health

Effects of Smoking on the Skin

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As a former smoker, I felt compelled to share this information because I am very conscious of how my skin looks and feels.  I watched my precious grandmother Binny suffer through COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and wearing oxygen the last years of her life and I was still smoking.  I know because of experience that it must be your own choice to quit smoking and although skin health was not my main reason for quitting (my main reason was that I promised my 3 daughters that I would quit). After I quit smoking my skin experienced such drastic results, and I became fully aware of the effects of smoking on the skin. After I quit, others were telling me how great I looked and that my skin was glowing.  No other changes had occurred other than quitting smoking.  I share this information as a hopeful catapult to help those that want to quit, to kick that habit forever.  We are worth it and so is our skin! :-)

Effects of Smoking on the Skin

1)  Bags Under the Eyes

Johns Hopkins reported smokers are 4 times more likely to feel tired after a “good night’s sleep”.  It is possibly connected to the nicotine withdrawals causing restless sleeping.

2)  Premature Wrinkles and Aging

Smoking suppresses blood flow to the skin which causes a loss in elasticity and plumpness. Not to mention that pumping carcinogens and oxidants into the skin causes damage to DNA and creates free radicals which are like little Tasmanian devils to healthy cells, causing smokers to look older than their age.

3) Scarring

Nicotine causes constriction of the capillaries which then reduces the amount of free oxygen required for wound healing.  Smokers skin takes longer to heal, and once healed, the scarring will be more visible than a non-smokers scars.

4)  Gray Skin Tone

Healthy skin has a pink glow.  This is due to blood flow, and when blood flow is compromised by nicotine the skin tends to be dull and gaunt looking.  Important nutrients such as vitamin C are depleted with smoking.  Vitamin C plays many important roles in maintaining healthy skin including healing, hydration, lightening and is a powerful anti-oxidant. It fights those free radical little Tasmanian devils attempting to destroy healthy cells. :)

5)  Cancer

According to the Skin Care Foundation, “Smokers beware: in addition to raising your odds of developing lung cancer, strokes, and heart attacks, smoking also boosts your risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by 52 percent, according to a major new study. SCC, the second most common skin cancer, affects an estimated 700,000 people in the US annually.   The disease will kill approximately 2,500 people in the US this year.”

6)  Stretch marks

Although anyone can develop stretch marks due to weight gain and pregnancy, the loss in blood flow to the skin caused by nicotine damages the collagen and elastin in our skin which keep it firm and plump.

Here is a list of resources if you are interested in quitting smoking:

 

Acne, Teens and Make-Up

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Acne in Teens

I brought my almost 14 year old daughter into the spa with me today and decided to apply some simple Jane Iredale foundation to help her even out her skin tone and cover up some acne.  She has rosy cheeks and a condition called keratosis pilaris which gives her bumps and redness on her cheeks.  Teen years are awkward enough on their own and although I wasn’t ever the type of girl to sneak out and put on a ton of makeup when I was young (I DID love my blue mascara which my mom hated. :)

Skincare Make-up

I am 41 years old and am still honestly lazy when it comes to makeup and believe very strongly in a natural look.  This skincare makeup is actually good for the skin.  It contains zinc which is naturally healing and helps in the prevention of acne.  Jane Iredale began her career after her work in screencasting when she saw all of these actors using heavy makeup that was causing their skin to breakout.  Her mission was to create a makeup that was a skincare treatment and accentuated a woman’s natural beauty while feeling weightless and was almost invisible to others.  She created an amazing makeup line that includes no FD&C dyes, and complies with the over 1300 banned ingredients in Europe (the US only bans 13 ingredients). This makeup is safe, gentle, and most importantly can provide the crucial sun protection that is often missed in the skincare routine of teenagers (and adults).

Do you or someone you care about suffer from Acne?

Sign up for an Adult and Teen Acne Workshop being held at Harmony in Hair Salon and Spa on June 16th at 12:00 p.m.  Please R.S.V.P. at 719-597-1770

Tips to Happier Healthier Skin

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What steps can you take to ensure healthier skin?

SUNSCREEN!

I can’t say it enough about sunscreens contribution towards healthier skin. Sun is the leading cause of aging, damage, and skin cancer.  Protection from an early age is key to keeping skin looking and performing at it’s best.

Effective cleansing and exfoliation

Healthier skin is achieved by combining the perfect balance of cleansers tailored to your skin type making sure conditions are being treated. This along with a balance of appropriate exfoliation in order to stimulate new cell growth, collagen and elastin production to ensure the skin is clean and ready to accept the nutrients of products applied.

Monthly Facials

This assists the skin in turning over and remembering how to “act young” bringing healthier skin.  Deeper exfoliation, specific products and ingredients can be used in the spa room to target your skincare concerns.

Applying Moisturizer

All skin needs moisture, especially oily and acneic skin to look and feel healthier. Oily and acneic skin can sometimes occur as symptoms that the skin needs additional external moisture to balance oil production.  Young and old skin alike need appropriate levels of moisture in order to retain skin’s suppleness.