignorance, but I don't clearly see with this definition how in this any way could be a "naturally" occurring substance or better yet---how do they get it in the jar? Hmm.

DMAE is far better known and researched as a "smart drug" than a skin firming agent. In a number of studies, DMAE has been shown to reduce age-related decline in cognitive ability and memory. It was also found to modestly increase life span of laboratory animals. An intriguing finding in some DMAE studies was that it reduced the accumulation of lipofuscin deposits inside cells. Lipofuscin is a cellular pigment consisting of aggregated chunks of molecular waste. It tends to occur in the cells of older people. It is likely that lipofuscin is not simply a byproduct of aging but also contributes to the aging process. Neurons, heart and skin of older people usually contain particularly large amounts of lipofiscin.

The DMAE-skin connection is less researched. It has been demonstrated that DMAE causes some degree of skin tightening. However, despite speculation it remains unclear how DMAE firms the skin -- whether by stabilizing the membranes, boosting acetylcholine, reducing lipofuscin deposits or none of the above. Whatever the mechanism, the effect of DMAE is often noticeable although seldom dramatic. Besides, even though DMAE can't fully reverse the existing facial sag, it may reduce its further progression. Some people report a cumulative effect with continued use of DMAE.

Another issue is whether topical DMAE is safe. On one hand, it has been extensively used in skin care since the 90s without widespread reports of obvious skin damage. This makes major toxicity of commonly used strengths unlikely.  However, this does not rule out a possibility of low-level skin damage. A 2007 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology raised concerns about DMAE's potential to damage skin cells. Does this come as a surprise to you? The times where people would buy without questioning ingredients are now  history.  Although we might want to benefit from the promises of a miracle cream, the truth is we know better not to fall for this scam.

Is it possible to reverse the signs of aging? The answer is no. It's a natural process of the body we all shall embrace. Can we take measures to avoid premature skin aging? Absolutely!  By repairing and boosting collagen, elastin, and keratin production in your skin, you may improve its texture and elasticity. I'll tell you why to stay off these topical skin care products on the market that supposedly contain collagen, vitamins and minerals, blah, blah. Because they simply DON'T WORK. The reason these collagen-containing products don't work is that the collagen molecules are just too large to get inside the skin and do their job of rebuilding. In short, they are simply impostors. You must build collagen from the inside out. What we put in our systems, our diet takes a huge role in cellular regeneration and anti-aging.

So how in the world are you supposed to know what YOU can do to rejuvenate your skin's elasticity and plumpness? Well, here are a few tips:

1. First and foremost, DO NOT SMOKE. Please quit smoking if you do. Not only is not a sexy look but it's not good for your lungs- the environment, and nothing ages your skin as quite so fast as smoking.
2. Alcohol--please consume in moderation when you do, if you do. The drinking and partying will show on your face pretty quickly...and it's not a good look either.
3. Exercise--any form of exercise as long as your body is moving! Exercise is good for every aspect of your health, and your skin is no exception.
4. Finally, the lifestyle choice that has the capacity of transforming your skin is eating the right foods. Please note, I didn't say "Eat Healthy" I said: "the RIGHT foods" The right nutrients will target the specific problems we want to address. 

So If you want beautiful youthful skin, then these are the MUST DO'S:

• Do include OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS. To look younger, your body must produce new collagen cells in your skin. You must consume foods that help your body protect the collagen it has, while providing the building blocks it needs to build new collagen fibers. My favorite sources of Omega-3 are Salmon and Tuna. If you're a vegetarian, you could take 2 tbsp. of flaxseed oil daily.   

         Garlic contains sulfur, which helps your body to produce collagen. It also contains taurine and lipoid acid, which support damaged collagen fiber. So try to include garlic as an ingredient in every meal! I love garlic!

          Tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which inhibits enzymes to destroy collagen. To get the most of lycopene you must consume tomatoes cooked. So boil that pasta and pour the marinara sauce (add plenty of garlic too)!

• VITAMIN C -You want to make it a priority to include sources of Vitamin C in your diet, since Vitamin C is critical for collagen production in the skin. Many fruits and vegetables are great sources of Vitamin C...lemons, oranges all the citruses -we all know that. But did you know that even though these foods are good sources of Vitamin C, they are not THE BEST sources? That's right, there are other sources containing superior amounts of Vitamin C than citrus fruits. Let me hear: "Arrrriba!!!" or Viva Mexico!!! I'm glad I love my salsa picante. Yes, for all you mis amigos that love spicy food, hot chilly peppers are the TOP PICK for Vitamin C (both red and green) Now, if this is too "caliente" for your taste, you may want to try these instead:

• sweet peppers
• guavas
• blackcurrants
• lychees
• oranges and grapefruits
• dark leafy greens, peaches
• kiwi
• broccoli and cauliflower

This sure gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "Beauty is only skin Deep". When you work on the inside...the beauty emanates. It sure does. I hope this inspires you to visit your local Farmer's Market before you take that quick trip to the pharmacy or mall.


Age gracefully? I'd say, Age smartly!