Smoker Face not just for smokers anymore

• lines or wrinkles on the face, typically radiating at right angles from the upper and lower lips or corners of the eyes, deep lines on the cheeks, or numerous shallow lines on the cheeks and lower jaw;
• a subtle gauntness of the facial features with prominence of the underlying bony contours. Fully developed this change gives the face an “atherosclerotic” look; lesser changes show as slight sinking of the cheeks. In some cases these changes are associated with a leathery, worn, or rugged appearance;
• an atrophic, slightly pigmented grey appearance of the skin;
• a plethoric, slightly orange, purple, and red complexion different from the purply blue colour of cyanosis or the bloated appearance associated with the pseudo-Cushing’s changes of alcoholism.

The effects of smoking are subtle and accumulate over time.  As we get older we produce less and less of these two essential components necessary for a healthy youthful appearance.  Smoking depletes the collagen and elastin levels even futher causing premature aging and a general thinning of the skin.  Which is a major contributor to dark circles and under eye bags in smokers.

What many are now understanding is that our environment with it’s pollution levels are now  producing similar effects on the skin and body once the sole domain of the smoker.  In large Urban areas non smokers are showing similar symptoms once attributed only to those who inhaled tobacco products.   Our modern environment contains many of the same chemical agents commonly found in cigarettes, except for the nicotine.  We carry out our normal routine unaware that our body’s are under attack and slowly losing the battle.

What can you do?  Take care of your body as if you were a smoker.  Antioxidants reduce if not eliminate the damaging effects of pollution. The body’s most effective antioxidant is vitamin E. Smokers have been found to have lower levels of plasma vitamin E than nonsmokers.

Smokers seeking nutritional supplementation should look for a multi-vitamin that contains at least all of the following: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin E, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Niacin, Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Zinc Picolinate, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), and the antioxidant Co-Q10. Some supplements add Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Powder, Inositol, Rutin, Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex, Choline Bitartrate and PABA.

A good multivitamin is only the start.  Additional supplements will also be necessary.  it was once considered that 100mg a day of Vitamin C would be enough to strengthen the body’s immune system.  With global warning’s green house effect this is no longer the case.  Our toxic environment is now producing levels of poison never before seen in human history.  Daily amounts of vitamin C need to be no less than 1000mgs per day and in large urban centers up to 2000mg per day.  Omega 3-6-9 is the supplement which lubricates the body and skin. Assists in the production of Collagen and Elastin.  Generally strengthening the immune system and removes free radicals.

Keep in mind that this post is a means of getting you started and thinking in a different way.  For complete guidance I recommend a visit to a Heath Food and Supplement store.  One where qualified staff can give you the best advise.  However, in a nut shell this is what you will need to slow down the premature aging your skin may be going through, either due to smoking or environmental pollution.

Nutrient Daily Amount

• Beta-carotene 16,500 to 50,000 IU per day
• Vitamin B-complex supplement containing:
  • Biotin 300 mcg
  • Folic acid 400 mcg
  • Vitamin B3 (niacin) 20 mg
  • Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) 10 mg
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 1.7 mg
  • Vitamin B1 (thiamine) 1.5 mg
  • Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 2 mg
  • Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) 6 mcg
• Calcium 1,500 mg
• Vitamin C 1000 to 2,000 mg
• Vitamin E 100 to 200 IU