During his twilight years, American author Mark Twain said that “life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of 80 and gradually approach 18.”
Twain wasn’t the only one to think so. For centuries, people all over the world have sought ways to look younger. While people today turn to injectables such as Botox, Dysport and other anti-aging treatments and skin remedies, during the early age of global exploration, explorers were looking for the Fountain of Youth.
What Is the Fountain of Youth?
The Fountain of Youth is a mythological source of eternal life. It’s described in ancient texts — including the Bible — and has been depicted in art throughout history. The legend says there is an elixir or potion made from the “water of life” that can make you live forever.
The Fountain of Youth was believed by many to be located somewhere in Asia, but no one knew exactly where it was. Some thought it might be hidden deep within the Himalayas.
In the early modern period, it became widely believed that the legendary fountain existed in the Americas, particularly in the Caribbean islands, where it was thought to exist in the Bahamas and Cuba. In 1522, Christopher Columbus wrote about finding a fountain of youth near San Salvador Island in the Bahamas, while Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda found one in Cuba in 1494. Other reports of the Fountain of Youth came from the Aztec Empire, where it was known as Xochipilli; from the Inca Empire, where it was called Vilcabamba; and from the Tupi Indians, who told tales of a spring in Brazil.
And of course, historical records from explorer Juan Ponce de Leon claim that the Fountain of Youth was found in Florida near St. Augustine (which we can totally believe given our love of looking younger here in Florida!). Legend has it that de Leon discovered this magical fountain when he was searching for gold in 1513.
Capturing the Fountain of Youth Today
While the mythical Fountain of Youth remains a mystery, many doctors and scientists agree that certain vitamins and minerals play a role in keeping us youthful. For example, vitamin C helps build collagen, which keeps skin elastic and firm. Vitamin E protects against free radicals, which cause cell damage and aging. And zinc helps keep your immune system strong.
However, these nutrients alone cannot prevent aging or make you look younger. Instead, they help support the body’s natural processes of healing and repair.
So, what does science say about the Fountain of Youth? Well, according to Dr. Michael Roizen, author of “RealAge: Are You As Young As You Can Be?” and host of the PBS show “Dr. Oz Presents Real Age,” the Fountain of Youth doesn’t exist, but there are things you can do to live a longer, healthier life.
“It’s just an urban legend, like Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny,” says Roizen. “We know that eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and avoiding stress will lead to a longer life. But none of those things will turn back time.”
So, while you might not find the Fountain of Youth, you can still take steps to improve your health and feel and look better now! Step one is to schedule an appointment with us to find out about our facial rejuvenation services, including Dysport, Juvederm and laser skin-rejuvenation services.
Step two is to start taking care of yourself by eating right, sleeping well and staying active. Your skin will thank you!
Step three: Exercise. Exercise improves circulation, boosts metabolism and burns calories. It also increases muscle tone and bone density, making you stronger and more attractive. So get moving today!
And finally, step four: Don’t forget to smile. A smile releases endorphins into your brain, which makes you feel good and reduces stress.