Wrinkles, creases, lines and folds are synonymous with aging. But where do they originate? There are actually several factors that you can control to delay some of the physical signs of aging. Below, the factors are broken down into two groups: lifestyle and environmental.
Lifestyle Factors:
Food
You’ve heard it before. You are what you eat! What you put in to your body will have a profound effect on the way your skin looks and feels. If you eat garbage foods, your skin is likely to look unhealthy, dry and pasty. On the flip side, if you consume a diet packed with nutrient-rich proteins such as fish and meat, leafy greens and colorful fruit, your skin will glow naturally from the inside. Wrinkles will be less apparent when the skin takes on a smooth, healthy texture.
Water
Hydration is so critical. Dehydration, even to the slightest degree, will not only lead to dry skin, but it can have potential adverse health effects, like failure of the organs and tissues to function properly. Make sure to drink lots of water when you first wake up, and keep drinking throughout the day. Half a gallon per day is ideal.
Facial Expressions
You can’t live without smiling or frowning, but these repeated muscle contractions do form lines and wrinkles over time. If you’re in your 20s or 30s, preventative Botox can help prevent the formation of wrinkles. Read more about Botox here.
Environmental Factors:
Sun Exposure
With our offices located in Jupiter and Palm City, Florida, we see a lot of sun damaged skin. UV radiation from exposure to the sun is the number one environmental factor that accelerates signs of aging. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 90% of visible skin aging can be attributed directly to UV exposure. Sun exposure rapidly depletes your body of collagen and elastin -- two extremely important components of naturally plump and youthful skin. Use your SPF, South Florida!
Geographical Location
Dry climate and high altitude can have an adverse effect on your skin. If you live in a dry climate or high altitude, be sure to keep your thirsty skin moisturized with high quality lotions and creams.
Smoke
Being around secondhand smoke can take a toll on your skin. Secondhand smoke affects the skin because collagen-destroying enzymes ramp up when exposed to tobacco smoke, causing visible aging to the skin
Pollution
Pollution can cause uneven skin tone, accelerated aging and believe it or not, even skin cancer. When microscopic specks of smoke, soot, acid and other pollutants come into contact with your skin, it doesn’t just sit on the surface. It infiltrates the deeper layers of the epidermis, not only causing inflammation and dehydration, but also causing a cellular-level reaction that breaks down collagen and the skin’s lipid which impairs skin barrier functions and leads to a loss of elasticity and firmness. If you live in a polluted area, proper skin cleansing and using antioxidant serums daily can have a positive effect on your skin.
If the appearance of wrinkles and lines is bothering you, we encourage you to get in touch with our staff at The Palm Beach Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery! Dr. Azzi can help find anti-aging solutions based on your needs and preferences. It can be as easy as a 5 minute Botox or filler session or something more permanent like a facelift. We also offer dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Call (561) 429-5403 or click here to set up an appointment today.