Frown lines and crow's feet, age spots and varicose veins: did you ever wish you could banish these and other unwelcome signs of aging with a wave of your hand? 

Smooth wrinkles and firm up sagging skin. Dermatologists are abuzz with the news that vitamin C creams erase fine lines and wrinkles.  But getting vitamin C in your diet could also help you hold onto your dewy skin.

Experts say the main job of this super antioxidant - found in orange juice, kiwis, strawberries, peppers and broccoli - is to manufacture collagen, the support structure for beautiful skin. "It helps maintain the skin's thickness and elasticity, keeping it smoother, firmer and younger - looking over time," explains Kaye.

What's more, Duke University researchers have discovered vitamin C may prevent wrinkles by protecting the skin from sun damage. And studies in eastern Europe show vitamin C helps regrow damaged gums, preventing tooth loss.

Fade age spots and varicose veins. Vitamin E helps prevent the diseases that strike as we age, including heart disease and Alzheimer's. But this wonder nutrient has visible benefits too.

"Some scientists believe that as we age, a pigment called lipofuscin builds up in our bodies and shows up as rusty spots on our skin," Kaye explains. "But vitamin E scrubs lipofuscin off our cells, helping to fade age spots." Research at Tufts University shows that vitamin E also soothes achy leg muscles and may smooth out varicose veins by preventing blood from pooling in capillaries. 

Our meal plan is sprinkled with the top sources of vitamin E, including wheat germ, sunflower seeds and almonds. "But I also take a supplement of 800 IUs of vitamin E every day" Kaye notes.

Woman’s World 3/24/98 Page 20 (Partial Article)