Enemies of the skin
The skin is the largest working organ of the body, you can see it and therefore it tells everyone what is happening to your body.
Does smoking affect my skin?
The answer is yes, smoking causes a yellow, pale colouration or sluggish looking complexion, closed skin pores and premature wrinkles particularly around the mouth, eyes and lower cheeks. These wrinkles form in smokers as young as 25 years old, become very pronounced during their 30's, and usually compare to the facial lines of a non smoker who is at least ten years older.
Why does smoking affect my skin?
Smokers use more vitamin C than non-smokers; this vitamin boosts collagen production and blood circulation. The loss of vitamin C leads to the breakdown of collagen and subsequent loss of elasticity resulting in more lines. Smokers who sunbathe wrinkle even faster, as UV rays accelerate the production of an anti-collagen protein. Tobacco smoke also triggers an enzyme which breaks down collagen. Once collagen has been destroyed, it is gone forever. Smoke alone restricts the blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin, robbing it of oxygen and nutrients; this encourages free radical action and speeds up the ageing process of the skin.
What are the effects of alcohol on my skin?
Alcohol dehydrates the body and skin and can cause premature ageing. It affects the blood circulation resulting in blushing, flushing and reddening particularly across the cheek area, this can result in spider and broken veins or even trigger rosacea (a severe skin condition affecting the cheeks, nose, and chin).
How will social drugs affect my skin?
An excess of social drugs can cause headaches and sickness killing off brain cells and damaging the liver and kidneys. Therefore the body stops functioning properly and the skin will age prematurely with lines, wrinkles and colour discolouration.
How can sugar cause skin problems?
Sugar can reduce collagen production resulting in decreased elasticity and early ageing.
How does Salt affect my looks?
Too much salt dehydrates the body, and can lead to a puffy skin, especially under the eyes. Drinking more water at the same time as reducing your salt intake will help decrease the puffiness.
Does caffeine affect the skin?
Caffeine dehydrates the body, puts a strain on the liver and also affects the absorption of nutrients leading to premature ageing of the skin.
Is it true that caffeine is in tea as well as coffee?
Yes, caffeine is present in both and it is wise to restrict your combined coffee and tea intake to less than 6 cups per day particularly if you suffer with headaches or tiredness.
What if I cannot or do not want to give up these addictions and social drugs?
Cutting down will help in all cases; it is not easy and may need a strong will and discipline at first. I suggest you limit yourself to half of what you take at the moment and delay when you take them, for example, if you smoke all day, can you delay the first cigarette until the lunchtime break or even until after 6pm? With alcohol, 'dilute' it, when drinking wine ask for a spritzer (half wine with half water), if drinking spirits only have a single measure and fill up the glass with the soft part eg soda, tonic, ginger ale. Again delay when you have that first drink, and try soft drinks such as cranberry juice with soda. Reduce salt by adding herbs for flavour.
A Tip: Try asking yourself this question before accepting anything - 'will this make be fit and healthy?' Be truthful in your answer!
Are there other ways for me to regain what I may have lost?
Yes, exercise (even a brisk 15 minute walk every day) will increase circulation and start the production of serotonin - the 'happy hormone'. Try this on the gloomiest of days, but you must walk briskly!
Increase your vitamin C by adding fresh fruit to your diet every day. Vitamin C supplements will help as vitamin C is not stored by the body nor stored in fruit for very long.
Drink 6-8 glasses of water every day. Fruit juices do not count as they are classed as food. Water rushes through the body washing out and clearing the digestive system quickly and effectively, if you hate water try mixing it with very dilute squash or herbal teas.
Tip 1: drink a glass of water while you are waiting for the kettle to boil, then you can really enjoy your tea or coffee!
Tip 2: drink a glass of water every hour on the hour from 9am till 5pm.
Will skin products and sunscreens help?
Yes, good sunscreens block the sun's harmful rays protecting the skin from burning and allowing it to tan at its own natural rate. Look for an SPF of 15+ or higher that is 'broad spectrum', which means it protects from both UVA and UVB rays. In winter use a moisturiser with UVA protection even on the dull, gloomy days. Look for face and also body moisturisers that do not contain mineral or paraffin oil, these form a film on the skin blocking pores and interfering with normal skin respiration, no lanolin as this can cause irritations in sensitive skin. Keep your skin care products free from solvent alcohol, artificial colours and artificial fragrances, all of which are known irritants.
A good skin care routine is an investment and not a luxury, and should only take a few minutes in the morning and in the evening. 'Routine' is the key word here, making the effort to fit it into your busy schedule can be difficult at first but certainly repays the time taken both in the way your skin will look and glow, and also in the soft, smooth way it will feel.
I do hope that this article inspires and helps you, and I wish you well in achieving your goal.
Helen Reeves, MBABTAC (fellow), Nutrimetics Consultant (ind)
Location: Copthorne, West Sussex RH10
Email: nutrimeticshelen@aol.com
Web: www.helen-reeves.co.uk
Helen has over 30 years in Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology. She hosts The Women's Business Club North Sussex Premier Lunch every month, is a public speaker on various associated topics at many events in Sussex, and regularly writes article for NutriLiving magazine.
She is offering exclusively for YourDoc Medical Clients:
References for this article:
- Nutrimetics Science Lab
- Bretlands College, CIBTAC training in Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology, Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition, Exercise, Electrolysis, Massage, Aromatherapy, MLD Massage.
- Own knowledge and experience
About Helen Reeves
I started my corporate life in hotels and the airline industry, before completing a CIBTAC diploma in Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology and Electrolysis. I am qualified in Anatomy & Physiology, Skin & Body Care - both manual and electrical, Nutrition, Exercise & Fitness, and Make-up.
Further qualifications quickly followed in Aromatherapy, Manual Lymph Drainage and massage techniques such as Sports & Remedial, MET, PRT, NMT.
Article copyright YourDoc Medical Ltd 2010. All rights reserved.
