Information about the Effects & Risks of Smoking:
Skin Care for Smokers
A study carried out at the University of Michigan
demonstrated that there is a direct link between smoking and the
appearance of wrinkles on the upper arm. This goes to prove what has
long been propagated - that smoking has an adverse effect on more than
just the skin on your face. As a result, smokers have to pay more
attention to their skin as opposed to their non-smoking counterparts.
One of the best things you can do for your skin is
to quit smoking. What if, you say, this is not an option? Well, there
are other things you can do to help minimize or combat the effects of
smoking on skin, and here’s your guide to the same.
Exercise and Diet:
If you feel you cannot quit smoking, it is
imperative that you take proactive action when it comes to skin care,
and this has to begin with your exercising and paying attention to what
you eat/drink. Exercising helps increase the flow of blood, and thereby
helps in nourishing skin cells. In addition, there are specific facial
exercises which help tone your facial skin. Your diet should include
foods from all basic food groups, and you should ensure getting enough
Vitamins A & C along with a healthy supply of antioxidants. Plenty of
water is also recommended.
Keeping it Simple:
If you are looking at simple ways to serve as
treatment for skin damage, take heart in knowing that there’s a lot you
can do. Here are some pointers which can help you with smoking and skin
damage that comes as part of the habit.
·
Exfoliate you skin as often as required using natural scrubs (everyday
to at least once a week).
·
If you have dry skin, use a suitable moisturizer on a day to day basis.
·
Use a moisturising cleanser before you go to bed each night.
·
Follow this up with using a good skin-toner.
·
Apply a face mask at least once a week.
·
Whilst out in the sun, use sunscreen.
·
Pamper yourself with the occasional facial and/or face massage.
Lactic Acid Peels:
Lactic acid peels have gained a fair amount of
popularity in the recent past, and they essentially work by exfoliating
the skin’s damaged or thickened exterior layers. Lactic acid also
penetrates within the skin and aids in the formation of collagen and the
production of new skin cells. Apart from working in treating conditions
like acne and sun damage, lactic acid peels also help in decreasing the
fine lines and wrinkles often attributed to smoking.
Botox:
While Botox does find a number of takers when it
comes to reducing fine lines and wrinkles, there are many people who
still view this option with scepticism. Quite safe when handled by an
expert, this method can also be used to effectively get rid of the fine
lines and wrinkles which can be attributed to smoking and premature
aging.
Again, if you are truly worried about smoking and
skin damage, know that your best bet is to quit smoking. And if that’s
an uphill battle for now, you can start by exercising, eating right, and
following the aforementioned basic preventative measures.
