Wrinkles

Redlands Daily Facts Health Section, Wrinkles
Staff Writer
Posted: 04/15/2009 09:29:39 PM PDT

Q: Is there REALLY a Magic Potion to prevent wrinkles?

Mimi: YES and no. The two major causes of wrinkles are controllable: smoking and sun damage. There is no such thing as a "safe tan." When skin is exposed to sun it develops a tan as a protection against damage. The tanning is actually aging the skin. Tanning beds are no better.

If you must go out in the sun, use SPF 15 or greater, and wear protective clothing including a hat. Stay indoors from 11 am to 3 pm.

Always use an SPF 15 or greater, everyday, rain or shine. You brush your teeth everyday without excuse; you must apply sunblock without excuse. Wash your face; apply a corrective treatment; then apply a moisturizing sunblock. Bring the sunblock down onto your chest to protect the neck and open collar area. Swipe across the back of your neck. Apply to the tops of exposed ears and on receding hairlines. Apply sunblock to your forearms. This is MANDATORY, even if you think you won't be in the sun. The moisturizer is needed to prevent Transdermal Water Loss, which causes wrinkling. Sunblock moisturizers can be oil free.

Smoking damages the skin several ways. Pinching the lips around a cigarette can cause vertical lines around the lips. Squinting and scowling while exhaling causes crows feet at the corners of the eyes and deep wrinkles between the eyebrows.

Exhaling smoke bathes the face in foul smoke. This coats the skin preventing proper skin respiration. The dry smoke also depletes the skin of natural barriers that prevent Transdermal Water Loss (TWL).

What is even more damaging is what happens inside the body. When lung capacity is diminished, the lungs do not properly oxygenate blood. The constant internal washing of the skin by healthy blood and lymph is essential for skin health. Bright red oxygen-carrying blood bathes every skin cell bringing nutrients for cell life. The venous blood carries away dead, waste matter from the skin. If the blood is not circulating well for any reason, then the health of the skin is compromised. The skin is the largest organ of the body. Good flow of oxygen-carrying blood is essential for its health.

There are numerous other causes for wrinkles. Diet affects overall health and therefore the health of the skin. A diet high in fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts, and whole grains is the Beautiful Skin diet. Drinking lots of water and avoiding sodas is essential. Scowling, frowning, and grimacing messes up the face. Wear sunglasses to avoid squinting. A smile is an instant, free face lift. Sleeping on your back instead of scrunching your face on a pillow smoothes the skin. TWL causes a lack of elasticity allowing the skin to sag. Poor dental health can cause wrinkles around the mouth.

Don't despair. Help is available to prevent and reverse the damage. Watch for the next column.

Mimi Barre is the owner of International Day Spa, 325 Cajon St., Redlands. Send your skin care questions to her at MimiB@INTLdayspa.com. She and her estheticians are available for personal consultations, (909) 793-9080.