Aging is part of the natural cycle. However it can be controlled, to an extent, by maintaining health and looking after the body, according to Dr. Mirwat Sami, who specializes in reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Mirwat S. Sami is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
On the subject of health and aging, Dr. Sami has provided Digital Journal readers with some key tips. Dr. Mirwat Sami is a Houston Board-certified Ophthalmologist specializing in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Speaking with Digital Journal, Dr. Sami notes that wrinkles and fine lines are the most visible signs of skin aging along with other visible signs, including discoloration, uneven skin tone, overall dryness and brittleness. The surgeon notes that “wrinkles develop because skin loses its natural ability to hold and lock in moisture, making it more prone to damage. Skin cells also produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in smaller amounts as we age.”
Moreover, she explains that, “It is the skin’s elasticity which prevents unwanted lines and furrows from forming, and keeps skin from sagging. Although wrinkles naturally develop with age, there are bad habits you can break to stop being a skin saboteur.” These bad habits take the form of different steams of advice and to help Digital Journal readers who worry about the aging process, Dr. Sami has provided the different streams in the form of some “top tips.” These are:
- Sleeping on Your Sides and Stomach
Sleeping in the correct position is beneficial. Here Dr. Sami suggests that “you might get a good night’s sleep on your sides and tummy but you’re unnecessarily stressing your skin.” In particular, fetal and tummy positions when sleeping can lead to ]uneven blood circulation. This can tie-up nourishment, blood, and oxygen on some parts of the body while simultaneously depriving other body parts, including skin, of nutrients. This can lead to the skin from becoming wrinkled. Another adverse effect is that fluid retention can develop around the eyes. - Central heating
The central heating and air conditioning systems that are found in many homes and workplaces can severely dry out the skin. Dr. Sami advises that heating should be kept low and instead she suggests wearing additional layers of clothes.
Dr. Sami also offers the following advice: “Keeping a glass of water in the room can also increase humidity, while wearing a protective face cream can help relieve dryness.” - Smoking
As well as other more well known health effects, smoking is, aside from ultraviolet light from the sun, a major cause of wrinkles. Dr. Sami explains that smoking “interferes with the absorption of Vitamin A and C both of which provide us with skin protection.” The loss of these vitamins can lead to skin becoming less elastic and more “saggy.” Also, smoking promotes excessive dehydration. - Sugar
Consuming too much sugar is linked with obesity. In addition this, “when blood sugar levels are high,” Dr. Sami points out, “a process called glycation occurs which damages the collagen in your skin. Once damaged, the normally springy collagen hardens, leading to wrinkles and sagging.” - Drinking
Indulging in alcohol dehydrates the skin. This can lead to the skin appearing less plump in the following morning after a drinking session. With excessive drinking, skin will become more flabby and develop wrinkles through dehydration. Furthermore, the doctor notes, alcohol reduce vitamin A content. - Chewing Gum
“Gum chewing produces a type of wrinkle that I see quite often on the lower mouth,” says Dr. Sami. Additionally, it can affect the mouth structure. - Not Removing Makeup
Failure to remove make-up before sleeping can be significant. The makeup and environmental pollutants that are accumulated during the day in skin pores break down collagen and elastin. If left on over-night, this process is accelerated. “Cleanse and moisturize your skin every night before bed,” Dr. Sami cautions. - Stretching Your Skin to Apply Makeup
Skin stretching creates wrinkles and it is best avoided when make-up is put on. - Skipping Sunscreen
A few minutes of sun exposure can trigger the breakdown of collagen and this is the major cause of wrinkles. A high factor sunscreen is the best way to protect the skin from the sun’s rays.
Dr. Mirwat Sami is well qualified in offering these areas of healthcare advice. Dr. Sami is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, International Association of Ophthalmologists, Houston Ophthalmology Society, Texas Medical Association and Harris County Medical Society.
