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Want Healthy, Youthful Skin? Don’t Smoke or Tan

Want Healthy, Youthful Skin? Don’t Smoke or Tan

With all the pricey anti-aging creams and serums available on the market, new research shows that the best things you can do to keep your skin youthful are also the most inexpensive things: don’t smoke, and don’t tan.

The chemicals in cigarettes prevent collagen re-growth, decreasing skin tautness and creating wrinkles. And if a smoker is spending too much time in the sun, they are ten times more likely to develop wrinkles in their 20s and 30s than individuals who avoid tobacco and protect themselves against the sun’s rays.

Many young adults choose to be “proactive” about wrinkle prevention by investing in expensive over-the-counter creams. However, in most cases, that approach is as effective as throwing money down the drain–especially if the consumer is a smoker or doesn’t wear sunscreen. Over-the-counter creams that aren’t FDA approved may not be effective, and young non-smokers with undamaged skin should already produce healthy collagen and peptides. Buying over-the-counter anti-aging serums could put a dent in your wallet and trigger acne production.

If you’re a young adult in your twenties and are interested in improving your skin health, avoid anti-aging creams and schedule a consultation with Dr. Zimmet today.

New Study Finds Tanning Bed Rays Cause Significant Damage

Need another reason to stay out of the tanning bed? Here’s one: recently, the Journal of Investigative Dermatology published a study concluding that the type of UV rays delivered by tanning beds (UVA1) penetrate layers of skin cells that are particularly vulnerable to developing cancerous mutations. The research is published as several states ban tanning for minors and place restrictions on frequency of use, citing health concerns.

The study compared UVA1 rays that are used by tanning beds with UVB rays that are emitted by the sun. Both are dangerous to the skin, but the study found that UVA1 rays penetrated the skin deeper and caused potentially cancerous lesions. The lesions are very slow to heal, so frequent tanners are particularly at risk; damage can build up and accumulate, increasing the likelihood of skin cancer exponentially. Additionally, since UVA1 rays penetrate skin deeper, they’re often called “aging rays,” because they create more wrinkles. One researcher compared indoor tanning to smoking–it’s one of the main causes of skin cancer, and completely avoidable.

In order to maintain healthy skin, we recommend that you avoid use of tanning beds and wear both sunscreen and protective clothing in the sun. If you’re concerned about your skin health or any abnormal moles or skin spots, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today to make an appointment.

High-Volume Cosmetic Clinics Create More Risks for Patients

As minimally invasive procedures such as Botox® and Dysport are becoming more widespread, clinics are popping up everywhere that advertise quick, cheap cosmetic procedures. However, not all medical practices are created equal, and some patients are finding that out the hard way. Some discount clinics are providing turning out low-quality procedures with a focus on maximizing the number of patients they see.

The consequences of these “in-and-out” cosmetic facilities range from a longer healing time to excessive scarring or worse. Patients may find inadequate consultations, with a focus on being “sold” a procedure, and less than ideal procedures for post-treatment recovery issues. Because doctors in such clinics see patients at such a high volume, it’s difficult to discuss pre-existing health problems or make accurate recommendations for post-surgical care.

If you are considering a cosmetic procedure, we recommend that you treat it like any other medical service and do your research. Verify that the clinic and physician you are going to are well-qualified to deliver high quality care. At Zimmet Vein & Dermatology, we are happy to meet with you to discuss concerns, pre- and post-procedure care, and Dr. Zimmet’s experience and background.

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Austin, Texas

1500 W. 34th Street
Austin, TX 78703
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