Sun, Smoke And Your Premature Aging Skin

Sun, Smoke And Your Premature Aging Skin by Brian Potter

It is well known that one of the biggest causes of damage to our skin is from exposure to the sun.
Sun can and does cause considerable skin damage and results in what often appears as premature aging in many people.

Shriveled up looking skin, lines, wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, bags under eyes are all not only the effects of the passing years but in many cases the result of lying too long in the damaging heat of the sun. How many years whilst on holiday or whenever, have we all been guilty of that?

That golden tan that you will get from lying out in the sun will not be permanent but more likely so is the damage that it creates to your skin structure. You should consider other alternatives such as the range of quality 'fake' tanning creams and lotions, there are many available.
That is a much safer way to achieve that tanned look that you desire without the negative side effects of skin damage.

It is certainly true that some exposure to the sun is necessary for good health but only a moderate amount is required and a good SPF sun protection cream needs to be applied to the skin at all times when outside in sunny conditions.

There is no safe way for you to get yourself a suntan.

The ultraviolet light from the sun comes in three varieties;

UVC ultraviolet-C dangerous but absorbed by the ozone layer. This is potentially the most damaging form of light but is mostly absorbed in the atmosphere. However, with all the talk of the "thinning of the ozone layer", who knows if we are still being protected as well as we used to be.

UVB ultraviolet-B most damaging effects on the skin as well as providing a good source of Vitamin DThe most dangerous as it is responsible for burning. It is most dangerous at mid-day when the sun is highest but around 2.30 to 3 pm the sun starts to go down and becomes less dangerous.

We should emulate those who live in warmer climes who avoid strong sunshine in the middle of the day.

UVA ultraviolet-A is responsible for the sun's ageing effects, and could have even more serious effects on the skin, so be aware.A deep penetrating light and is linked with the extrinsic ageing of the skin. It is said to be responsible for the breakdown of collagen and elastin the skin's main support structure.

This form of light is constant throughout the day and it is therefore advisable to protect your skin by wearing a good quality sun block with UVA protection everyday, applying it about a quarter of an hour before going out. UVA rays can cause damage even on a cloudy day!
Wear a hat and sunglasses wherever possible to protect your skin and a good moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated at all times. It is not difficult now to find cosmetic products that already include a good quality sunblock in their ingredients.

As well as over exposure to the sun, smoking is another main factor responsible for causing premature aging of the skin. Many smokers will find that eventually their skin looks pallid and grey, old, tired, unhealthy and wrinkled.

Wrinkles will form around the lips of smokers from the action of sucking on cigarettes over a long term on a regular basis and it is common for smokers to have more frown lines due to the fact that they often have to squint to look through the smoke haze that they expel in front of and into their eyes.

It is easy to see why smokers can look much older than their years!

We all know by now how damaging smoking can be to your health but if you are not prepared to give up for health reasons then for goodness sake do so for the benefit of your skin and in turn your overall appearance