4 Subtle Signs of Aging and How to Beat Them

Age giveaway: Thin Hair

Feb. 26, 2011— -- The Cause

Hormonal changes, diet, and inadequate levels of iron in the bloodstream can all play a role in your hair's overall loss of thickness. "Elevated testosterone levels have a miniaturizing effect on hair follicles, which causes thinning," says A. Bobby Spence, a trichologist at The Hair Loss Clinic in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Cure

Pop a multivitamin that's rich in amino acids and B vitamins, such as Elon Matrix 5000 ($28 for 60 capsules, elonsale.com), daily to boost thickness and shine. Your doctor can prescribe Rogaine, which contains follicle-enlarging (read: thickening) minoxidil. As a last resort, a derm or trichologist (hair and scalp expert) can use precision laser hair therapy, which relies on low-level light beams to gently stimulate growth. A 12-month treatment program of weekly hour-long sessions costs about $3,500.

Age giveaway: Yellow Teeth, Receding Gums

The Cause

Over time, surface bacteria and dark-colored drinks cause enamel stains, while plaque overgrowth can result in receding gums. "Excessive plaque buildup can lead to gingivitis, a disease that causes bleeding and tenderness in the tissue around the teeth," says Lawrence E. Brecht, D.D.S., a prosthodontist in New York City.

The Cure

Floss daily--no excuses! "It's a must to help maintain healthy gum tissue and keep it from receding," says Brecht. Another reason to floss? According to a study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, gum disease can create structural changes in the jawbone that make wrinkles and sagginess more pronounced with age. Keep your teeth white by carrying disposable toothbrushes--like Colgate Wisps (1), $8, drugstore.com--in your purse and brushing up after eating or drinking to remove bacteria. Plus, use whitening strips every six months. Try Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips, $55, at drugstores.

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