Thank you for the explanation/clarification. I just had visions of the really rough people I worked with 30 yrs. ago B.C. (before children) in the construction industry. They worked hard, partied hard, looked twice as old as they were (or more) and burned out quickly. I am sure they did not have such exemplary health habits as you do. But, this is the essence of my biggest health question. The cosmetics industry is working hard to make me believe I need a pricey high-tech skin cream to reverse and prevent aging signs and absolutely no sun, and Dr. Mercola preaches conscious sun exposure to combat aging. He also tells the story of a woman he met early in his practice who looked far younger than she was because of veggie juicing. It just doesn't seem to be working for me. But I don't know how much or what kinds of juicing was going on. On Monday Oprah is going to have a special about women who look much younger than they actually are. Although I have never watched Oprah, I will pay rapt attention to that show.

Thank you again, Enzo. I certainly did not mean any disrespect. If off the record you would care to describe your health regime, I would be very interested.

Well, Stay at Home Mom of Six,

Up until three years ago people mistook me for Keith Richards, but now I am often  mistaken for Brad Pitt. OK, I'm exaggerating  just a tad. I never looked as bedraggled as an old Rolling Stone, and of course I do not now, nor have I even in my youth ever resembled anyone Angelina would ask in for drinks. In a crouded room, I am no chick magnet, but I'm not repulsive either. I'm just a regular guy who married a beautiful young girl in 1970. And after 37 years looks as beautiful as the day we met, only more mature…so we are still a good couple.

However, now in my sixtieth year of living in this skin, I can say unequivocally that my skin is healthier now than it has ever been in my entire life. In my youth, and well into adulthood I had cyclical outbreaks of pimples and blackheads. I sunburned easily, and my skin thinned and my skin would suffer abrasions quite easily, and did not heal as rapidly as it should have.  

Looking at photographs of myself taken a few years ago I can see a huge difference. The wrinkles are much fewer now and less pronounced, and my pores are cleaner than they have ever been. Better still, my skin feels better from within. It is more supple, yet taut and it feels clean. I have always had oily skin, but it is much less now.

Of course I credit much of my improvement to a good vitamin, mineral, herbal and food supplemental regimen, but I believe the diet change was the most profound reason. Absolutely no refined sugars, carbohydrates, processed food or any junk restaurant foods. Only whole organic, chemical free foods.

Last May my wife and I vacationed on the equator for two weeks (intense sun exposure every single day). I applied no sunscreens, continued my supplementation, and we ate very healthy food (sashimi, fresh fruits and vegetables).

I tanned, but did not burn at all. Years earlier I would have burned and blistered from such exposure. Note: I did not sun bathe because I think that is boring and reckless. But I did not avoid the sun at all. We swam, snorkled, and played in the sunshine. We were smart enough to sit under the shade of a palm tree while relaxing. My goodness, the sun is so intense on the equator you can't lie out in it for very long. The locals wear big hats and long sleeves and pants. 

That's interesting. As a middle-aged woman I am having difficulty balancing the daily sun requirements with aging signs from sun exposure. All information aimed at reducing the signs of aging absolutely forbid direct sun exposure and mandate a sunscreen. Of course the chemicals are a concern to me and so are the signs of aging. That's great you can get sun without the chemicals, but what do you actually look like? :)