Anti-Aging 101

Thin Hair
The cause: Hormonal changes, diet, and inadequate levels of iron in the bloodstream can all play a role in your hair's overall loss of thickness. "Elevated testosterone levels have a miniaturizing effect on hair follicles, which causes thinning," says A. Bobby Spence, a trichologist at The Hair Loss Clinic in Alexandria, Virginia.

The cure: Pop a multivitamin that's rich in amino acids and B vitamins daily to boost thickness and shine. Your doctor can prescribe Rogaine, which contains follicle-enlarging (read: thickening) minoxidil. As a last resort, a derm or trichologist (hair and scalp expert) can use precision laser hair therapy, which relies on low-level light beams to gently stimulate growth.

Yellow Teeth and Receding Gums
The cause: Over time, surface bacteria and dark-colored drinks cause enamel stains, while plaque overgrowth can result in receding gums. "Excessive plaque buildup can lead to gingivitis, a disease that causes bleeding and tenderness in the tissue around the teeth," says Lawrence E. Brecht, D.D.S., a prosthodontist in New York City.

The cure: Floss daily—no excuses! "It's a must to help maintain healthy gum tissue and keep it from receding," says Brecht. Another reason to floss? According to a study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, gum disease can create structural changes in the jawbone that make wrinkles and sagginess more pronounced with age. Keep your teeth white by carrying disposable toothbrushes in your purse and brushing up after eating or drinking to remove bacteria. Plus, use whitening strips every six months.

Sparse, Brittle Eyelashes
The cause: Frequent eye rubbing can trigger lashes to shed, explains Jan Marini, founder and CEO of Jan Marini Skin Research. Plus, nature's replenishing system slows down as we get older, leaving us with fewer lashes that don't stick around as long. And those weak, brittle ends? Old mascara is the likely culprit, since most formulas cake up and are hard to remove.

The cure: Try OTC remedies such as RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum, $50, at drugstores, which can harness the strengthening power of peptides to improve resiliency. To prevent breakage, replace mascara every 90 days and use a gentle remover each night to take off all eye makeup.

Dry, Rough Nails and Damaged Cuticles
The cause: Skin and nails lose moisture with age. And the dryness is compounded by frequent hand washing and overexposure to harsh, cold temperatures. "Constant use of polish and coarse nail tools will also weaken the nails," says Jin Soon Choi, a salon owner in New York City.

The cure: Hydrate your hands with a petrolatum-based cream to lock in moisture. At night, massage cuticle oil around the edges of your nail beds to prevent breakage. To smooth out a rough, wavy surface, apply a treatment before polishing; try OPI Ridge Filler, $8.50, opi.com for stores. Every few weeks, skip the lacquer and buff your nails instead (try Tweezerman Shape and Shine Nail Tool, $7, tweezerman.com). "It gives nails a shiny finish and a chance to air out," says Choi.

Source : WomansHealthMag