Is Smoking also Adversely Affecting Your Beautiful Skin?

While it is well known that smoking is generally harmful to your overall health, some people still consider the habit "cool or sexy". This is certainly the image cigarette companies project to their target customers. But in contrast could smokers actually be making themselves look less attractive and desirable? Today let's look at how smoking affects the attractiveness of your largest organ the skin.

You build the cable of a habit one thread at a time. Every day you make choices that lead to habits. It can be hard to break the cycle of those choices. What starts as a pastime stays on to take its toll on your health.

Can you justify smoking?

Smokers justify their habit with the following reasons:

* Smoking gives them pleasure
* Smoking relieves their depression and makes them feel lighter
* People in their social circle smoke

Most people began as occasional, light smokers. They may have failed to realize that one day, they would become dependant on this "occasional" habit.

The situation is beginning to change. People have begun to think twice before lighting up. This awareness certainly comes from the proven health hazards of smoking.

How smoking affects your skin

You need to be aware of the affects of smoking on your skin and overall looks. This is what smoking does to your skin.

-The beauty and youthful look of your skin is largely determined by adequate moisture and oxygen content. Smoking denies an adequate supply of oxygen to your skin and dehydrates it.

While you are enjoying puffs from your cigarette, you are inviting trouble to your system. Your lungs are the first victims. In just one puff, more than a trillion free radicals are created in your lungs. These free radicals, in turn, induce an inflammatory reaction that gets circulated throughout the whole body.

* Smoking causes you to have a similar look to your skin as someone who has experienced sun damage. The nicotine present in cigarettes is the cause of this affect. It makes you look much older than you are.

* Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 toxins that enter your bloodstream directly, and consequently, affect your skin's appearance. The top layers of the skin constrict and that reduces your blood's oxygen content and substitutes it with carbon monoxide. With less oxygen in the blood, toxins and other wastes remain in your system, causing it to age prematurely. In addition, the collagen level of your skin is greatly reduced when you smoke.

* Smoking causes heavy damages to a woman's system by creating an imbalance in her hormone levels and dramatically altering her body shape. This is caused by a disturbance in endocrinal glands. A research report says that if a woman smokes a pack per day for 40 years, it can accelerate her aging by 7.4 years

Generally, smoking causes pallor of your skin and adds a gray shade.

More Examples of the Ill Affects of Smoking

To emphasize the ill effects of smoking on your skin, a term "smoker's face" was added to the medical dictionary. This condition is caused when the skin in your face shows the lines and wrinkles which make you look older-- all due to smoking! The smoker's features are thin and gaunt. There are clear signs of premature aging induced by poor blood circulation. Evidences show that a smoker's skin is more than 40% thinner than a non-smoker.

When you smoke, you are introducing stimulants into your system that affect your blood vessels.

It has also been suggested that smoking causes certain types of skin cancer. Further research is being undertaken to study the cosmetic effects that smoking has on your skin. For example, smoking dries your skin, especially in the areas affected by the nicotine smoke. Nicotine is a diuretic and can reduce vitamin A in your body.

If you smoke I hope I have given you food for thought. By all means try to stop. Smoking not only ages you through general health deterioration but probably makes you look less attractive. Your family and loved ones need you. So, I caution you to stop right now.

Once you begin to seek treatment to stop, there are also skin solutions that can help you get back to a more vibrant and beautiful you. There is a product we hear that can help you restore your skin to a more youthful glow.

To take extra good care of your skin suffering from sun like damage associated with smoking consider using a topical cream like Lumnaderm(tm). This product can offer significant help to those concerned about the appearance of their skin which may have been damaged by the sun, free radicals or other skin problems. Lumnaderm(tm) is available from fine online stores like Amazon and the eStore for Lumnaderm(tm) .

Don’t Let Age Spots Give Away Your Age

Age Spots AKA liver spots come from many sources. One of the primary reasons for these age spots or liver spots is exposure to the sun’s rays; UV rays darken the skin’s pigment. Age spots are commonly found on the face, arms, back, and hands especially in adults over 40. They often appear as brownish skin color discolorations and are caused by prolonged sun damage.

According to the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health's Medline Website "Liver spots are flat brown-black spots that usually occur in sun-exposed areas of the body. They are also called age spots. They are unrelated to the liver or liver function."

The good news about age spots is that they are not harmful to your health in any way. Dermatologists classify them as skin blemishes and they are not cause for alarm or medical treatment. Just keep an eye on them and if they grow bigger or change shape or color, alert your doctor.

Information from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery's website backs up this point "... The spots are not cancerous, nor do they lead to cancer. However, on skin exposed to the sun, they may be accompanied by precancerous scaly, red elevations of the skin called actinic keratoses. Dark spots, which might be cancerous, may also appear to be lentigines. All of these blemishes should be evaluated by a dermatologic surgeon."

It is difficult to get age spots to completely vanish, so once again, the best treatment is prevention. Wear protective clothing, don’t overexpose your skin to the sun, and apply sunscreen regularly. Once age spots appear, there are fade creams, retinols, laser treatments, and chemical peels which can significantly reduce their appearance.

Chemicals like alpha hydroxy acid gel help fight the appearance age spots by lightening the discolored skin. Any cream consisting of Retin-A will make a small discolored area seem to vanish. Vitamin E oil also reduces the coloration of age spots.

Chemical peels provide a fast-healing way to treat age spots. It is easy to apply these chemical peels and you leave them on the skin until they dry. Your skin will be healed, and you will be surprised to see that those stubborn age spots are not to be found on the new skin the peel exposed.

Liquid nitrogen will turn the age spot white, but there is a risk that it may cause a permanent white scar. In addition, spraying it causes a painful, stinging sensation.
Fair-skinned individuals can combine fade creams which consist of hydroquinone with a moisturizer consisting of glycolic acid. This method may cause temporary irritation and redness.

If you have a darker skin tone, try alternatives like kojic acid or mandelica acid. Vitamin C and vitamin E products are also good weapons to fight age spots.

Research has found that the following ingredients are useful in fighting age spots:
-Arbutin
-Azelaic Acid
-Bearberry Extract
-Licorice Extract
-Mulberry Extract

Modern cosmetic companies are using leading edge science and technology to alleviate the unattractive affects of age or liver spots. A good example of this is a new cream on the market known as Lumnaderm(TM) by Optimal Therapeutics.

It is widely reported that Lumnaderm(tm) was specifically developed to minimize the appearance of unsightly age or liver spots. Furthermore, it features ingredients that seek to help protect your skin from free radicals that are cited as contributing to skin damage.

Creams like Lumnaderm(tm) helps fight age spots in your hands, feet, and all other visible areas. Remember exposed areas of your body are the most likely to suffer from sun spots and age spots. This product could certainly be a source of serious consideration in your arsenal to hide unattractive sunspots, age spots, or liver spots that have been diagnosed as harmless by a professional.

This product is widely available in better online stores like Amazon.com and Lumnaderm Online.

Another more recent solution is to buy summer clothing with UV skin protection in mind -- within the design. Outdoor clothiers like Paragonia and other clothing manufacturers are creating fabrics and designs purported to offer some sun protection from dangerous UV rays. These types of clothing designs may certainly be worth looking into and are a move in the right direction by these retailers and manufacturers.

It is better to select a treatment option through which you can fight problems like age spots, freckles, and pigmented spots at one go. You can confidently look young and fresh, regardless of your actual age. First, try to prevent age spots, but if they appear consider many of the previously mentioned products and look into other permanent solutions.

Forty: The New Thirty

Aging is a natural process and no one can stop the clock from ticking. Aging is an irreversible process that can neither be altered nor deterred.

But, we don’t need to effortlessly surrender to the process. Some people are cynical about anti-aging treatments and claim the best course is to try to age gracefully. But I feel it is possible to age gracefully and still look and feel youthful.

In fact, anti-aging is an emerging field in cosmetics and among the hottest beauty topics today. You are what you think you are -- this seems to be the secret behind maintaining a youthful appearance.

The truth is that even though you are aging, there are easy ways to maintain a good and healthy appearance.

Some health experts today are clearly delineating a difference between your biological and your real age. Their point being you can actually decrease your biological age with good health and fitness habits.

Points like the ones above have lead some people to declare forty the new thirty. From this point of view a forty year old that takes good care of themselves can look and feel better than a thirty year old that does not.

In other words your biological age could be forty. But your real age with applying proper health, fitness, diet, and beauty techniques is really thirty years of age!

Clearly skin care in this regard can be an indication of your real age. Remember your skin is the largest organ on your body and can be the first tip off about your actual health and vitality.

Sagging, dull skin can indicate an advancement in your true age. So, counter this by keeping your skin in good shape. Moreover know your skin type and treat it accordingly with respect and love.

Cover any facial imperfections like dark circles under the eyes, wrinkles, and fine lines with creams and lotions specifically designed for this purpose.

Choose an appropriate makeup for your skin tone, hair color, and skin type. Avoid overly strong colors; choose subtle and lighter ones. Remember that your purpose is to hide those spots that can give away your true age. Makeup should not be too jarring or blatant. Obvious make-up will make you look older.

Remember you are what you eat. Diet and nutrition will help you maintain your beauty and youthfulness. If you are conscious about your diet, then you can slow the aging process. Eat a balanced diet consisting of raw fruits and vegetables. These contain all the essential nutrients you need to maintain a beautiful and youthful appearance. When cooking them, don’t over boil your vegetables since at that point, they lose all their nutritional value.

Add a regular exercise schedule to your lifestyle. Depending on your age and agility, you can choose a simple exercise like walking. If you are a smoker, the single most important thing you can do to look younger is quit. It’s better late than never!

Remember that as you age, your immune system grows weaker and you are more easily prone to infections and allergies. Try to Strengthen your immune system by taking reputable oral or intravenous supplements.

To protect your skin, remain indoors during the peak of the sun’s rays. If you must go out into the sun, protect and nourish your skin by applying sunscreen and other skincare products.

Stay alert to any symptoms of sun damage on your skin -— they may be the early signs of a major health problem.

Aging is also clearly exhibited by dark circles, wrinkles, freckles, and age spots. You may need to choose a makeup formula that is best suited to cover most of these blemishes. Blemishes can give away your age and make you look older than you actually are! Therefore, you need to consistently nurture your skin.

Healthy, glowing skin is a clear sign of your youthfulness and vigor. Two promising creams to look into in regard to working towards a more vibrant appearance are Eyederma(tm) and Lumnaderm(tm).

These two creams help diminish two annoying problems associated with aging skin. Eyederma(tm) covers up and helps treat dark circles under your eyes. While on the other hand Lumnaderm(tm) minimizes skin discolorations like liver spots, freckles, and age spots. Both can be found at better online stores like Amazon.com or the Lumnaderm Source.

Irrespective of your age, you can look young and beautiful by following the correct prescription of anti-aging treatment techniques. Ideally, you need to include cosmetics and dietary changes while combating aging. One will be incomplete without the other.

Help ensure your face reflects that forty for you is actually your new thirty. You can metaphorically "turn back the clock" on your biological age by protecting your skin and health from the inside out.

Fun in the Sun? Protect Yourself First.

Social practices and their meanings change over time. Until recently, the suntan created by excessive exposure was considered a sign of poverty. This was an indication that your days were spent toiling in the sun. Wealthier people had the luxury of remaining indoors, out of the sun's intense direct heat.

Twenty years ago sun-bathing was one of the country's favorite pastimes, and people traveled to the beaches and other water sources to have fun in the sun!

People of all ages in Miami, from toddlers in polka-dot bikinis to retired men soaking up the sun in beach chairs were interested in sun-bathing. It was and still is fun to go out in the sun, but you need to be aware of the affects sun-bathing has on your skin and how you can protect yourself.

According to the reputable MayoClinic.com there is real concern with sun damage to your skin that could even lead to skin cancer. The MayoClinic.com states...

"The warm golden cast of the sun is very alluring. And many people can't resist spending hours beneath its glow.

But not all of the sun's rays are pleasing. Ultraviolet (UV) light, the invisible but intense rays of the sun, damages your skin. Some of those harmful effects — such as suntan or sunburn — are visible right away. But other skin changes, including liver spots or deep wrinkles, appear and worsen over time. With repeated sun exposure, the skin damage can even progress into cancerous tumors."

From the first clue that your skin has undergone a change to the development of cancer, here's how the sun damages your skin and what you can do about it.

The first and most prominent effects of sun-bathing will be sun spots, suntan, and sunburn. Remember, sunlight is comprised of ultraviolet (UV) rays which directly attack your skin, making you prone to hazards like skin cancer.

Sun-bathing also places your eyes at risk of damage from UV rays and can cause cataracts.

The sun can cause your skin to age quickly. The sun's rays penetrate the skin and cause extensive damage. It is responsible for wrinkles, freckles, or light spots, and can cause your skin to have a coarse texture.

Your blood vessels and capillaries can sustain damage from the sun, making you a high risk for developing tumors. Your skin might be affected by actinic kerotoses or sun spots.

Research has also proven that overexposure to UV rays releases chemicals into your bloodstream. These chemicals, most of them endorphins, are capable of making you feel "high." This feeling can actually lead to an addiction for chronic sun-bathers!

Even though there are cosmetics and other forms of treatment for skin damage caused by sun, the results are seldom satisfactory. The best treatment is prevention.

First, know the approximate time when the sun will be at its peak. Usually between 11 am and 3 pm, you should not sun-bathe during this time. Remember that, because of the thinner atmosphere there, the sun's rays can be more damaging in high altitudes. Sometimes, even clothing is not enough to protect your skin, especially while swimming.

Take precautions-don't allow sun bathing to take its toll on your skin
Protect your skin by following a few precautions before you expose it to the sun.

There are alternatives to sun-bathing. The most popular among them is one using artificial UV rays. Tanning in a sun bed gives you a chance to feel relaxed while you tan, but since it uses artificial rays, doesn't require you to face the sun's rays.

Always wear proper clothing and a hat large enough to protect your face, eyes, ears, and the back of your neck. Proper coverage will significantly reduce sun spots. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.

Apply a sunscreen to your skin for prolonged sun exposure. Choose a sunscreen product based on its Sun Protecting Factor (SPF). The higher the SPF ranking, the more protective the product will be. The higher numbers should be applied to people who live in high altitudes or who have fair skin. People with darker skin tones can choose a lower SPF product. To facilitate usage, sunscreen products are produced in the form of gels, creams, lotions, or alcohol solutions.

There are also sun-bathing creams and oils available. Don't confuse these products with sunscreen products. These creams act as lubricants and protect your skin from dryness. When used exclusively, they often increase the potential for UV ray exposure.

However creams like Lumnaderm(tm) have been developed after extensive research. Lumnaderm(tm) fights discolored skin and rejuvenates it to give you a fresher more youthful look. When used correctly this product can be an effective tool to treat skin damages caused by the sun's rays. Lumnaderm(tm) is available from better online retailers like Amazon.com and the Lumnaderm Store.

How to Even Out Your Skin Tone

Everyone wishes they were what we refer to as a "natural beauty". But few of us are so blessed.

Most everyone has a beautiful attribute or two, maybe their eyes, or lips. And we all have some features from which we must coax the beauty up to the surface.

Most of the time, our natural beauty can be enhanced if we follow simple steps. For example it is important to pay attention to your skin tone. An uneven or discolored skin tone can blemish the looks of even the most attractive beauty.

But what are the causes of an uneven skin tone? According to Dr. Jim Baral in an article for iVillage.com on what causes skin discoloration he states...

"Most of the time, the cause is not easy to determine. However, sun often makes the problem worse. Discoloration is often associated with birth control pills, pregnancy and other hormonal problems."

If you have an uneven or blotchy complexion there are numerous solutions in the market that can help effectively even out your skin tone and give it a consistent look.

There are several causes of uneven skin tone. Uneven skin tone is common among darker skinned people in whom melanocytes are so close to each other that even a small irritation and/or swelling disturbs them and causes hyper-pigmentation.

Informed by the quote from Dr. Baral above it doesn't seem to be a unlikely that skin discolorations in darker people can be exacerbated by sun damage. There is a common misnomer that darker skinned people need less protection from the harmful affects of sun damage.

This is far from the truth. Darker skinned people should be wearing sun screen of at least SPF of 15 - 30 to protect themselves from sun damage like fairer skinned people. It is also a myth that lighter skinned people have less uneven skin tones.

Lighter skinned people also have uneven skin tones. Skin discoloration and health seems to become more challenging for people of all skin types with age.

It is important, what ever your natural skin type, when evening out your skin tone to avoid preparations that rely heavily on retinol, glycolic acid, or hydroquinone.

Skin discoloration may be caused by dark circles, blemishes, age spots, or broken capillaries. A simple and quick way to even out the appearance of your skin tone is to apply the correct shade of foundation over the dark spots and skin discoloration. Try to choose a foundation that is creamy but not oily. Yellow tones neutralize the red spots in your skin.

While this is a temporary solution that must be reapplied every day, foundation can hide the discolorations while the creams and preparations that we use to actually work on the problem have a chance to do their jobs.

Your skin's needs change seasonally. Whereas in the summer, when the weather is warmer we can usually use a lighter cream of foundation (even if we have dryer skin), in the winter you should usually opt to use a heavier type of foundation.

There are products that can meet your skin's needs in all seasons, but the products' textures will vary with the change in seasons. During summer, when we are typically outside more it is important to select products that contain sunscreens and moisturizers to prevent your skin from drying and overly tanning.

There are many products available that help to fade age spots, freckles, liver spots, sunspots, and dark patches. Brown marks on your skin can be treated with over the counter creams and lotions.

Creams like Lumnaderm(tm) can help smooth out uneven skin tones, dull and discolored skin, and dark spots. This product aims to counter many of the skin problems associated with aging. Therefore it's probably worth your time to at least check out this promising skin care product. Lumnaderm(tm) is available from better online eTailers like Amazon.com and the BODestore.com.

We sometimes have to put in a bit of effort to bring our best selves forward. But it pays off doubly with renewed confidence and pride.