Anti-Aging
Our Board Certified Experts in Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery are here to help you look as good as you feel!
What Causes Aging?
Our skin ages through two processes: intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging. Intrinsic, or natural, aging is the normal aging process determined by our genetics. We do not control natural aging. Extrinsic aging, also known as premature aging, is caused by our environment and lifestyle choices. Our decisions and choices can help prevent premature aging.
Natural aging (Intrinsic aging process)
We all go through a natural aging process that is controlled by our genetics:
- We develop visible lines on our faces
- Our faces lose some of their fullness
- Our skin becomes drier and thinner
Premature aging (Extrinsic aging process)
Our environmental exposures and lifestyle choices cause premature aging:
- Cumulative sun exposure over your lifetime
- Smoking causes wrinkles and decreases the health of your skin
- Tanning beds
Aging Facts:
- 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun (photo link to NEJM Truck Driver: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMicm1104059)
- Using sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater showed a 25% reduction in skin aging
- 70% of cumulative lifetime sun damage occurs by age 40
| Age | Cumulative Lifetime Sun Exposure |
| 1-18 | 23% |
| 19-40 | 47% |
| 41-59 | 74% |
| 60-78 | 100% |
Common Signs of Aging:
- Wrinkles
- Crow’s feet – fine lines around your eyes
- 11s (furrow lines) – deep lines between your eyebrows
- Smile lines (nasolabial folds) – Lines from the side of your nose to the corner of your mouth
- Lines across your forehead
- Smoker’s lines – fine lines on your upper lip
- Skin Discoloration – brown spots (liver or sun spots)
- Benign skin growths (seborrheic keratoses)
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Dry skin
- Thin skin
8 Ways to Reduce Premature Aging:
1. Protecting Skin From the Sun
Ways to do this include:
- Applying Sunscreen
- What to look for in a sunscreen: (1) Broad-spectrum; (2) SPF 30 or greater; (3) Water-resistant
- Seeking Shade
- A great sun protective behavior
- Wearing Sun Protective Clothing
- This type of clothing does not have to be uncomfortable in the hot summer—many brands offer cooling, sun-protective clothing.
2. Do NOT Tan
Here is why:
Tanning accelerates skin aging and harms your skin. It induces DNA (genetic) damage to your skin, which means that if your skin is tan, it has been damaged.
3. Do NOT Smoke
Here is why:
- Smoking causes wrinkles, and the pollution from cigarettes harms your skin
- If you stop smoking, you will notice improvement in your wrinkles, skin texture, and quality
4. Eat Healthy
Here is why:
- Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can improve your skin’s health.
5. Drink Less Alcohol
Here is why:
- Alcohol can make your skin dry (it dehydrates your skin)
6. Get More Exercise
Here is why:
- Exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system, positively benefiting your skin.
7. Gently Clean Your Skin
Here is why:
- Gently cleansing your skin removes pollution, makeup, and irritants
8. Apply a Facial Moisturizer Daily
Here is why:
- Moisturizing your face daily hydrates your skin, giving it a more youthful appearance
Can you Reverse Skin Aging?
Yes!
- Protecting your skin from the sun gives it a chance to repair itself
- Smokers who stop smoking notice their skin looks healthier
If signs of aging bother you, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist today.
Expert Dermatologic Care for Healthy, Youthful Skin
Board-certified dermatologists specialize in enhancing your skin’s health and appearance—helping you look and feel your absolute best. From addressing fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and uneven skin tone to treating under-eye circles and volume loss, today’s dermatologic treatments offer effective solutions for a wide range of cosmetic concerns.
Many modern procedures are non-invasive, deliver visible results quickly, and require little to no downtime—making it easier than ever to achieve natural, refreshed skin.
Why Choose Jacksonville Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery?
We are the trusted experts in dermatology and cosmetic surgery. Our board-certified dermatologists are here for you. You will receive the highest quality care in a warm and compassionate environment, from the most challenging and complex skin concerns to the routine.
Sources:
- Hughes MCB, Williams GM, Baker P, et al. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2013; 158(11):781-790.
- Godar DE, Urbach F, Gasparro FP, et al. UV doses of young adults. Photochem Photobiol 2003; 77(4):453-7.
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