Health and lifestyle of the smoker. It adversely affects the lungs, brain and heart and it also leads to premature aging and wrinkling.
Skin damage caused by long-term smoking results in grayish looking skin and lines around the mouth and eyes. The skin’s collagen and elastin are both affected and this causes the pale look that smokers have. Reversing the effects of long-term smoking may be difficult but there are ways to minimize the damage. By following these steps, you can be on your way to reclaiming your youthful look!
- Quit smoking
Before you can attempt to repair the damage, you have to quit the habit. You have to stop tobacco use in order to stop further damage to the skin. The chemicals in the cigarette cause a reduction in the blood flow to the organs, resulting in the premature aging and wrinkling. The skin is deprived of oxygen and essential nutrients, affecting the regeneration of the skin cells.
- Improve your diet
After you quit smoking, the next step is to improve your diet. You need to start eating healthy foods that will improve the quality of your skin. Foods rich in vitamins C and E including fruits and vegetables, will enhance skin protection. Smoking affects the body’s ability to absorb the essential vitamins, which contributes to the premature aging. When you eat a healthy diet and hydrate the skin with plenty of water, you can minimize most of the damage. You should also avoid caffeine and alcohol as these drinks contribute to dehydration.
- Take supplements
Another step in the skin repair process is to take vitamin supplements regularly. You have to ensure that you take in adequate amounts of vitamins A and C and the best way is to supplement your diet with these wonderful nutrients.
Taking good quality supplements alongside a healthy diet will help to repair some of the damage brought on by smoking. It is important to talk to a doctor or nutritionist who can recommend the best supplements in the market.
- Skin care regimen
Taking good care of your skin through cleansing and moisturizing is essential. You need a good skin care routine and for this, you need the best products. Consult a skin care specialist who will recommend the best skin care products for you. A deep pore cleanser will help to clean your smoke dried skin and when you complete the process with a good moisturizer, you can regain some of the lost luster. Make sure that you use products that are formulated for your skin type.
- Anti-aging skin product
Manufacturers have come up with topical products that can be very helpful in reducing the signs of premature aging. The advanced products like Retinoid can diminish the appearance of wrinkles and leave the face looking noticeably smoother. Before you reach for the first product that makes anti-aging promises, you need to find out the products that actually work. Products that contain the essential vitamins will improve the appearance of the face. A cream or lotion containing hydroxy acids can help in skin exfoliation. Some of these products require a prescription but you can also get non-prescriptions.
- Consult a dermatologist
When you have severe skin damage due to smoking, you need to see a dermatologist who will offer the best solutions. While topical products might offer some help, you might need skin rejuvenation treatment to get the appearance that you want. The skin treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, dermabrasion and chemical peels help to reduce the appearance of the wrinkles. It is important to ensure that an experienced professional carries out the procedures.
- Cosmetic surgery
If the non-invasive procedures do not produce the desired results, you can get cosmetic surgery. An experienced surgeon can help to reverse the damage caused by smoking. For instance, a face-lift can help to reverse the damage and give your skin a better appearance. However, this option is costly and it is very important to make sure that you get any cosmetic procedure from a highly qualified plastic surgeon.
In summary, the effects of smoking on the skin can tend to be grave and serious so you should definitely quit the habit before it is too late. You do not have to wait until you look ten years older than you are today. At the very least, switching to electronic cigarettes will help you to quit tobacco smoking for now if you find it to quit cold turkey. One step at a time, my friends!
