Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Unhealthy Habits Speed Up The Aging Process

To age gracefully.  That may be on the top of many of our wish lists, however, some of your daily habits could actually be promoting the formation of wrinkles, tired eyes and other signs of aging. 

Many women and men turn to cosmetic surgery and non-invasive aesthetic treatments to help turn back the hands of time.

Botox, fillers, facelifts, Mixto laser skin resurfacing and monthly facials are just a few effective ways to make it look like time is passing more slowly for you than for your peers. 

But the simplest intervention most of us could commit to in order to age as well as possible would be to omit the bad behaviors that make us feel and look older than we would like.

Here are the most common offenders:

Smoking. 
Smoking tobacco is not only damaging to your lungs, it also takes a toll on your skin by decreasing blood flow through the tiny vessels to the skin and diminishing its elasticity (that quality of young, healthy skin that makes it look full and vibrant).  Nicotine diminishes the Vitamin C in our bodies needed to keep skin looking young and radiant.  Cigarette smoke exposure causes your skin to look old, dry, and more wrinkled. Stop smoking- talk to your doctor if necessary for help, but smoking is the single most important deliberate and destructive behavior we could engage in. Stop now.

Laying Out.
Sunspots, wrinkles, and leathery skin are all evidence of sun damage.  Unfortunately, it’s only years after the harmful exposure that these signs appear. Excessive exposure to harmful UV rays, from the sunshine or a tanning bed, will also increase your risk of skin cancer.  Be sure to always lather up with sunscreen before heading outdoors, and don’t spend excessive time in direct sunlight.

Here at Aesthetic Enhancements we offer the MiXto Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser and the IPL Photofacial both of which can help treat sun damage and rejuvenate the skin for a younger looking complexion. If you are seeing signs of damage from your baby oil and iodine youth, call us today for a free consultation on how to restore your skin to a healthier and younger looking condition.

High Stress Levels. 
While keeping busy may be your style, overworking yourself can be stressful.  Stress is one of the major offenders when it comes to aging of the skin. 

Take a break –meditate, exercise, or just lose yourself in some favorite music for a few minutes during long workdays to help keep your sanity and give your skin time to restore itself under these more positive conditions.


Lack of Sleep.  
If you don’t get enough rest, your body does not have the time to replenish and repair itself.  Eight hours is recommended for a healthy night’s sleep.  Tired, saggy skin and dark under eye circles can be the result if you pull all nighters too frequently.  So do your skin a favor, and catch some Zz’s!

Having trouble sleeping? Physicians and sleep experts agree- your best remedy is to exercise more. If you wake frequently during the night and your spouse or significant other says you are prone to snoring, you may want to discuss this with your doctor, as these may be signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.

Unhealthy Eating.  
What we choose to eat affects our health and physique, but did you know it affects our skin too?  Even if you eat a balanced meal, be sure not to consume too many cooked foods.  Raw, wholesome, natural foods such as raw fruits, greens and vegetables contain live enzymes - which are destroyed when foods are cooked.  These enzymes not only help digest food, but also fight disease and signs of aging!

Alcohol Consumption.  
Research suggests that drinking alcohol in moderation can actually be good for your body, raising your good cholesterol level and reducing the risk of heart disease.  On the other hand, too much alcohol depletes your body of water, important vitamins, and minerals resulting in dehydrated and parched skin.  Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause blemishes and a dry, dull appearance.  However, a drink or two every now and then won’t cause any significant damage.

Not sure what might be causing you to look older or more tired than you would like? Come in to Aesthetic Enhancements for your free skin analysis and consultation. Our friendly experts will have you looking your best in short order!


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