When most people think about anti-aging products, for some reason they always think of the face. Eye creams, wrinkle creams, mud packs and acne products… those are the instantaneous thoughts that go through a woman’s mind when someone mentions anti-aging products.

However the reality is, anti-aging products do not stop at the face. We need to be concerned about the neck down as well as the neck up. Skin covers your entire body and it all ages at different rates.

Your arms for instance are in the sun and elements far more frequently than your legs or torso. Your arm pits and legs have the stress of shaving. Your torso is normally covered, unless of course it is the summer time bathing suit season or you are exposing it to the harsh lights of a tanning bed.

How often do you take really hot showers to wash the day’s stresses away? Most women haven’t a clue how much damage really hot water can do to their skin. What we know is that at the end of the day nothing feels better than a long hot shower or an even longer soak in a hot, bubble filled tub.

Whether it is environmental elements, razors, perfumes or very hot water, they all wreak havoc on your skin. Therefore you must take care of all of it, not just your face and neck.

Don’t misunderstand, no one in their right mind would tell any woman not to take a hot shower or a soak in a hot bath. Instead the experts recommend limiting the temperature of the water on a regular or daily basis.

Hot water has a tendency to open the pores. When we step out of the bath or shower, we have a tendency to put lotion or moisturizers on our body.

Certain types of lotions are greasy or have a heavy base to them which can clog pores. This is counter-productive because you are locking chemicals into the skin that can cause further long term damage which makes the skin appear older rather than younger.

What products you use to clean your skin is just as important as the products you put on your skin after your shower. Bath and body scrubs or washes are much better for your skin than standard bar soap. Most bath washes contain tiny micro-beads or pearls designed to break up as they are rubbed against the skin.

These beads act as tiny abrasives that remove the old, dead skin cells while at the same time cleaning the next layer of skin as it surfaces.

They work best when used with a good quality natural or sea sponge, loofah, exfoliating glove or a mildly course material cloth (such as terry cloth).

Every part of your anti-aging routine starts with clean, healthy skin. Skin care is just as important from the neck down as it is for the chin and up.

Osteoporosis, by definition, is a skeletal disorder affecting the bone strength and predisposing it to increased risk of fracture. When the bone tissue degenerates, the person becomes more fragile and susceptible to fractures.

The skeleton is an important part of our system. It is the framework that holds our body upright. The two main components of our bone are collagen protein and calcium phosphate. These two things work hand in hand so that the bone remains hard and strong. Before the age of 30, there is a balance of degeneration and repair. As we get older, we lose the ability to repair. Sadly, the victims of osteoporosis are women.

The female victims are mostly those who have gone through the menopausal stage. At present, millions of women are suffering from this malady. The figures are rising yearly, and more women have to be vigilant about taking care of their health, particularly their bones. There are several known triggers for this ailment. The number one on the list, of course, is the effects of menopause combined with age. Women going through this difficult period experience hormonal imbalance, which in turn, is felt by the bones. Another trigger is genetics. Women who have a family history of osteoporosis are more likely to suffer from it in their old age.

Of course, once osteoporosis sets in, this can’t be easily cured. There are ways to avoid it, and the way to do this is to be conscious of your bones’ health while you are still young. You can significantly lessen your chances of acquiring this debilitating disease when you do the following:

1. Avoid smoking and drinking.

2. Eat healthy.

3. Drink milk regularly.

4. Regular calcium intake.

5. Exercise.

6. Regular checkup.

7. Avoid junk food when you can.

When you begin experiencing neck pain and lower back ache, have yourself checked by the doctor. Osteoporosis, when left untreated, can deform the curve of your spine. The things you once were able to do will no longer be possible because you can now easily break your bones. As it is always said, prevention is much better than cure. Undertaking certain precautions even before the signs reveal themselves can be your best bet. Thus, a good amount of calcium products should be consumed while you are still young. If you are a parent, teach your children to enjoy milk. It not only gives them the nutrients they need, it also readies their bones when they grow older. There is an abundance of calcium products out there in the market. Among which are yogurt, milk, cheese, ice cream, green and leafy vegetables, fish like salmon and sardines, dry fruits like almonds, juices and squash. As a woman, you should be conscious of your health. You are more prone to several diseases simply because it is a part of your DNA. Train your bones to take in stress through exercise. The stronger you are, the harder it becomes for certain ailments and diseases to attack your system.