Scared of growing older? Prevent wrinkles by avoiding these causes of aging: smoking, overexposure to sun, poor diet, and poor skincare
Wrinkle prevention is important to many people. However, many of us have damaging habits that are not only bad for the health of the body, but can also cause wrinkles. These wrinkle-causing habits are: smoking, high sun exposure, poor diet and poor skincare.
Smoking: A habit like smoking is the fastest and most damaging way to skin aging. Often we talk of smoking and the terrible effects it has on the body, primarily the lungs and esophagus. But smoking also harms the largest body organ, the skin. Nicotine found in cigarettes will break down collagen which causes the skin to lose its elasticity. Also, because smoking requires the continual use of muscles around the mouth, mouth wrinkles will form and become deep over the years. There has also been some evidence to show that smoking can cause the pigment in the skin to change. (Jones, 65)
Sun Exposure: Sun prevention is another way to prevent wrinkles. Avoiding the sun or limiting sun exposure will help reduce wrinkles. UVA rays cause skin wrinkles and aging. The best way to prevent sun exposure is to limit it. If exposed to the sun for long periods of time, then protection is important. Use sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and cover with long sleeves, pants and a hat.
Poor Diet: Eating a diet with high fats and few vegetables will also contribute to skin wrinkles. To prevent wrinkles, a diet with high antioxidant food will help reestablish collagen and regain elasticity. Vegetables like tomatoes, red peppers, kale and fruits like blueberries will greatly prevent wrinkles. Plus it is important to drink water throughout the day; this will also help hydrate the skin to reduce wrinkles.
Poor Skincare: Proper skincare can contribute to reduced wrinkles. Taking the time to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and moisturize on a daily basis will help fight the natural breakdown of skin aging. An eye cream is also an important step for women over 25.
Growing older is not always easy but there are simple measures we can take to wrinkle prevention. Family heredity does play a large part in how our bodies’ age. However, just because wrinkles “run in the family” does not mean wrinkle prevention is impossible. Don’t take the fight lying down! Take the effort to take care of the skin and stop the bad habits that are causing skin wrinkles.
References:
Jones, Robert. Looking Younger: Makeovers that make you look as young as you feel. Massachusetts: Fair Winds Press, 2008
Epigee: Women’s Health. Preventing Wrinkles. October 22, 2008. (Online)
The copyright of the article Wrinkle Prevention in Skin/Nail Care is owned by Chrissy Dolezal. Permission to republish Wrinkle Prevention in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
I've often heard about how to prevent wrinkles and one common suggestion is
to avoid sun exposure. However, I've noticed that African women and women
of African origin (Afro-Caribbean, African-American, etc) tend not to
develop wrinkles or develop them in a much lower quality and quantity than
women of European origin. Why is this? Wouldn't they have more wrinkles
because they come from extremely sunny climates? Is there a difference in
skin type according to ethnicity?
May 10, 2009 11:38 AM
Chrissy Dolezal :
Yes, there is a difference in skin. African American skin will have an
uneven skintone and sagging instead of wrinkles. I just interviewed Dr
Susan Taylor who is one of the leading experts on dark skintones. An
article with more information will be up later this week.
Jun 2, 2009 4:22 PM
Guest :
I sun bath several times a week, and smoke Hookah or Clove Cigarettes 2 or
three times a month. I am only 18 and I am wondering if there is a product
I can start using now to prevent the signs of damage I am causing my skin?
Jun 5, 2009 12:59 PM
Guest :
I purchased the Made from Earth "Vitamin Enhanced Moisturizer"
from their website two weeks ago and it is fantastic!! With daily use over
the last 2 weeks, it has completely cleared up the dry, red, crusty, itchy
spots between my eyebrows, the sides of my nose and the corners of my
mouth. It has also greatly diminished the discoloration on my cheekbones
and above my upper lip (this one looked much like a thin mustache, I hated
it).
I have tried creams, scrubs, etc., to no avail, but this
product actually does all that the manfacturer says it will do. It seems to
break down the discoloration and start to remove it first in the area which
is not the thickest and goes on to the most prominent parts. The
moisturizer goes on smoothly, is not greasy, absorbs quickly, leaving my
skin feeling soft and revitalized. It only takes a small amount to cover
the face and neck area. I am noticing a difference in the reduction of the
crow's feet in the corners of my eyes and in the smoothness of the neck
area. It worked fast and great for me. I hope that others will be as
satisfied as I am with it. I'm going to invest in other Made from Earth
products in their line, such as their face scrub, and the olive night time
moisturizer. Even though it cost more than I usually pay for skin care
products, it is more than well worth it. I can see now that it will last
longer than most and I can't say this enough "IT WORKS"!!
Jun 5, 2009 7:43 PM
Chrissy Dolezal :
Honestly the best thing you can do now is change your habits. Smoking and
Sun bathing are bad for your skin and health.
Jun 5, 2009 7:47 PM
Chrissy Dolezal :
Thanks for the tip on Made from Earth. I'll have to look more into that
company. Thanks.