So many women take care of their bodies but forget about their brains. “As we age, our brains shrink in volume, particularly the frontal cortex and hippocampus, areas involved in higher cognitive function and encoding new memories. Myelin (a conduit sheath around nerves) is also thought to shrink with age resulting in slow processing and reduced cognitive function,” Peterson Pierre, MD, board-certified dermatologist, and founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute, explains.

The Rx: Dr. Pierre points out studies show that regular physical exercise can reverse the signs of aging in the brain with dancing having the most profound effect. “It’s also important to keep the mind stimulated,” he explains. “No matter your age or skill level, just a few minutes a day can help your mind stay sharp and can even help you improve in certain areas. You exercise your body regularly; don’t neglect your brain!”

We all know that cardiovascular training is good for the heart and helps to keep the weight off. Weight training is just as important–maybe even more so–according to Dr. Pierre. “Weight training has been shown to have great cardiovascular benefits and can actually reverse age-related muscle loss,” he explains. The more muscle you have, the higher your basal metabolic rate, which means you burn more calories at rest, a distinct advantage in weight control. It also is key to strengthening your bones, minimizing your chances of fractures and osteoporosis. It burns fat, exercises all your muscles, including your heart, lowers blood pressure, and improves blood flow to the brain.

The Rx: Make weight training a part of your exercise habits. “With all these benefits and more, there is no reason not to make it a regular part of your weekly schedule,” Dr. Pierre states.

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Skin can be dehydrated both from the inside out, and from the outside in. If you’re not drinking enough fluids and/or consuming lots of salt, this can make your skin appear flaky and flat. Not moisturizing regularly and using very hot water (which strips your skin of its oils), can dehydrate skin from the outside.

“Make sure you stay well hydrated every day by drinking at least eight glasses of water at 8 ounces each. The easiest way to accomplish that is to carry around a water bottle with you, which will serve as a constant reminder and will provide ease of access,” suggests Dr. Peterson Pierre, a board-certified dermatologist in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

In addition, make sure you’re washing and showering with warm water versus scalding hot, and moisturize your skin from head to toe at least twice daily. (Psst. Even if your skin doesn’t feel dry, you should still moisturize). For your face, try using a moisturizing toner followed by a hyaluronic acid serum, and then top it with a cream to help lock everything in. For your body, reach for your favorite body lotion or oil.

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What most people are looking for in a natural deodorant is something that is aluminum-free. “Deodorants are designed to prevent or mask the body odor that results from sweating,” explains dermatologist Peterson Pierre, MD, founder of the Pierre Skin Care Institute. “Meanwhile, antiperspirants are designed to stop sweating altogether by blocking the sweat glands. Antiperspirants rely heavily on aluminum and, although this is a ‘natural ingredient,’ typically natural refers to products that are aluminum-free.”

However, notes Dr. Pierre, there is no “natural” substitute for aluminum, which means there is no such thing as a natural antiperspirant. “Anything that blocks sweat is considered a chemical, so natural deodorants don’t prevent you from sweating,” says board-certified New York City dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. “But they do help attack the bacteria that cause smells and odors.”

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