By Kim Myers
Each day there are more pollutants invading our environment, therefore causing free radicals, thus causing the skin to age at a quicker pace. We can drink and eat foods with anti-oxidants, wear sunscreen, and even special serums/cosmetics that help provide boundaries between skin and these pollutants. It is difficult to completely avoid pollution because it is in the air we breathe and the food we eat, but you can assist in fighting them by increasing the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables by choosing organically grown produce when possible.
Each day there are more pollutants invading our environment, therefore causing free radicals, thus causing the skin to age at a quicker pace. We can drink and eat foods with anti-oxidants, wear sunscreen, and even special serums/cosmetics that help provide boundaries between skin and these pollutants. It is difficult to completely avoid pollution because it is in the air we breathe and the food we eat, but you can assist in fighting them by increasing the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables by choosing organically grown produce when possible.
Smoking is another bad choice people make not only causing skin damage, but also damage to lungs, internal organs, throat, gums, heart, and other areas. Smoking is bad, bad, bad. It is probably one of the most damaging things you can do to your skin next to getting in the sun. The nicotine in cigarettes causes skin to look gray, sallow, and sickly yellow. Smoking also attacks the fibers in the skin and breaks down collagen and elastin. This can make a person look much older than they are. Remember, smoking not only gives you bad breath, but those little "cancer sticks" are just no good for you. QUIT NOW. JUST DO IT.
The sun is probably the most damaging of all the deadly skin sins. If a person wore sunscreen their entire life and always protected themselves with proper clothing, they wouldn’t have wrinkles on their skin until approximately 60 years of age. Just an interesting little factoid. When skin is exposed to the sun, ultraviolet light produces molecules called free radicals which cause the destruction of the skin’s cells. This process can occur in as little as 3 minutes. Can you believe that? If you’re going to be in the sun for just going out and in an SPF 15 should be suitable, but if you’re headed to the beach or you know you’ll be out in the sun for awhile, an SPF 30 or above should be worn and reapplied. Remember to apply generously too and that means 2 to 3 ounces per your body. Plus, it is a good idea to stay out of the sun during peak hours from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Alcohol is another little gem that can dilate blood vessels and can lead to broken veins and high pinkish/red color. Alcohol reduces the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Studies have shown that just 2 drinks a day can dehydrate the skin enough to make wrinkles more prominent. Alcohol eliminates vitamin C, a very important nutrient the body needs to function. It is advised to aim for three alcohol-free days a week and drink 2 glasses of water for every glass of alcohol. Or even better, just don’t drink any alcohol. I must admit though, I yield to at least three glasses of red wine a week because of the benefits it provides for my heart since I’m allergic to aspirin. Next week we’ll discuss the three remaining "skin sins" and the harm they exhibit on the body. Some information taken from "The Complete Beauty Book" by Helen Foster.
Please email if you have any questions at wahuhi@comcast.net.
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