Flossing daily may also help fight the effects of aging over the long-term. If you don’t floss, you leave 40 percent of your teeth dirty with bacteria, which causes staining and yellowing, Dr. Eugene Antenucci, a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry, told MSNBC for a recent article.

Too much plaque can lead to gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. Symptoms of gum disease include swollen or bleeding gums, receding gums, and the formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums, according to WebMD. If left untreated, it can end with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth.

“You register an older look because you see more spaces, less and uneven gum tissue,” says Antenucci.

Gum disease can eventually cause the bones underneath to dissolve away, explains Dr. Donald Clem, a dentist in Fullerton, Calif. “In later stages of periodontal disease we would see disfigurement in terms of caving in of the lips and cheek and wrinkles around the lips and cheeks.”

Furthermore, a recent study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal looked at issues related to how specific bony aspects of the face change with age and what implications these structural changes may have on the techniques used in facial cosmetic surgery, according the abstract.

Don’t forget that in addition to your dermatological and cosmetic procedures—whether it’s a chemical peel or Botox—simple things you can make a habit, such as flossing daily, can go a long way in helping you age well.

Dr. Patrick Carney offers six full-service Advancements In Dermatology clinics throughout the Twin Cities.

In fact, fish is at the top of Perricone’s skin health list of anti-aging foods, pointing out that fatty fish contains skin health nutrients as well as those all-important Omega 3 fatty acids. He lists salmon, albacore tuna, and mackerel as great additions to any skin-healthy diet.

What is the scientific basis for this prescription? How is nutrition related to skin health?

Every day, our bodies naturally exhibit evidence of our lifestyles – diet being one significant aspect. But the process is more complex than the old cliche “you are what you eat.” It goes much deeper, right down to the cell-level, which scientists tell us are much like tiny chemical plants.

Take oxygen for example; it’s in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and in the food we eat. There’s no getting away from it. But oxygen has a natural tendency to combine with other processes in our skin to produce free radicals – the enemy of our skin tissue at the cellular level. It is much like the effects of oxygen on metal, which causes oxidation and eventually — rust. In our bodies this process leads to inflammation. On the skin, inflammation can make your pores look bigger, and your skin look dull, discolored, or aged. Wrinkles, acne, and even eczema are also related to the damaging effects of oxidation-related inflamation.

Now consider the fact that Vitamins A, C, and E are “antioxidant rich” adversaries of the free radicals that hide in our cells and attack our skin. Consider that Selenium is a mineral that experts agree is critical to the production of glutathione, another enemy of free radicals. Consider that Thiamine is a B vitamin that helps skin cells function normally. Consier that Zinc assists epidermal cell growth, that protein is essential for skin repair, and finally, that Vitamin C helps the body naturally manufacture collagen, a protein that keeps the skin supple and tight.

Research shows that vitamins and minerals are essential to skin health because they maintain a system of resistance to the processes commonly associated with aging, and those vitamins and minerals reside in the foods we eat.

What’s affecting the health of your skin? The best person to consult with is a dermatologist.  Read more about Advancements in Dermatology of the Twin Cities.

Read more about skin health and nutrition at Discovery.com

But Don’t worry: a few simple steps and skin care products can help.

Products

Find antioxidant moisturizers that contain water-binding and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as these:

- amino acids and fatty acids
- ceramides
- sodium PCA
- Glycerin

Your lips are especially vulnerable to the elements.  Keep them soft and smooth with quality lip balm.  Look for these key ingredients:

- Hemp oil
- Shea butter
- Vitamin E
- Beeswax
- SPF 15

Skin Care Steps

1. Don’t forget the sun protection.
2. When your skin feels tight, apply moisturizer.
3. To allow better penetration of moisturizer, exfoliate scaly areas with glycolic or salicylic acid.
4. Get a humidifier in your home.
5. Stay hydrated!