You ARE in control of our aging
A recent study found that there are attributes that are vital to successful aging:
•The ability to anticipate, to plan and to hope.
•Life with an attitude of gratitude, forgiveness and optimism.
•The ability to imagine the world as it seems to other people.
•The ability to reach out to other people, to want to interact with other people positively.
Lets take a few minutes to review some myths and tips of facial Anti-aging.
MYTHS
Alpha-Hydroxy acids thin the skin.
NOT TRUE. AHAs exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells, but within a day or two your body replaces what they’ve removed with new cells. The removal of the stratum corneum layer (the dead dry outer skin cell) enables therapeutic agents (toners, antibiotics and moisturizers) to penetrate the lower layers of the skin to treat the skin before is becomes visable to the outer layer.
Exercising face muscles helps prevent wrinkles.
WRONG. Strong facial muscles won’t re-create the support structure of collagen that has been weakened by the sun damage or aging, which are the two main causes of wrinkles. Excessive facial muscle exercising can actually worsen the appearance of facial wrinkles.
To keep skin from sagging, massage moisturizer into your neck in an upward motion.
It doesn’t work. As soon as you stop rubbing upward gravity pulls it back down toward the earth. Unfortunately gravity is a tough force. Wrinkles of the top halve of the face are do to wrinkles of motion and facial animation. Wrinkles of the lower half of the face are due to gravity. Upper facial wrinkles are best treated non-surgically with Botox that inhibits the muscles that form the wrinkles. Wrinkle fillers like Restalyne, and Hylaform are use for lower half of the face treatment.
Greasy foods make your skin break out.
Your thighs, waste line heart and arteries may have an effect from greasy food but your skin won’t. Sudden breakouts are most likely the culprits of stress, hormone changes or impure topical agents. These factors stimulate the secretion production from the pilosebaceous glands. The secretion thickens as it travels from below the skin surface it plugging the pathway. This enclosed channel makes an ideal environment for bacteria growth. The bacteria cause inflammation and in the glands resulting in the red, raised, secretion filled structure commonly referred to as the comedo or pimple.
Caffeine causes acne.
One or two cups of coffee will not cause acne. It is entirely possible, though, that someone who are wired on caffeine and drink 5-6 cups a day can break out from the physical stress of it.
A pat of butter a day helps to moisturize your skin.
You don’t need to create oil in your body by eating oil. Your body makes oil naturally from carbohydrates and proteins. Exercise and a healthy diet at the best first line of defence in the anti-aging war.
TIPS
•Regular professional facials ensure proper skin care maintenance and provide your aesthetician to educate clients of ongoing skin changes. The massage offered with most professional facials helps increase the skin’s circulation, and improve lymphatic drainage creating a healthy glow. The power of touch is always a positive reinforcement and reward for taking the time to promote self wellness.
•Firming masks and hydrating treatments with mild exfoliation will also help to rejuvenate the skin’s appearance. Removing the top layer of dead skin cells allows your skin regiment products to penetrate the youthful skin cells below the surface.
•Consistent use of moisturizers and products containing anti-aging staples like retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids and antioxidants, help to reduce the signs of aging skin on the face and neck, and the negative effects of hormone loss.
•Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day to keep your body hydrated inside and out. Think of it a keeping the skin cells plump and juicy versus thin and flat.
•Make reducing stress a priority. When you are stressed your body produces large amounts of cortisol, a steroid hormone that causes you to produce excess oil, which clogs glands and can lead to acne.
Dr. George E. Vaillant, the director of a Harvard study, points out seven keys to aging well. People who had four or more of these seven factors by age 50 were one-third less likely to be dead by the age of 80. People with three or fewer of these factors by age 50 were three times as likely to die during the following 30 years.
Here are the seven factor to aging well:
1. Not smoking, or quitting early: “Smoking is probably the most significant factor in terms of health.”
2. The ability to take life’s ups and downs in stride: Adapt a coping style that let’s you roll with the punches. Keep your sense of humor, learn new things and have fun, give of yourself and make friends with people who are younger than you are.
3. Don’t abuse alcohol: over indulging in alcohol can destroy your physical and mental health.
4. Maintaining a strong marriage: the study showed that, if people are willing to work through their problems, marriages improve over time and contribute to a long and happy life.
5. Maintain a healthy weight: being over weight is a risk factor to good health.
6. Physical activity: The Harvard study showed that even doing some exercise improves both mental and physical health.
7. Continued education: People seek education because they believe it is possible to control the course of their lives. People who are interested in self care and perseverance are more likely to continue their education.
Dr. Edward E. Dickerson, IV, M.D. is the Medical Director of Cape Fear Aesthetics Medical Spa here in Fayetteville. He is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
