There are many reasons to want to improve your diet, quit smoking, and wear sunscreen. In addition to helping live a longer, healthier life, developing these healthy habits can have a big impact on your skin.
In the July/August issue of GCI (Global Cosmetic Industry) Magazine, Katerina Steventon explains that extrinsic aging – exposure to outside elements such as UV rays and smoking – strongly contributes to “deep and coarse wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation and reduced skin elasticity.” Smoking, in particular, reduces skin’s elastic fibers, making facial wrinkles appear deeper. The long-term harmful effects of smoking are well documented, and in the short-term, the habit is actively damaging your skin as well.
Steventon also points out that 80% of the effects of aging seen on facial skin, is due to sun exposure, over the course of one’s lifetime. Wearing sunscreen or a lotion with UV protection is the easiest way to fight against harmful UV rays.
Want to ward off wrinkles? Ditch the cigarettes and don’t forget the SPF!
Steventon also suggests utilizing antioxidants that offer environmental protection. Merlot’s Anti-Wrinkle Cream, with its elasticity-improving formula, 11 amino acids, and grape seed antioxidants, might just be the way to start.