Most of us enjoy spending time in the sun, knowing that we will emerge with a healthy looking glow. Although some sunlight is essential for strong bones and prevention of osteoporosis, too much of a good thing can damage our skin, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer and premature aging of the face. It does not make sense to look good now, but look bad later. Fortunately, there are now many great products on the market that can safely give us a natural looking glow without basking for hours in the sun.

If You Smoke, You Are Damaging Your Skin:

If you smoke, you are creating many serious consequences, not only to your overall health, but to your appearance as well, for the inner creates the outer.

In 1985, Dr. Douglas Model coined the term smokers face when he wrote an article for the British Medical Journal. Smokers face is defined as lines or wrinkles on the face, particularly 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 features, with prominence of the underlying bony contours; a grey skin pallor.

The article described how approximately half of the smokers that were studied, each having smoked for a minimum of ten years, came to exhibit the same particular facial characteristics as a result of the damage caused by smoking. These characteristics were typical of long-term smokers and could be observed regardless of age, weight, or the amount of sun exposure. Smoking robs the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are needed, resulting in dull, sallow skin. Collagen and elastin fibers are compromised, leading to premature wrinkling and a gaunt appearance. Many long term smokers between the ages of 40-49 tend to have wrinkles that are consistent with non smokers that are 20 years older. The incidence of skin cancer also rises, with the increased risk of it progressing to a deadly diagnosis, due to the bodys weakened immune system.

'It may be hard, but the best thing you can do for a beautiful, glowing complexion is to stop smoking. Smoking both dehydrates and deprives your skin of oxygen, so you will see real benefits - skin will become smoother and more radiant.' Sarah Monzani, make-up artist to Madonna

Many former smokers report more radiant skin soon after they cease smoking. The addition of eating 5 servings per day of fresh fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, along with sufficient water intake will increase the results even faster. And not only will you look better, you will feel better, all because you will be on your way to better health.