January 31st, 2012 • Posted by Shana Irish • Permalink
It is a well-known fact that cigarette smoking can have considerable harmful effects on one’s skin over an extended period of time. So what do you do if you’re a former chronic smoker who’s since quit smoking, but still have the worn, ashen skin that those years helped create? Well, there are several things that former smokers can do to treat their skin and rejuvenate its appearance.
The first thing you need to do when beginning treatment is to really understand what the damage is, rather than merely what caused it. Smoking causes an increase in oxidation and therefore the skin actually ages more rapidly. Smoking also causes skin to lose elasticity and collagen. There can also be discoloration of the skin and the skin can dry out more easily.
One of the most basic things you can do to improve your skin’s appearance, whether you’re a former smoker or not, is to drink plenty of water. We tend to be dehydrated without even knowing it, and this can play a major role in skin health. Increased water intake can have fantastic effects on dry, flaky skin, and it can be a good first start for ex-smokers looking to reclaim a more vibrant look.
It is also important to pay attention to what you are eating, of course. Make sure that you are eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruit and fresh vegetables. Antioxidants are key to improved skin health and appearance. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants and can be very effective in improving the look and feel of dermal tissue.
With the water intake increased and a diet that includes plenty of fruit and vegetables, it's now time to look at the options in terms of products that are available on the market. There are many products that promote reduced wrinkles, removal of discoloration and improved collagen production. So as you are shopping, here are a few key ingredients you should be on the look out for: vitamin E, vitamin C, essential fatty acids and lipophilic antioxidants. You should also look for water-soluble products.
Admittedly, most of the store-bought products you try aren’t going to make a huge difference in the short-term, particularly for people trying to bounce back from many years of smoking. In these cases, many former smokers turn to cosmetic skin rejuvenation procedures like
Microdermabrasion or Photofacials to give their skin a fresh, clean start. Conducted by professional, licensed Estheticians, Microdermabrasion, Photofacials,
chemical peels, and laser resurfacing treatments use the latest technological developments to remove damaged skin and help promote the growth of natural collagen; a key factor in improving skin smoothness, vibrance, and elasticity. Sessions of these non-surgical procedures are remarkably affordable, and they’re proven to diminish the appearance of fine lines, large pores, age spots, and other signs of aging routinely sped up by cigarette smoking.
To gets more tips on smokers’ skin care, or to schedule a
free consultation with a licensed Esthetician at THE SKIN SPA,
contact us today.
