Let’s face it. We can’t stop the clock when it comes to the age of our skin. There’s also not a lot we can do when it comes to dealing with our own genetics. These are biological determinants of aging.
There are other factors though, that we can control when it comes to combating fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, under eye circles and more. These are environmental skin-agers — the external things we expose our skin to that damage and age it prematurely.
Cigarette smoke. Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your overall health, as well as the health of your skin. Smoking damages the delicate skin under your eyes and breaks down the collagen responsible for keeping skin tights and fending off wrinkles. Some studies also show that on average, smokers look 1.4 years older than nonsmokers.
Turn back the clock by: kicking the habit. If you need additional help, your physician has resources that can make the transition easier. It can be tough to quit smoking, but your health, and your skin, will thank you for it.
The sun. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays damage the very DNA of your skin’s cells, causing not only fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles, but also potentially fatal skin cancers. It also breaks down elastin in the skin — fibers that help skin look smooth, taught, and firm.
Turn back the clock by: Keeping your skin protected each day, rain or shine, with a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. This includes your lips, the tops of your hands, even your ears.
Sugar. Sugar — this means carbs, sodas, and the dreaded office candy bowl – isn’t doing your skin any favors when it comes to aging. Sugar damages collagen, ups inflammation, triggers acne and other skin issues, and makes your skin more prone to future wrinkling.
Turn back the clock by: Swapping out refined sugars for healthy sweets, such as fruit. Opt for skin loving foods such as dark, leafy greens, avocados, salmon, tomatoes, walnuts, and pumpkin. Switch out sweet sodas and coffee for fruit-infused waters and tea. Can’t curb your sweet tooth completely? Go for antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, instead.
Pollution. Smog, pollution, and ozone in the air break down protective skin lipids, leaving it more prone to free radical and UV damage from the sun. This means more and deeper wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots. It also means skin is less resilient, and less capable to regaining lost smoothness and elasticity.
Alcohol. We all love a good happy hour after a long day at the office, but a few too many cocktails and your skin could pay the price. Alcohol saps your skin of moisture, and speeds up the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Excessive alcohol intake can also trigger breakouts.
Turn back the clock by: Cutting down on the number of cocktails you consume each week. Keep your skin moisturized, too, and don’t forget to up your water intake.
The good news is that all of these factors are in your power to control. And with help from the experts at Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, you can restore your skin to its youthful vibrancy. We offer a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures aimed at helping you look like your best, most confident self. Call our offices today to schedule your consultation.
