Sun exposure and cigarette smoking are two things that I...

Sun exposure and cigarette smoking are two things that I would say have the greatest effect on accelerating skin aging.  The sun’s rays have a major effect on the skin’s elastin and collagen, causing them to breakdown – creating leathery wrinkled skin and sunspots.  

There is also a direct correlation between cigarette smoke and levels of MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down collagen. Therefore, in addition to lack of oxygen going to the skin, cigarettes have a direct effect on causing wrinkling.

• The way to deal with these age accelerators is to wear a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun block all year-round and do all that you can to stop smoking. The day that you stop these age accelerators is the day that you will slow the skin aging process.

1. Collagen stimulating lasers–to prevent wrinkles.
2. At-home rejuvenation program–to turn over skin cells and build new collagen.
3. Skin tightening technologies to tighten collagen and prevent skin laxity
4. Wear a daily broad spectrum sun blocker plus application of anti-oxidant preparation and oral supplements to prevent photodamage.