1. Mind your antioxidants. Known as the body’s “master” antioxidant, glutathione (GSH) combats free radicals and helps support immunity, the gastrointestinal and nervous systems, and more. Your body is most vulnerable to oxidative insult when you wake up—especially if you had a drink the night before, since the body uses glutathione stores to metabolize alcohol, says Lise Alschuler, ND, author of Five to Thrive (Active Interest Media, 2011). A low-nutrient breakfast of coffee and toast will send levels even lower, making this a great time to supplement with glutathione’s precursors, glutamine or N-acetylcysteine (NAC).
2. Moisturize and protect. Every morning, address the two most important skin care concerns—moisturizing and UV protection—by applying one dual-action natural cream. Look for a product with nourishing oils, protective antioxidants, and minerals zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to fight UVA and UVB rays. If you plan on spending more than 10 minutes in the sun, make sure you also use an SPF 30, or a moisturizer that includes an SPF 30.
Try: MyChelle Daily Defense Cream SPF 17 with zinc oxide, astaxanthin,tocotrienols, and olive oil.
3. Sleep off wrinkles. Sure, you feel better, but it’s no myth you’ll look better too when you get sufficient rest. Why? When you’re anxious or not getting enough sleep, cortisol, the “stress hormone,” increases and attacks collagen—the important protein that keeps your skin taut. But during sleep, your body produces human growth hormone (HGH), which rebuilds and rejuvenates skin cells. Aim for eight quality hours nightly. If that’s not feasible: Tack on an extra half-hour per week, squeeze in 20-minute naps when you can, and exercise regularly to improve circulation and release stress-fighting endorphins.
4. Apply plant stem cells. One of the biggest recent breakthroughs in the natural antiaging market, plant-extracted stem cells (often from apples and argan) boost your skin's ability to regenerate its own cells, which can help reduce wrinkles and enhance vibrancy. They’ve also been shown to help manage thinning hair by repairing aging follicles. Find them in lotions, creams, shampoos, and conditioners.