Wrinkles...Who Cares? Well, it seems a lot of us do. Be honest, how many "anti-wrinkle" creams do you have in your cabinet? Do any of them really work? Maybe, maybe not? But, that's not what I wanted to talk about here.

I want to know why we care? Is it because others judge us by our appearance? Or, is it because we are judging ourselves by our appearance?

Just in case you didn't notice, I'm getting old. Well, at least older than I was last year. And, time is not slowing down at all, in another couple of years, I'll be even older. It's a viscous cycle. You might have noticed it yourself?

What about wrinkles, have you started noticing them? I have. Did you ever wonder what we could do to prevent wrinkles? I think the top two ways to prevent wrinkles are...To stay out of the sun (impossible, I love it, and I live in Florida), and don't smoke (that's easy for me, I have asthma). Staying well hydrated is good for your skin too.

Saralee asks...What is wrong with me?

Don’t misunderstand. It’s not that I think that women who elect for these procedures are wrong. It’s just that I resent being made to feel bad if I don’t decide to fight the bags under my eyes, the hair over my lips and the cellulite on my thighs like it’s the war on terror. I also wish that the take-home message was different. That happiness will forever elude us if we opt to be a fixer-upper instead of a woman in mint condition.

Here’s my theory. Do your best to eat right, exercise, and pamper yourself with whatever makes you feel good about yourself. But more important, be good to the people in your life because then you’re a real beauty! Besides, you may be able to spend thousands to fool the mirror, but you can never fool the stairs!

Can Foods help prevent wrinkles?

Wrinkles are generally caused by a lack of collagen, a protein found in the skin that keeps it elastic and well toned. Collagen depletion happens to all of us as we age, but the process can be exacerbated by the presence of free radicals, harmful toxins which result from exposure to irritants like smoke, sun and air pollution. Foods that prevent wrinkles contain specific nutrients which directly combat free radicals and help to promote collagen growth.

Here are Foods that can prevent wrinkles?

1. Protein sources such as poultry, eggs, beef and fish provide amino acids which are important for cellular repair. By including enough protein in your diet, you'll enable your body to keep collagen cells healthy which leads to healthier skin.

For an added protein bonus, try to include plenty of fatty fish. Salmon in particular provides essential fatty acids, or EFAs which are great anti-inflammatories. Fish also contains DMAE - dimethylaminoethanol - which helps prevent skin damage from free radicals. Fish oil capsules or flaxseed oil can be substituted if you don't like fish.

2. Veggies, especially the dark green variety contain powerful antioxidants that help to block inflammation. Indulge with large green salads whenever you can.

3. While you're at it, top your leafy greens with an olive oil based salad dressing. Known as a good fat, olive oil is also rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants. The oil can also be used for cooking. Sautéed vegetables anyone?

4. Try to choose foods low on the glycemic index such as whole grains, lentils, nuts, fruits and vegetables. By keeping blood sugar under control you'll avoid inflammation-causing surges.

5. One of the best fruit choices you can make is berries - pick from blueberries, strawberries, blackberries or raspberries. Full of collagen-protecting properties, eat them every day if you can.

6. Water, water and more water. You've heard it before - it keeps you hydrated, helps vitamin absorption and helps to flush out toxins.

By eating anti-inflammatory foods you'll not only help to prevent wrinkles and reduce the ones you currently have, you'll also be gaining overall health and taking precautionary measures against certain diseases.

I wrote a post awhile back, about having a love/hate relationship with my scale. I guess I feel the same way about getting older...I have a love/hate relationship with it. I love the greater understanding I get of myself and the world around me, that comes with maturity. But, I hate the wrinkles. I imagine it could be a lot worse. I could have declining health, aches and pains, and a growing waistline...Oh yea, I have that too.

When did I become such a complainer?

Also See:

Omega 3 Is The Secret To Glowing Skin

Food and Aging

Contributing Editor Catherine Morgan
at Catherine-Morgan.com, The Political Voices of Women, Care2 Election