Ways You May Be Unknowingly Aging Your Skin

Posted on August 11, 2014

Most people know that certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking, can cause premature signs of aging to develop throughout the face. Smoking robs individuals of oxygenated blood flow and damages collagen and elastin, two proteins that are integral to healthy, elastic skin. Also, the repeated motion of puckering your lips over a cigarette can cause wrinkles around the mouth.

However, there are many other ways you could be prematurely aging your skin, and you may not even know it. That is why Dr. David Rankin, a premier plastic surgeon, is sharing the following ways you may be unknowingly aging your skin.

Mistreating the Sensitive Skin Around Your Eyes

The skin around your eyes is thinner than elsewhere on your body, and very sensitive. Rubbing or tugging on the skin around your eyes while removing makeup can lead to dark circles under the eyes and, eventually, to wrinkles around the outer edges of the eyes (e.g., crow’s feet). With this in mind, care for the skin around your eyes carefully. In addition, don’t forget to wear your sunglasses when you are outside, to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, which can also lead to visible signs of aging.

Not Getting the Right Nutrients

Your skin reflects what you eat. If you constantly load up on sugar, you could activate a physiological process called glycatin that causes the collagen and elastin proteins to harden. You should also check to make sure you are getting sufficient amounts of vitamins A, C and E, antioxidants that help curb the damage caused by free radicals (the unstable molecules in your body). Finally, consume omega-3 fatty acids to keep the outer layer of your skin strong and supple, so it remains effective in keeping out external pollutants and toxins.

Not Staying Hydrated

About 70 percent of your body is water, with your skin containing a substantial amount of that water. Although drinking an excessive amount of water will not necessarily give you glowing skin, not drinking enough water will make your skin appear dry and wrinkled. To keep your skin looking soft and hydrated, do not forget to … hydrate!

Not Getting a Sufficient Amount of Sleep

Besides making you feel cranky and tired, not getting enough sleep each night (i.e., about seven to eight hours a night for adults) can also take a toll on your skin. While you sleep, your body releases human growth hormone to help repair skin cells and other tissues. If you do not get enough sleep, your body does not release enough of the human growth hormone to keep skin healthy.

A lack of sleep can also cause your body to release more cortisol, the stress hormone. Having an excessive amount of cortisol can damage skin collagen, the protein that is essential for smooth, elastic skin.

What to Do If Your Skin Could Use Some Help

If you already notice visible signs of aging creeping up, Dr. Rankin can help. He provides both facial rejuvenation surgery and nonsurgical cosmetic treatment options to help your skin looks its best.

To schedule a personal consultation with Jupiter / Fort Lauderdale plastic surgeon Dr. David Rankin to find out about your facial rejuvenation treatment options, contact Aqua Plastic Surgery by calling (561) 776-2830 or (954) 564-3832.