What is the first sign of aging that people see when they look at you? If your skin is wrinkled, you look old. Someone in their 50's can look older than a 70 year old person because of their skin. To age gracefully, there are many things you can do, but taking care of your skin is one of the most important. We will discuss wrinkles, diet and attitude in this article. All three of these items can keep you looking better at any age.

WRINKLES

Wrinkles can come from many causes, but two you can avoid are the sun and smoking.

Sunscreen protects against ultraviolet radiation both UVA and UVB. UVA is the culprit behind sunburn, and UVB is associated with wrinkles. The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of the product's ability to prevent skin damage. So if you must go out in the sun, protect yourself with sunscreen.

If getting cancer, heart disease, strokes and other ailments are not enough incentives to get you quit smoking, add wrinkled skin to the mix. When you smoke, nicotine prevents blood flow to the the skin's surface preventing nutrients from getting to the skin causing the skin to wrinkly and sag.

DIET

Eat more fruits and vegetables, limit the intake of fats and sugars. We've been hearing these guidelines for years. I can't think of anyone in the traditional or alternative medical fields who doesn't advocate these principles. Why? The reason is that these diets or regimens work! This is unlike so many medical claims that are true today and false tomorrow.

ATTITUDE

I remember being at a friend's 60th birthday party a few years back. Sitting across the table from me was an elderly couple who hardly spoke to each other or anyone else. They looked bored to be there. (In fact I got the impression they would look bored being anywhere). One of the birthday girl's sons came up to me and asked "do you see that couple sitting across from you, how old do you think they are?" I figured they were in their late 60's or early 70's from their behavior. It turned out they were younger than the birthday girl, still in their mid 50's.

This is how attitude can affect how old you look. How you act and how you enjoy life can make you look younger or older than you are. I find it easier to enjoy every moment and try to pass that attitude on to everyone I com in contact with. I

I don't feel I'm acting young. I don't need to act, I feel young.