A customer from one of online retail sites where we sale our products asked us about what can be done about wrinkles from smoking. We thought we’d share our answer here in case it can help others. We also include a facial exfoliator recipe that can be made at home.
[C]an you help me with deep wrinkles from smoking?
You don’t mention your age or whether you have another skin condition, such as acne. (I mention this because the question is listed under our acne serum.) Both of these will determine the extent how much improvement you will see. That said. A two prong approach is needed. First, you need to take steps that nourish and enhance the skin through diet and lifestyle. Secondly, you need to prevent further damage to the skin. And if you haven’t given up smoking, that is where you need to begin. Your skin has no chance of improving and will only get worse if you continue to smoke.
Wrinkles from smoking are a result of free radicals. Smoking creates an inflammatory response in the body. Basically, among other things, smoking reduces the production of collagen and elastin. Both are vital to smooth, healthy skin and as we age we naturally start to lose both; this can be accelerated by our lifestyle.
Antioxidants and anti-inflammatories are main keys to keeping the skin healthy and for reducing the effects of the environment and lifestyle on the skin. Both our Argan Acne Serum and Argan & Allies Hydrating Serum contain anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Regular exfoliation also helps to smooth out the appearance of wrinkles. I exfoliate the skin on my face several times a week (actually almost daily) using our Coco-Mint Scrub. (We are in the process of formulating a face wash for dry skin.) The thing to remember is to use an exfoliator that is hydrating. Below is a recipe for making a face scrub.
Do not use any products including cleansers that contain detergents– such as those that lather–because they will dry out your skin. Dry skin enhances wrinkles. You want to avoid any anything that dehydrates the skin. In other words, you want to do all that you can to add moisture to the skin and prevent moisture loss.
Also, I always rinse my face with the coldest water possible to not only close the pores but to tighten the skin. Keeping the skin moisturized and exfoliating regularly are what you can do on the surface. However, we are firm believers that topicals alone cannot improve and keep skin healthy. You need a whole-body approach that includes good nutrition, exercise, good skin care, and mental/emotional balance. Healthy nutrition is most important.
Keep this in mind when choosing foods to eat: The skin is the last organ to receive nutrients. So, your diet needs to be nutrient rich. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily (if possible organic). Dark green leafy vegetables have many skin loving nutrients. Reduce or eliminate foods that are suggested to cause inflammation (meat, dairy, fast foods, fried foods, sweetened carbonated beverages, artificial sweeteners etc.). Vitamin C helps skin to rejuvenate; so it’s important to include foods with vitamin C. Also, wear a hat that protects your entire face when in the sun. The sun will only continue to damage the skin.
While we love sugar for use on the skin; internally it and caffeine contribute to wrinkles and dehydration. Eliminating them helps to improve the texture and appearance of skin. Drink plenty of water daily and avoid as many chemicals as possible. Also, alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body, so avoid drinking them.
Exercise brings fresh oxygenated and nutrient rich blood to the skin. Meditation is also helpful. Yoga facial exercises help to strengthen the muscles underneath the face thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Check online; there are many sources for facial exercises.
Check out our blog: yumscrubblog.com. We offer many suggestions in greater detail for healthy skin, including skin-loving recipes.
As you can see, it will take diligence and commitment to try and reverse the damage to some extent and prevent further damage. Good luck.
If you have a question or comment about skincare, please email us we would love to help.
Love and Light, Yum Scrub Organics Team
Here’s the recipe to make your own face scrub to use… until we get ours launched 🙂
Yum Scrub Organics Orange-Lavender Face Scrub
1/2 cup organic sugar (if the sugar crystals are too large for your skin, you can grind them for 30 sec. or so in a blender).
1/2 cup organic plant oils (unrefined if possible) – almond, sunflower, safflower, avocado, olive are good choices
3 drops organic orange essential oil
3 drops organic lavender essential oil
Mix together. Store in a jar. Test on a small area of the face to make sure there isn’t a skin reaction to one of the ingredients. Scoop some exfoliant into the palms, and massage over face and neck. Rinse thoroughly with cool to cold water. I usually allow my skin to dry naturally, which doesn’t take long here in Colo. Apply hydration.
Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to treat, cure, prevent or, diagnose any disease or condition. Nor is it intended to prescribe in any way. This information is for educational purposes only and may not be complete, nor may its data be accurate.
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