THE ROSE REVIEW: Health and Beauty

Based on “Skin Aging-Are You Speeding Up The Process?” posted by Constance Wherrity at piercemattie.com

Edited (with Introduction) by Dr. Don Rose

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Skin is the body’s largest organ, so it’s important to know how to take care of it. Especially crucial is the facial area; we all want it to look its best, since the face is usually the first thing people see about us, and something we have to experience with every gaze into a mirror. This article presents some tips to help slow down the inevitable process of aging skin, which will hopefully give our face something to smile about. --Don Rose

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Someone (I believe it was P. T. Barnum) once said you'll never go broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people. You will also never go broke overestimating its vanity. We are a nation obsessed with looking young. As baby boomers start turning 60 in '06, statistics show the U.S. market for anti-aging products and services is "growing at an average growth rate (AAGR) of 9.5%” and “will reach nearly $72 billion by 2009"*. While science has made advancements in both topical and minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures, certain lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, sleep loss, sun exposure) can unknowingly sabotage your personal aesthetic goals.

While natural aging is a given genetic reality, we do have control over extrinsic aging. The process of premature aging is caused by poor lifestyle habits that actually accelerate skin aging, including wrinkles, rough texture and uneven pigmentation. According to leading dermatologist Jeannette Graf, current research reveals that the following dynamics accelerate the skin's aging process:

• Sun exposure -- This is no surprise. The sun does not do a complexion good. From basic dryness to a high risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, UV rays cause daily damage to skin. "Wearing a high SPF sunscreen every day is the one product I recommend to all of my patients," says Graf.

• Smoking -- As you might guess, tobacco=trouble; cigarette smoking is generally bad for the body, and hence is another culprit that robs skin of its health. Smoking not only directly damages the fibers that provide elasticity and support, causing skin to prematurely wrinkle and droop, but it also decreases the flow of both blood and vital nutrients to the skin's surface, leaving it dry and crinkled looking.

• Diet -- What you put into your body is just as important as what you put on, says Graf. A high-fiber diet rich in antioxidant fruits and vegetables will result in a healthier and more radiant complexion. Bottom line: limit alcohol and cola consumption, which depletes the body of its nutrients, and add more wholesome foods, such as lean proteins, fruits, green leafy vegetables and plenty of fresh water.

• Sleep loss -- While sleep deprivation is known to cause weight gain and loss of mental concentration, it also affects skin health by robbing it of its precious rejuvenation time. During slumber, your skin (along with the rest of your body) undergoes a period of revitalization. Loss of sleep interrupts this phase, imparting telltale signs such as dark under-eye circles and dry, flaky complexion.

Yes, aging is inevitable, but you can make small efforts to ensure that you don't help speed up the process. You'll never get beautiful underestimating the need to get a good night's sleep, eat a healthful diet and use sun protection each day. Follow these wise steps, and you'll be sure to keep your skin looking young and vibrant.

* Julia Dvorko, BCC Research 2005

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The article above and the content it is based on are covered by a Creative Commons License. The information provided is, to the best of our knowledge, reliable and accurate. However, while The Rose Review always strives to provide true, precise and consistent information, we cannot guarantee 100 percent accuracy. Readers are encouraged to gather more information before drawing conclusions and making decisions.

Jeannette Graf, M.D., F.A.A.D., is a board-certified clinical and research dermatologist specializing in the research of ingredients that inhibit the signs of aging.

Dr. Don Rose writes books, papers and articles on many topics, including computers, the Internet, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and issues related to seniors.

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