Anti-Aging
Our Board Certified Experts in Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery are here to help you look as good as you feel!
What Causes Aging?
Our skin ages through two processes: intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging. Intrinsic or natural aging is our normal aging process, determined by our genetics. We do not control natural aging. Extrinsic aging, also known as premature aging, is caused by our environment and lifestyle choices. Our decisions and choices can help prevent premature aging.
Natural aging (Intrinsic aging process)
We all go through a natural aging process that is controlled by our genetics:
- We develop visible lines on our faces
- Our faces lose some of their fullness
- Our skin becomes drier and thinner
Premature aging (Extrinsic aging process)
Our environmental exposures and lifestyle choices cause premature aging:
- Cumulative sun exposure over your lifetime
- Smoking causes wrinkles and decreases the health of your skin
- Tanning beds
Aging Facts:
- 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun (photo link to NEJM Truck Driver: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMicm1104059)
- Using sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater showed a 25% reduction in skin aging.
- 70% of cumulative lifetime sun damage occurs by age 40
| Age | Cumulative Lifetime Sun Exposure |
| 1-18 | 23% |
| 19-40 | 47% |
| 41-59 | 74% |
| 60-78 | 100% |
- 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun (photo link to NEJM Truck Driver: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMicm1104059)
- Using sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater showed a 25% reduction in skin aging.
- 70% of cumulative lifetime sun damage occurs by age 40
Signs of aging:
- Wrinkles
- Crows feet – fine lines around your eyes
- 11s (furrow lines) – deep lines between your eyebrows
- Smile lines (nasolabial folds) – Lines from the side of your nose to the corner of your mouth
- Lines across your forehead
- Smoker lines – fine lines on your upper lip
- Skin Discoloration – brown spots (liver or sun spots)
- Benign skin growths (seborrheic keratoses)
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Dry skin
- Thin skin
8 Ways to reduce premature aging:
- Protect your skin from the sun
- Sunscreen
- What to look for in a sunscreen: (1) Broad-spectrum; (2) SPF 30 or greater; (3) Water-resistant
- Seek shade = sun protective behaviors: go for the shady spot over the sunny spot.
- Sun protective clothing: broad-brimmed hats & sleeves.
- This type of clothing does not have to be uncomfortable in the hot summer – many brands offer cooling sun-protective clothing.
- Sunscreen
- Do not tan
- Tanning accelerates skin aging and is harmful to your skin. It induces DNA (genetic) damage to your skin, which means that if your skin is tan, it has been damaged.
- Stop smoking
- Smoking causes wrinkles, and the pollution from cigarettes harms your skin.
- You will notice improved wrinkles, skin texture, and quality if you stop smoking.
- Eat healthy
- Eating a well-balanced diet with fruits & vegetables can improve the health of your skin.
- Drink less alcohol
- Alcohol can make your skin dry (it dehydrates your skin)
- Exercise
- Exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system, positively benefiting your skin.
- Cleanse your skin gently
- Gently cleansing your skin removes pollution, makeup, and irritants
- Apply a facial moisturizer daily
- Moisturizing your face daily hydrates your skin, giving it a more youthful appearance
Can you reverse skin aging?
Yes!
- Protecting your skin from the sun gives it a chance to repair
- Smokers who stop smoking notice their skin looks healthier
If signs of aging bother you, schedule an appointment today with a dermatologist.
Dermatologists are experts in helping you look and feel your best.
- Dermatologists can help you prevent and treat wrinkles, skin sagging, discoloration, dark circles under your eyes, and volume loss, as well as address many other concerns.
- New treatments are non-invasive, with some treatments having immediate results with minimal to no downtime.
Why choose St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery?
We are the trusted experts in dermatology and cosmetic surgery. Our board-certified dermatologists are here for you. You will receive the highest quality care in a warm and compassionate environment, from the most challenging and complex skin concerns to the routine.
Sources:
- Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, et al. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2013; 158(11):781-790.
- Godar DE, Urbach F, Gasparro FP, et al. UV doses of young adults. Photochem Photobiol 2003; 77(4):453-7.
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