Q: I am a 37-year-old bank employee who can’t afford expensive skincare. What can make me look and feel better without actually doing anything at all?
A: The more you chase it, the harder it can be to catch. The answer, of course, is sleep. Even though we’re born knowing how to sleep, most of us have felt the effects of poor quality or too little rest. Sleep is when our bodies repair themselves, and there’s evidence of a relationship between poor sleep and health problems like obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Clearly, good sleep is crucial to good health, but how can something so natural be so hard to do well? Popular sleep myths could be part of the problem. For example, many people think they can skimp on sleep during the work week and make up for it by sleeping more on weekends. In reality, once you’ve developed a sleep deficit, you can’t get those lost hours back. More importantly, maintaining a consistent bedtime and waking schedule is one of the best things you can do to fall asleep easily and wake up refreshed.
Another myth that could be dragging you down is that people need less sleep as they get older. Adults need between seven and nine hours a night, regardless of age. Using the passage of another birthday as an excuse for only getting five hours a night is doing your body a disservice.
It’s even more important to prepare yourself. Alcohol, caffeine, and food less than two hours before bed can all act as stimulants. Also, don’t expect to go from fully alert to asleep in an instant. Things like gentle yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, or a warm bath can all help to relax your muscles, calm your mind, and transition you to sleep.
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I hate myself, I hate my skin
Q: I have been struggling from acne ever since I turned 15. I am 26 now. I woke up one day with acne, which since then never really went away. I discovered the Perricone diet and I decided to follow it. I’m eating wild salmon three to four times a week. Wild blueberries every morning with steel cut oatmeal. I’m buying only organic fruits and vegetables; hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken breast. I usually prepare myself a smoothie with organic berries, goat yogurt and soy milk. I replaced dairy in my diet with plain soy milk. I don’t have weight problems, have always weighed 120 pounds. I’m 5 feet 7 inches tall.
My damn skin is my problem. The more I look in the mirror, the more I hate myself. What else do I miss doing?
A: I have discovered through extensive research that acne is a systemic inflammatory disease. That is, inflammation is the underlying cause of acne, affecting the entire body. In addition to diet, supplementation and topical anti-inflammatories, exercise and de-stressing both also play a major role in reducing inflammation as well. You may benefit from incorporating an exercise program into your daily routine or doing yoga to help de-stress yourself.
Also, you have to try my Skin Clear line. You stated that the topical products irritated your skin, but you may have better luck taking these supplements which Dr. Perricone has put together. This supplement program works from the inside out to help support clear skin. It is specifically formulated to improve skin’s clarity while providing toning benefits and improving skin’s texture. Skin Clear products also help to support a healthy immune system and provide antioxidant protection.
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Send your questions to N.V. Perricone, M.D. through lifestyle@philstar.net.ph