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If you’re diligent about skincare, then you probably know the basics of preventing rapid aging. Unfortunately, there are a lot of surprising ways you can harm your skin and age your face other than smoking, excessive drinking, neglecting sunscreen, and tanning. Here are some factors you might not have considered that could be making you look older faster.
Secondhand Smoke
Even when you’re not the one doing the smoking, any smoke in your vicinity can cause a myriad of problems to your skin and overall health. The chemicals in cigarette smoke constrict blood flow, reducing oxygen in the skin which accelerates aging rapidly.
Pollution
You may be used to the smog, but your skin certainly doesn’t appreciate it. Pollution is a dangerous variable because it can be composed of various unknown irritants and components that age the skin, and it’s difficult to know what harm it is doing. Additionally, it is difficult to avoid pollution, particularly for those living in urban areas.
Consumption of Inflammatory Foods
Sugar, white bread, and other processed foods cause inflammation, which can make your skin wrinkle more easily. Why risk premature aging and weight gain?
Lack of Sleep
“Beauty sleep” may not be just an expression. Getting enough rest helps you focus and perform tasks better, but it also allows your skin to regenerate and reduces stress (which can age your skin prematurely). Get your rest whenever possible–your skin will thank you.
Neglecting Your Eyes
The skin around the eyes is extremely sensitive and prone to early aging, but most people don’t look after this delicate skin as they do the rest of their face. Pay special attention to the skin around your eyes, and you will have a better chance of bright, youthful eyes later in life!
Harsh Soaps
Normal soap can strip the skin of moisture, causing dull and uneven skin that is more prone to wrinkling. Use a gentle cleanser, especially on your facial skin. A dermatologist can recommend proper products for your skin type.
Straw Sips
If straws aren’t safe, what is? Unfortunately, the repetitive movements that occur from sipping through a straw or bottle can cause dynamic wrinkles around the mouth. While this isn’t a major worry, it is something to keep in mind.
Swimming Pools
If you’re a swimmer, then you probably know how harsh chlorine can be on your hair. It also does a number on your skin, so be sure to wash thoroughly as soon as you can after hopping out of the pool. Residue left over from the pool can prove harmful, especially over time.
Poor Makeup Habits
Leaving your makeup on too long (such as overnight) and never allowing your skin to breathe allows bacteria and dirt to collect, harming your skin. Go bare-faced once in a while to give your skin a breather, remove your makeup before bed, and use gentle cosmetics for best results.
Super Hot Showers
While hot showers feel great, they can irritate your skin and strip it of oils and moisture. Resist the urge to scald your skin and dial back the heat.
Inconsistent Dieting
Gaining and losing weight over and over again can cause strain on your skin, creating stretch marks. Be kind to your body and skin and stick to a healthy and steady diet of wholesome foods.
Too Much Frowning & Squinting
You can’t present an emotionless mask to the world, but you can be aware of how much you’re frowning, squinting, or otherwise encouraging wrinkle formation by making repetitive facial movements. Try to limit these actions for a younger-looking face later on!
Prevention
Fortunately, many of these factors can be lessened or avoided by changing lifestyle habits. Just as you would reduce sun exposure by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen or quit smoking for more youthful skin, any little positive changes you can make in your routine can go a long way to preserving beautiful, youthful skin. Equally as important is keeping up your skincare regimen and visiting a dermatologist regularly.
Fight Back with Skin Treatments
You may not be able to prevent all damage to your skin, but you can fight aging with cosmetic skin treatments administered by a cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon. There are many options for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments, varying in price, effectiveness, and invasiveness. Here are some popular skin treatments to get that youthful glow:
- Botox injections, for “dynamic” wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movements
- Facial fillers, for wrinkles, fine lines, and facial volume loss
- Laser resurfacing, for wrinkles, uneven texture, sun and age-related discoloration, and redness
- Ultherapy®, ultrasound treatment to treat sagging skin and create firmer skin
- eMatrix™, radiofrequency treatment for a wide variety of aesthetic problems, including pigment, texture, tone, scars, and wrinkles
- Microdermabrasion & Chemical Peels, for skin tone, mild wrinkling, and overall texture
- Regular professional facials, for ongoing skin health and appearance
Only an experienced cosmetic dermatologist can recommend the best treatments for your skin, so it’s best to find a regular dermatologist you trust and have a rapport with.
Looking for a Skincare Advisor?
If you’re not sure where to turn to find the best of the best in skincare, look no further than Dr. Diane Walder & Dr. Stacy Chimento of the Miami area. Dr. Walder is a national resource for cosmetic dermatology, and is often quoted in major beauty publications. Dr. Walder’s knowledge, experience, and skill make her an excellent choice for your skincare advice and treatments. Call 305-866-2177 today to schedule an appointment.
