Anti-Aging Advice to Keep Skin Looking Nice
Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose, Writer,
Life Alert
--
Skin is the body’s largest organ, so it’s
important to know how to take care of it. Especially crucial is the facial area;
we all want it to look its best, since the face is usually the first thing people
see about us, and something we have to experience with every gaze into a mirror.
This article presents some tips to help slow down the inevitable process of aging
skin, which will hopefully give our face something to smile about. --Don Rose
--
It's no secret that our society is obsessed with looking young. As baby boomers
turn 60, statistics show the
U.S.
market for anti-aging products and services is "growing at an average growth rate
(AAGR) of 9.5%” and “will reach nearly $72 billion by 2009"*. While science has
made advancements in both topical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, certain
lifestyle factors -- such as smoking, sleep loss
and sun exposure -- can unknowingly sabotage your personal aesthetic goals.
Although natural aging is a given, inherited via our genes, we do have control over
extrinsic aging. The process of premature aging
is caused by poor lifestyle habits that actually accelerate skin aging, including
wrinkles, rough texture and uneven pigmentation. According to leading dermatologist
Jeannette Graf, current research reveals that the following dynamics accelerate
the skin's aging process:
• Sun exposure - No surprise here: the sun does not do a complexion good. From basic
dryness to a high risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, UV rays cause daily damage
to skin. "Wearing a high SPF sunscreen every day is the one product I recommend
to all of my patients," says Graf.
• Smoking - Another culprit that robs skin of its health. Smoking not only directly
damages the fibers that provide elasticity and support, causing skin to prematurely
wrinkle and droop, but it also decreases the flow of both blood and vital nutrients
to the skin's surface, leaving it dry and crinkled looking.
• Diet - What you put into your body is just as important as what you put on, says
Graf. A high-fiber diet rich in antioxidant fruits and vegetables will result in
a healthier and more radiant complexion. Bottom line: limit alcohol and cola consumption,
which depletes the body of its nutrients, and add more wholesome foods, such as
lean proteins, fruits, green leafy vegetables and plenty of fresh water.
• Sleep loss - While sleep deprivation is known to cause weight gain and loss of
mental concentration, it also affects skin health by robbing it of its precious
rejuvenation time. During slumber, your skin, as well as your body, undergoes a
period of revitalization. Loss of sleep interrupts this phase, imparting telltale
signs such as dark under-eye circles and dry, flaky complexion.
Aging is inevitable, but you can certainly make small efforts to ensure that you
don't help speed it along. By getting a good night's sleep, eating a healthful diet
and using sun protection each day, you'll be sure to keep both your skin and the
rest of your body looking young and vibrant.
* Julia Dvorko, BCC Research 2005
The article above and the content it is based on are
covered by a Creative Commons License. The information provided
is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while
Life Alert always strives to provide true, precise and
consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged
to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.
Jeannette Graf, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified clinical and research dermatologist
specializing in the research of ingredients that inhibit the signs of aging.
Dr. Don Rose writes
books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial
intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors.
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