DEALING WITH THE REAL CAUSES OF SKIN DAMAGE

THIS ISN'T A CONVENTIONAL BEAUTY BLOG SO I AM NOT GOING INTO PRODUCTS OR EVEN ROUTINES BUT RATHER TACKLING THE INNER CORE AND DEALING WITH THE REAL CAUSES OF SKIN DAMAGE

THE BASICS: UNDERSTANDING HOW THE ENVIRONMENT AND STRESS AFFECTS THE SKIN 

Under the 'Stress section' I talked about how stress hormones such as Adrenalin and Cortisone affect the skin, if you recall Adrenalin reduces the nourishment delivered by the blood stream by directing the blood flow away from the extremities to the heart, lungs and muscles, so the skin and hair wont be so well nourished. Cortisone damages the fibrocytes, these are specialised cells within the Dermis that produce collagen and elastin and it is collagen and elastin that provides support and elasticity within the skin, akin to the foam and springs in a mattress. When we are young our skin is plump and elastic but through use from normal facial movements, the downward pull of gravity, the collagen and elastin tends to bunch together just like the stuffing in a well used mattress. Now if we undergo stress for a considerable period as these fibrocytes become damaged due to the action of Cortisol so the skin will loose its support structure, its elasticity will suffer and it wont spring back to shape like it used to, like spent elastic. Cell renewal will suffer due to the reduced blood supply there wont be adequate nourishment and the skin will take on a greyer pallor and it will loose its healthy rosy glow. 

Now there is another aspect to this equation, the action of Ultra Violet Light from the sun and of course sunbeds. The sun produces three types of UV Light UVA UVB and UVC. The Earth's ozone layer blocks 97-99% of this UV radiation from penetrating through the atmosphere. Of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth's surface, 98.7% is UVA (UVC and more energetic radiation is responsible for the generation of the ozone layer, and formation of the ozone there). Now I don't want to get to technical here and want to focus on UVA and UVB. UVB can only penetrate down through the skin to the dermis and is responsible for burning but UVA is able to penetrate down through the dermis and like Cortisol damages the Fibrocytes, those little cells that plump up our skin and give it elasticity. 

One of the best places on our bodies to see the affects of gravity and demishing collagen and elastin especially on women is on the thighs often referred to as 'Cellulite'. 

Because we are composed of 70% water, water is an important component of the skin, therefore it 's important we drink adequate water to keep ourselves hydrated. Don't wait until you feel thirsty before you reach for that drink, it is much better to sip water at regular intervals as we are constantly loosing water through bodily processes. 

THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL, SMOKING AND DRUGS ON THE SKIN 

Everything in moderation is something to bear in mind when it comes to food and drink and that includes alcohol, but alcohol is a toxin and the liver has to work hard to break it down. The occasional drink is not going to have too much effect on the skin but it does cause the peripheral circulation to dilate and one of the characteristic signs of too much alcohol is the appearance of broken capillaries across the face, There are other causes of broken capillaries, sometimes, it's hereditary but often caused by sudden changes in temperature i.e. going from very warm central heated homes to going outdoors without protecting the skin or driving in cars with the heater blasting against the face. Squeezing spots is another cause. Too much alcohol is a depressant too, so you may feel rather jolly at the time but you are sure to come back down to earth with a bump.

Many common prescribed drugs have an effect on the skin its something to be aware of many drugs such as diuretics will cause a loss of moisture so forewarned you take extra care to apply a good moisturiser to help counteract this effect. 

Recreational drugs obviously will have an effect on the skin too with many of them toxic to the body and anything that diverts the body to spend time detoxifying obviously takes energy away from repairing and maintaining the body. This is not a blog that discusses drugs I am sure readers will already know the dangers of such substances.

Smoking is one of the worst abuses you can do to your body, firstly because of its direct effect affect on the lungs, it impairs the uptake and absorption of oxygen and of course all cells in the body require oxygen in order to function normally. The nicotine as well as being addictive is a powerful vasoconstrictor therefore it reduces blood flow to the peripheral circulation so the skin and hair are going to suffer. So as well as impairing oxygen uptake and reducing blood flow to the skin, the body is also having to use its resources dealing with all the toxins also inhaled. Poorly nourished skin means it cannot repair itself adequately. Smoking also leads to more wrinkling, those little purse string lines around the mouth and crows feet caused by the smoke further research has proven that smoking causes the skin to age ten years.

ARTICLE FROM THE DAILY MAIL BELOW

How sunbeds, smoking and not eating enough fruit can age a woman's skin by TEN YEARS

• 'Lifestyle choices' account for 33 per cent of how old a woman looks
• Researchers carried out study on 585 woman in UK, China and Spain
• Team asked women a series of questions about their lifestyles 

A new study has found lifestyle choices can account for as much as 33 per cent of how old a woman looks

Living an unhealthy lifestyle can age a woman’s skin by over ten years, an in-depth international study has revealed.

The true damage caused by sun beds, smoking and a lack of fruit and moisturisation in accelerating the ageing process emerged following research on 585 women in the UK, China and Spain.

The study, published yesterday, showed the factors influencing their skin were the same even taking into account the backgrounds and skin type of the women involved.

It also emerged 'lifestyle choices' often account for as much as 33 per cent of how old a woman looks.

Dr Andrew Mayes, who led the study for Simple skincare, said: 'We already knew genetics accounted for about 50 per cent of how old people look, but we didn’t know how much would be accounted for by their lifestyles.

'Even we were surprised by just how much it was; both in terms of the number of years and the percentage.'

The study which was carried out over the last eight years involved women aged 45 to 75 in the UK, 30 to 70 in Spain and 25 to 70 in China.

Study sites with controlled laboratory conditions were established in Bedford in the UK, Madrid in Spain and Shanghai in China.

Those who took part were asked a string of questions about their lifestyles including whether or not they liked to sun tan and if they were smokers or non-smokers.

Other questions included how often the women moisturised, whether they eat fruit and veg, whether they brush their teeth and if they have all their own teeth.

The research team also took digital images of the women which were then assessed for how old they looked to identify their perceived age and whether they looked younger or older than their actual age.

The study, which was carried out over the last eight years, asked women questions about their lifestyle, including whether or not they smoked

Those taking part in the research were also asked whether or not they liked to sun tan and how often they moisturised

The research team, led by Dr Mayes, then compared the perceived ages of those with good versus bad lifestyles.

They concluded the difference was 10.4 years.

'We already knew genetics accounted for about 50 per cent of how old people look, but we didn’t know how much would be accounted for by their lifestyles'

- Dr Andrew Mayes

Dr Mayes added: 'The number of years' difference was most staggering - we had just seen some data out of a group of plastic surgeons in the US and Canada suggesting that a face and neck lift (together with eyelid and forehead modifications) could take an average of about 8.5 years off your facial age.

'Then we got our data through demonstrating a saving of over 10 years. It’s fair to say at first we couldn’t quite believe it.

'But the evidence was there in front of us - women with a healthy lifestyle looked much younger than those with an unhealthy lifestyle.

'Simply put; good skin health is about more than fancy creams and lotions - it’s about how we live our lives and how we treat our bodies and the steps we need to take do not need to be extreme.

'They can be small and steady and the effects will be seen over time without the need for plastic surgery.'

Astrid Brown (Author) › Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page Find all the books, read about the author, and more

WARNING THIS VIDEO MIGHT BE TOO GRAPHIC FOR SOME (LUNG REMOVAL OF A SMOKER)

This video shows the surgeon dissecting and removing cancerous lesions of the lung of a smoker

Now I have never been a smoker and probably being an Aquarian, I like to do my own thing and never had any desire to try it, so I have no idea what it tastes or feels like. As I was growing up I lost my grandfather and several aunts and uncles to lung cancer and had other relatives suffer heart disease and other lung diseases. When I went into nursing one of the first ward I worked on was one where there were several patients in the terminal stages of lung cancer. I guess therefore this instilled in me the dangers of smoking and what it can do to you. It's extremely distressing to watch patients suffer from lung cancer where upon death is a blessed release from the extreme suffering. Lung Cancer is avoidable unlike a lot of cancers, so why risk it by smoking. OK so you may want to risk it but research has proven not only are you risking your own health but on others by passive smoking, is this fair? In the UK our much cash strapped National Health System is under severe strain treating all those who indulge in smoking and you have to ask, why should others who take care of their health by not smoking pay for the treatment of those who do? Remember too it's not just lung cancer, but a whole range of ailments are caused by smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, throat and mouth cancers, oesphageal cancer, heart disease, arterial disease, leading to amputation, high blood pressure, strokes. Can you imagine the stresses on the NHS being reduced if all the smokers were to give it up? but more importantly think how healthier the nation would be and how younger they would look too. I can't think of one good reason why anyone should smoke and if smokers were true to themselves, I am sure they would share this view.

Astrid Brown (Author)

› Visit Amazon's Astrid Brown Page

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SEE WHAT SMOKING DOES TO YOUR BODY!

I came across this article in the press Daily Mail, and it reinforces what I have been saying on this site for ages. You cannot possibly hold on to your looks if you smoke never mind the detriment to your health. It just isn't good for you at all.

Astridestella.info: SMOKING AND CANCER
29 Dec 2012
... and results in death and disease. 'Giving up smoking can be extremely difficult, so providing extra motivation and reminding people of just how harmful the habit is can help smokers to take that first step in quitting for good.' ...
http://www.astridestella.info/
Astridestella.info: EVEN PASSIVE SMOKING IS DETRIMENTAL
02 May 2011
Smoking is one of the worst abuses you can do to your body, firstly because of its direct effect affect on the lungs, it impairs the uptake and absorption of oxygen and of course all cells in the body require oxygen in order to ...

Astridestella.info: SMOKING AND CANCER

29 Dec 2012

... and results in death and disease. 'Giving up smoking can be extremely difficult, so providing extra motivation and reminding people of just how harmful the habit is can help smokers to take that first step in quitting for good.' ...

http://www.astridestella.info/

Astridestella.info: EVEN PASSIVE SMOKING IS DETRIMENTAL

02 May 2011

Smoking is one of the worst abuses you can do to your body, firstly because of its direct effect affect on the lungs, it impairs the uptake and absorption of oxygen and of course all cells in the body require oxygen in order to ...

http://www.astridestella.info/

- See more at: http://www.astridestella.info/#uds-search-results

Astridestella.info: SMOKING AND CANCER

29 Dec 2012

... and results in death and disease. 'Giving up smoking can be extremely difficult, so providing extra motivation and reminding people of just how harmful the habit is can help smokers to take that first step in quitting for good.' ...

http://www.astridestella.info/

Astridestella.info: EVEN PASSIVE SMOKING IS DETRIMENTAL

02 May 2011

Smoking is one of the worst abuses you can do to your body, firstly because of its direct effect affect on the lungs, it impairs the uptake and absorption of oxygen and of course all cells in the body require oxygen in order to ...

http://www.astridestella.info/

- See more at: http://www.astridestella.info/#uds-search-results

Astridestella.info: SMOKING AND CANCER

29 Dec 2012

... and results in death and disease. 'Giving up smoking can be extremely difficult, so providing extra motivation and reminding people of just how harmful the habit is can help smokers to take that first step in quitting for good.' ...

http://www.astridestella.info/

Astridestella.info: EVEN PASSIVE SMOKING IS DETRIMENTAL

02 May 2011

Smoking is one of the worst abuses you can do to your body, firstly because of its direct effect affect on the lungs, it impairs the uptake and absorption of oxygen and of course all cells in the body require oxygen in order to ...

http://www.astridestella.info/

- See more at: http://www.astridestella.info/#uds-search-results

What's smoking doing to YOUR body? Alarming graphic shows how cigarettes cause women to go grey and sprout facial hair and men to have sluggish sperm

• Tobacco Body has been created in conjunction with the Cancer Society of Finland to show the damage smoking causes
• Highlights lesser-known effects such as spots, grey hair, increased risk of stomach ulcers and weight gain 

We all know that smoking can cause lung cancer - but did you know it can also trigger women to go grey, grow facial hair and men to have sluggish sperm?
In an attempt to move on from the grisly anti-smoking pictures found on cigarette packets, Finnish doctors have developed an interactive website to highlight the dangers. 
Tobacco Body has been created in conjunction with the Cancer Society of Finland to show the damage smoking causes.

The site explains that with skin, for example, 'smokers are more likely to get spots as smoking weakens the circulation which increases the risk of infection. It also make acne more difficult to deal with'

To see the dangers for yourself, select the male or female body and then browse different parts of the body.

 

From spots, to an increased risk of stomach ulcers, the catalogue of side-effects and images make for disturbing viewing - right down to the grey, mottled skin of the smoker.

For women, one of the most disturbing things may be that smoking can trigger the growth of extra facial hair on the face and arms. 

To see the dangers for yourself, select the male or female body and then browse different parts of the body.

It adds that smoker's skin looks unhealthy because the chemicals in cigarette smoke make the skin's elastic fibres snap more easily, causing the skin to lose its elasticity

The site explains that with skin, for example, 'smokers are more likely to get spots as smoking weakens the circulation which increases the risk of infection. It also make acne more difficult to deal with.'
It adds that smoker’s skin looks unhealthy because the chemicals in cigarette smoke make the skin’s elastic fibres snap more easily, causing the skin to lose its elasticity.

Non-smokers also have five times less wrinkles compared to smokers who have smoked a pack a day for 25 years. 
Excess hair growth in women in triggered because smoking increases levels of the male hormone, testosterone.
Indeed, a study from the Medical College of Wisconsin found that women who smoked a pack of cigarettes or more a day were significantly more likely than non-smokers to have facial hair and experience early menopause and irregular periods.

The site also claims that smokers are more likely to carry extra weight around the middle. Of girls aged 16-24, those who smoke are most likely to be overweight

Smokers are more likely to carry extra weight around the middle. Of girls aged 16-24, those who smoke are most likely to be overweight, it is claimed. 
Hair doesn't fair well, either. The site explains: 'Smokers have brittle hair and are more likely to go bald and grey than others. Chemicals from tobacco gather in the hair and cause hairs to break off before they are fully formed.'

The Tobacco Body site was created in conjunction with the Cancer Society of Finland to show the damage smoking causes in the body

Smokers also have double the risk of a blood clot and a worse sex life. Smoking weakens
blood flow to the penis, which counts for smokers being twice as likely to have erectile problems. 
Smokers’ sperm density is also significantly less compared to the non smokers. The toxins from cigarettes decrease the concentration and mobility of sperm cells in semen and harm the cell’s structure, the site says.
And if that wasn't bad enough, smokers also put themselves more at risk of painful stomach ulcers.

The nicotine in cigarettes weakens the stomach’s ability to fight helicobacter pylori, a bacteria which causes stomach ulcers.  

VISIT AMAZON ASTRID BROWN'S PAGE
Find all the books, read about the author, and more

THE DANGERS OF THIRD-HAND SMOKE

Interesting article I came across today about third hand smoke and I feel more research needs to be done, given that it's been proven certain plastic containers and bottles can leave deposits on the food stuffs they contain if reused.

Smoking causes 50 certain diseases cigarettes are a well-known cause of lung cancer, chronic lung disease, heart disease, and other disorders such as skin cancer, mouth cancer, stroke and high blood pressure. It is the myriad of toxins in cigarette smoke, rather than the nicotine content, that is responsible for the majority of the harmful effects. In other words, it is the delivery system, not the addictive drug, which is responsible for the vast majority of tobacco-related diseases. And it is not the nicotine in cigarettes, but the tar that causes the unsightly yellow-brown stains on fingers and teeth. There are more than 4,000 other chemicals in cigarette smoke, many of which are known to cause cancer. In particular it is the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamines that are the probable causative agents for lung and other cancers.

It is the adverse nicotine effect in tobacco products that leads to addiction and this which sustains tobacco use. Because most smokers are nicotine-dependent, they continue to expose themselves to toxins from cigarettes. It is the other chemicals in cigarettes, not nicotine, which are responsible for most of the adverse health effects related to smoking. Nicotine is an addictive drug. When smoked, it is delivered into the lungs and is rapidly absorbed by the blood, reaching the brain within approximately ten seconds. At this point, smokers experience a nicotine "hit" - causing the brain to produce Dopamines, a neurotransmitter that regulates emotion and feelings of pleasure. The brain soon comes to expect regular doses of nicotine and suffers nicotine withdrawal symptoms when the supply is interrupted. The addictive nature of nicotine is largely due to its dose and rapid delivery to the brain when smoking cigarettes.

Women who carry on smoking in pregnancy endanger not only themselves, but their babies too. Mothers who smoke around their children also put their kids' health at risk. Even before conceiving research shows that cigarette smoking is harmful to a woman's ovaries. It can cause a woman's eggs to be more prone to genetic abnormality and increase the risk of spontaneous miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. Women who smoke take longer to conceive with the chances of conceiving falling by up to 40 per cent per menstrual cycle. The more cigarettes you smoke the longer it takes to become pregnant. Just one cigarette a day can have a significant impact. In men stopping smoking can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction and may improve sexual potency.

- See more at: http://www.astridestella.info/p/stress-and-health.html#sthash.xvWrHTGo.dpuf

_________________________________________________

ARTICLE BELOW FROM THE DAILY MAIL


Pioneering study claims THIRD-HAND smoke causes significant damage to our DNA - and its danger increases over time
Research claims - for the first time ever - that third-hand smoke causes significant damage to human cells
Third-hand smoke is the toxic residue that clings to surfaces after second-hand smoke has disappeared
The study also found that this residue becomes MORE harmful over time
New research has claimed for the first time ever that third-hand smoke from cigarettes causes significant genetic damage to human cells.

Third-hand smoke is 'noxious residue' produced by cigarette smoke that clings to virtually all surfaces after second-hand smoke has disappeared.

The study from the Laurence Berkeley National Laboratory at the University of California also found that this toxic residue becomes more harmful over time.






After you've finished smoking, toxic residue is left behind on surfaces, furniture and fabrics - and can cling to them even after washing. Researchers from California have now discovered that this third-hand smoke causes significant damage to DNA cells and becomes more harmful over time

WHAT IS THIRD-HAND SMOKE?


Third-hand smoke is created by tobacco smoke that lingers after a cigarette has been put out.

It's called 'third-hand' because it is created once second-hand smoke has disappeared.

Third-hand smoke can stick to almost all surfaces but especially clings to fabrics.

People can be exposed to third-hand smoke particles through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.

Third-hand smoke is thought to be particularly dangerous to young children because they are more likely to crawl on the floor and eat from their hands without washing them first - ingesting the toxins into their systems.

Co-author Lara Gundel said: 'This is the very first study to find that third-hand smoke is mutagenic.

'Some of the chemical compounds in third-hand smoke are among the most potent carcinogens there are.

'They stay on surfaces and when those surfaces are clothing or carpets, the danger to children is especially serious.'

The researchers used a variety of tests to establish if third-hand smoke breaks down DNA strands and leads to long-lasting DNA damage and gene mutation.

'Until this study, the toxicity of third-hand smoke has not been well understood,' continued Gundel.

'Third-hand smoke has a smaller quantity of chemicals than second-hand smoke, so it’s good to have experimental evidence to confirm its genotoxicity.'


People can be exposed to third-hand smoke through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.

Researchers said third-hand smoke is particularly insidious because it is extremely difficult to get rid of.

Previous studies have found that it can still be detected in dust and surfaces of homes more than two months after smokers moved out.






To generate the samples researchers at the Berkeley Lab put paper strips in smoking chambers, pictured. The acute samples were exposed to five cigarettes smoked in about 20 minutes. The chronic samples were exposed to cigarette smoke for 258 hours over 196 days



Common cleaning methods such as vacuuming, wiping and ventilation have not proven to be effective in lowering the presence of these particles.

The report added: 'You can do some things to reduce the odours, but it’s very difficult to really clean it completely.

'The best solution is to substitute materials, such as change the carpet and repaint.'

To generate the samples, the researchers put paper strips in smoking chambers.

The acute samples were exposed to five cigarettes smoked in about 20 minutes.

The chronic samples were exposed to cigarette smoke for 258 hours over 196 days.

During that time, the chamber was also ventilated for about 35 hours.

The researchers found that the concentrations of more than half of the compounds studied were higher in the chronic samples than in the acute.





Previous studies have found that third-hand smoke can still be detected in dust and surfaces of sofas, clothes and curtains more than two months after a smoker has stopped smoking. The study from California claims children are particularly at risk of DNA damage from third-hand smoke because they crawl over these surfaces and eat with their hands


They also found higher levels of DNA damage caused by the chronic samples.

The study said there was a 0.4 per cent conversion in human cells within the first hour of exposure and this increased ten-fold over a three-hour period.

Lead author Mohamad Sleiman said: 'Given the rapid sorption and persistence of high levels of nicotine on indoor surfaces, including clothing and human skin, our findings indicate that third-hand smoke represents an unappreciated health hazard through dermal exposure, dust inhalation and ingestion.'

The researchers conclude in their paper: 'Ultimately, knowledge of the mechanisms by which third-hand smoke exposure increases the chance of disease development in exposed individuals should lead to new strategies for prevention.'

The findings are published in the science Journal Mutagenesis.

Get help now to stop smoking

Eight practical, quick and simple steps you can take NOW to quit smoking

VISIT AMAZON ASTRID BROWN'S PAGE
Find all the books, read about the author, and more

HALLELUJAH FINALLY IT'S SINKING IN WHAT AGES A WOMAN'S SKIN

Hallelujah haven't I been saying this for years.


THIS ISN'T A CONVENTIONAL BEAUTY BLOG SO I AM NOT GOING INTO PRODUCTS OR EVEN ROUTINES BUT RATHER TACKLING THE INNER CORE AND DEALING WITH THE REAL CAUSES OF SKIN DAMAGE

THE BASICS: UNDERSTANDING HOW THE ENVIRONMENT AND STRESS AFFECTS THE SKIN

Under the 'Stress section' I talked about how stress hormones such as Adrenalin and Cortisone affect the skin, if you recall Adrenalin reduces the nourishment delivered by the blood stream by directing the blood flow away from the extremities to the heart, lungs and muscles, so the skin and hair wont be so well nourished. Cortisone damages the fibrocytes, these are specialised cells within the Dermis that produce collagen and elastin and it is collagen and elastin that provides support and elasticity within the skin, akin to the foam and springs in a mattress. When we are young our skin is plump and elastic but through use from normal facial movements, the downward pull of gravity, the collagen and elastin tends to bunch together just like the stuffing in a well used mattress. Now if we undergo stress for a considerable period as these fibrocytes become damaged due to the action of Cortisol so the skin will loose its support structure, its elasticity will suffer and it wont spring back to shape like it used to, like spent elastic. Cell renewal will suffer due to the reduced blood supply there wont be adequate nourishment and the skin will take on a greyer pallor and it will loose its healthy rosy glow.

Now there is another aspect to this equation, the action of Ultra Violet Light from the sun and of course sunbeds. The sun produces three types of UV Light UVA UVB and UVC. The Earth's ozone layer blocks 97-99% of this UV radiation from penetrating through the atmosphere. Of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth's surface, 98.7% is UVA (UVC and more energetic radiation is responsible for the generation of the ozone layer, and formation of the ozone there). Now I don't want to get to technical here and want to focus on UVA and UVB. UVB can only penetrate down through the skin to the dermis and is responsible for burning but UVA is able to penetrate down through the dermis and like Cortisol damages the Fibrocytes, those little cells that plump up our skin and give it elasticity.

One of the best places on our bodies to see the affects of gravity and demishing collagen and elastin especially on women is on the thighs often referred to as 'Cellulite'.

Because we are composed of 70% water, water is an important component of the skin, therefore it important we drink adequate water to keep ourselves hydrated. Don't wait until you feel thirsty before you reach for that drink, it is much better to sip water at regular intervals as we are constantly loosing water through bodily processes.


THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL, SMOKING AND DRUGS ON THE SKIN



TYPICAL SMOKERS SKIN (NOTE THE PURSE LINES)

Everything in moderation is something to bear in mind when it comes to food and drink and that includes alcohol, but alcohol is a toxin and the liver has to work hard to break it down. The occasional drink is not going to have too much effect on the skin but it does cause the peripheral circulation to dilate and one of the characteristic signs of too much alcohol is the appearance of broken capillaries across the face, There are other causes of broken capillaries, sometimes, it's hereditary but often caused by sudden changes in temperature i.e. going from very warm central heated homes to going outdoors without protecting the skin or driving in cars with the heater blasting against the face. Squeezing spots is another cause. Too much alcohol is a depressant too, so you may feel rather jolly at the time but you are sure to come back down to earth with a bump.

Many common prescribed drugs have an effect on the skin its something to be aware of many drugs such as diuretics will cause a loss of moisture so forewarned you take extra care to apply a good moisturiser to help counteract this effect.

Recreational drugs obviously will have an effect on the skin too with many of them toxic to the body and anything that diverts the body to spend time detoxifying obviously takes energy away from repairing and maintaining the body. This is not a blog that discusses drugs I am sure readers will already know the dangers of such substances.



HEALTHY LUNGS


Smoking is one of the worst abuses you can do to your body, firstly because of its direct effect affect on the lungs, it impairs the uptake and absorption of oxygen and of course all cells in the body require oxygen in order to function normally. The nicotine as well as being addictive is a powerful vasoconstrictor therefore it reduces blood flow to the peripheral circulation so the skin and hair are going to suffer. So as well as impairing oxygen uptake and reducing blood flow to the skin, the body is also having to use its resources dealing with all the toxins also inhaled. Poorly nourished skin means it cannot repair itself adequately. Smoking also leads to more wrinkling, those little purse string lines around the mouth and crows feet caused by the smoke further research has proven that smoking causes the skin to age ten years.


ARTICLE FROM THE DAILY MAIL BELOW

How sunbeds, smoking and not eating enough fruit can age a woman's skin by TEN YEARS

• 'Lifestyle choices' account for 33 per cent of how old a woman looks
• Researchers carried out study on 585 woman in UK, China and Spain
• Team asked women a series of questions about their lifestyles

A new study has found lifestyle choices can account for as much as 33 per cent of how old a woman looks

Living an unhealthy lifestyle can age a woman’s skin by over ten years, an in-depth international study has revealed.
The true damage caused by sun beds, smoking and a lack of fruit and moisturisation in accelerating the ageing process emerged following research on 585 women in the UK, China and Spain.
The study, published yesterday, showed the factors influencing their skin were the same even taking into account the backgrounds and skin type of the women involved.
It also emerged 'lifestyle choices' often account for as much as 33 per cent of how old a woman looks.
Dr Andrew Mayes, who led the study for Simple skincare, said: 'We already knew genetics accounted for about 50 per cent of how old people look, but we didn’t know how much would be accounted for by their lifestyles.
'Even we were surprised by just how much it was; both in terms of the number of years and the percentage.'
The study which was carried out over the last eight years involved women aged 45 to 75 in the UK, 30 to 70 in Spain and 25 to 70 in China.
Study sites with controlled laboratory conditions were established in Bedford in the UK, Madrid in Spain and Shanghai in China.
Those who took part were asked a string of questions about their lifestyles including whether or not they liked to sun tan and if they were smokers or non-smokers.
Other questions included how often the women moisturised, whether they eat fruit and veg, whether they brush their teeth and if they have all their own teeth.
The research team also took digital images of the women which were then assessed for how old they looked to identify their perceived age and whether they looked younger or older than their actual age.

The study, which was carried out over the last eight years, asked women questions about their lifestyle, including whether or not they smoked

Those taking part in the research were also asked whether or not they liked to sun tan and how often they moisturised

The research team, led by Dr Mayes, then compared the perceived ages of those with good versus bad lifestyles.
They concluded the difference was 10.4 years.

'We already knew genetics accounted for about 50 per cent of how old people look, but we didn’t know how much would be accounted for by their lifestyles'
- Dr Andrew Mayes

Dr Mayes added: 'The number of years' difference was most staggering - we had just seen some data out of a group of plastic surgeons in the US and Canada suggesting that a face and neck lift (together with eyelid and forehead modifications) could take an average of about 8.5 years off your facial age.
'Then we got our data through demonstrating a saving of over 10 years. It’s fair to say at first we couldn’t quite believe it.
'But the evidence was there in front of us - women with a healthy lifestyle looked much younger than those with an unhealthy lifestyle.
'Simply put; good skin health is about more than fancy creams and lotions - it’s about how we live our lives and how we treat our bodies and the steps we need to take do not need to be extreme.
'They can be small and steady and the effects will be seen over time without the need for plastic surgery.'

VISIT AMAZON ASTRID BROWN'S PAGE
Find all the books, read about the author, and more

SMOKING CAN DOUBLE ARTHRITIS IN WOMEN

As time goes on it's discovered more and more how smoking is so detrimental to health. I understand for those who are addicted how difficult it is to give up what I don't understand is why people and especially young girls (who are the biggest new smokers taking up this habit) want to start in the first place given that it will ruin their looks, age them and damage their health.

As well as the cancer, lung and heart disease and amputations, arthritis is one of the most debilitating and painful conditions, so why take the risk? Do they think they will avoid ill health and it won't happen to them? By the time they come to their senses, often it's too late.

Article below is from the Daily Mail

Smoking just a few cigarettes a day can DOUBLE a woman's risk of arthritis

• Those who smoke one to seven cigarettes a day are more than twice as likely to develop the disease
• Increased risk lasts 15 years after stopping smoking

Smoking more than doubles a woman's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis

Smoking just a few cigarettes a day more than doubles a woman’s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to a new research.

The study found that women who smoked between one and seven cigarettes daily were more than twice as likely to develop the disease as those who had never smoked.

It also found that women remained twice as likely to develop the disease even 15 years after giving up smoking.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes the joints to become painful and swollen.

Symptoms may subside for many months or even years before a flare-up which can make movement difficult and very painful.

It affects around 600,000 Britons and is most commons in women aged between 40 and 70.  It can, however, begin at any age.

There is no known cure for the condition and treatment usually involves taking anti-inflammatory painkillers or steroids during a flare-up

The study, carried out by Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, analysed 34,101 women aged between 54 and 89. Of those, 219 suffered with the condition.

Data showed that the risk of RA increased with the length of time the woman had been smoking.
Smoking for 25 years raised the risk 1.6 times compared with smoking for just one year.

Previous research has suggested that drinking alcohol can reduce a person’s chance of developing arthritis.

Researchers, also from the Karolinska Institute, discovered that drinking five or more glasses of wine or beer a week can halve a person’s chance of developing RA.

Women who smoke between one and seven cigarettes daily are more than twice as likely to develop the disease as those who have never smoked

They found that people who consumed more than five units a week were up to 50 per cent less likely to develop the disease.

The biggest benefit was seen among some smokers who had a genetic risk of developing the arthritis.

Although more work is needed to explain the link, it is thought alcohol suppresses the immune system and reduces the inflammatory process behind the condition.
Another recent study suggested that women who are regularly exposed to sunlight are less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
The research, which was published in the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy, suggested that women can reduce their risk of developing the disease by a fifth by regularly exposing themselves to direct sun.

SMOKING AND CANCER

SMOKERS LUNG RIDDLED WITH CANCER TUMOURS NOTICE THE DARK TARRY DEPOSITS WITHIN THE LUNG. HEALTHY LUNGS SHOULD BE BRIGHT PINK

What to look for?

There are lots of reasons why you might have some of the symptoms below. It may be nothing serious but it's worth getting yourself checked out. If you have any of the following symptoms for more than three weeks, make an appointment with your GP today.

• A cough that doesn’t go away
• A long standing cough gets worse
• Unexplained breathlessness
• Chest infections
• Coughing blood
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest and/or shoulder pains
• Unexplained tiredness or lack of energy
• Hoarse voice

Article below from the Daily Mail

Is this the most disgusting anti-smoking advert yet? Cancerous tumour seen growing inside cigarette in New Year campaign

• Department of Health ad, which cost £2.7m, will run for nine weeks on television, billboards and online
• Launched in response to statistics which show more than a third of smokers still think the health risks are greatly exaggerated

This gruesome image of a tumour growing from a cigarette is part of the Government's latest attempt to get millions of Britons to stop smoking.

The new Department of Health campaign launched today is in response to statistics which show more than a third of smokers still think the health risks are greatly exaggerated.

This is despite the fact that smoking is still the biggest cause of premature death, responsible for taking more than 100,000 lives in the UK every year.

The Department of Health hopes the image of a tumour growing from a cigarette will prompt some of Britain's eight million smokers to quit

Dr Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, insisted the startling images in the ads are necessary

The latest campaign will focus on the fact that every 15 cigarettes smoked causes a mutation that can lead to cancer, according to the Department of Health (DoH).

Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said smokers play Russian roulette with every cigarette.
'This is a hard-hitting campaign to get at the hidden harms of smoking,' she said.

'People will see a man smoking and then a cancer growing out of the cigarette. That is what happens in people's bodies.

'One-in-two smokers die from smoking, most from cancer. We know that people don't personalise the harms of smoking and don't understand what's happening in their bodies. This will show them.'

The latest campaign will focus on the fact that smoking just 15 cigarettes can cause a mutation than can lead to cancerous tumours

About two thirds of the nation’s 8million smokers say they want to quit and the campaign urges them to pick up a free NHS Quit Kit from pharmacies.
The last graphic adverts, in 2004, showed fatty deposits being squeezed from a smoker's artery and fat dripping from the end of cigarettes.
The following eight years have seen softer campaigns but the DoH says it believes the time is right to deliver a stronger message.
Dame Sally said: 'It is extremely worrying that people still underestimate the serious health harms associated with smoking.
'We want smokers to understand that each packet of cigarettes increases their risk of cancer.'

The campaign, which cost £2.7 million, will run for nine weeks on television, billboards and online.

Dr Harpal Kumar, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, insisted the startling images in the ads are necessary.
'We have got to reduce the impact that tobacco has on the lives of far too many people,' he said.

'It's not a lifestyle choice, it's an addiction that creeps into people's lives and results in death and disease.

'Giving up smoking can be extremely difficult, so providing extra motivation and reminding people of just how harmful the habit is can help smokers to take that first step in quitting for good.'

Maggie Brown (Author)

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CAN LEMONADE HELP SMOKERS?

An interesting little article I came across on the Daily Mail and anything is worth a try if it helps. Seriously though you need to think back and why you are addicted, people tended to become addicted because it's filling a void in their lives and generally something triggers this off. I often hear smokers say it makes them feel relaxed, technically smoking doesn't relax you, if anything it's a stimulant, what it does do is satisfy a craving and that you are craving something because initially it filled a void where something was lacking, perhaps it was because you felt you would belong better in your peer group when young and that it would give you more confidence and a sense of belonging. If you can analyse and find out why smoking or any addiction is your crutch in life, that's half the battle to kicking the habit for good.

How gargling lemonade could help smokers to quit the habit

• Sugar on the tongue activate sensors that boost attention and can improve self control
• Could help people quit bad habits, at least in the short-term

For those smokers desperate to give up the habit, scientists have an unusual solution - gargling with a glass of lemonade.

They found that the interaction of sugar (known as glucose) on the tongue boosts attention as well as energy and can improve self control.

This could help keep smokers away from the cigarettes at least in the short-term.

Trying to ditch a bad habit? A glass of lemonade could help by activating sensors on the tongue, which then stimulate the brain

A team from the University of Georgia conducted self-control tasks on 51 students to see if a mouth rinse with glucose boosts attention as well as energy.

The first task, which depletes self-control, was to meticulously cross out Es on a page from a statistics book.

The second was the Stroop task, where participants were asked to identify the colour of various words flashed on a screen, which spell out the names of other colours.

The Stroop task’s goal is to turn off the student’s tendency to read the words and instead see the colours.

Half the students rinsed their mouths with lemonade sweetened with sugar while performing the Stroop test, and the other half with Splenda-sweetened lemonade. 

Results showed students who rinsed with sugar, rather than artificial sweetener, were significantly faster at responding to the colour rather than the word.

Professor Leonard Martin, of the University of Georgia, said: 'Researchers used to think you had to drink the glucose and get it into your body to give you the energy to (have) self control.

'After this trial, it seems that glucose stimulates the simple carbohydrate sensors on the tongue. 

'This, in turn, signals the motivational centers of the brain where our self-related goals are represented. These signals tell your body to pay attention.'

Sugar could provide at least a short-term boost to your willpower

It took participants about three to five minutes to perform the Stroop test, which shows a measure of self-control, but glucose mouthwash might not be enough to solve some of the biggest self-control obstacles like losing weight or smoking.

Professor Martin said: 'The research is not clear yet on the effects of swishing with glucose on long-term self-control. 

'So, if you are trying to quit smoking, a swish of lemonade may not be the total cure, but it certainly could help you in the short run.'

Professor Martin, along with co-author Matthew Sanders, a doctoral candidate, believes the motivation comes in the form of self-values, or emotive investment.

He said: 'It is the self-investment. It doesn’t just crank up your energy, but it cranks up your personal investment in what you are doing.

'Clicking into the things that are important to you makes those self-related goals salient.

'The glucose seems to be good at getting you to stop an automatic response such as reading the words in the Stroop task and to substitute the second harder one in its place such as saying the colour the word is printed in. 

'It can enhance emotive investment and self-relevant goals.'

The study, published in journal Psychological Science, says previous research into self-control has shown a decline in performance for the second task as energy levels plummet.

'Previous studies suggest the first task requires so much energy, you just don’t have the energy left for the second task that you need,' Martin said. 

'We are saying when people engage in self-control, they ignore important aspects of their goals and feelings. 

'If you have to stay late at work, for example, but you really want to be going home, you have to ignore your desire to go home. Doing so will help you stay late at work, but it may also put you out of touch with what you personally want and feel on later tasks. 

'Swishing glucose can focus you back on those goals and feelings and this, in turn, can help you perform better on the second task. 

'In short, we believe self-control goes away because people send it away, not because they don’t have energy. People turn it off on purpose.'

Maggie Brown (Author)

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SIMPLE ANATOMY THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Since I am keeping this simple I won't go into much detail of how it is an area of our brain that controls respiration but it is suffice to know that when the diaphragm contracts (it is a large muscle that separates our chest from our abdomen) it increases the volume in our chest cavity. At the same time the little intercostal muscles between our ribs contract and lift up the rib cage. Because the air pressures are different and due to various natural scientific laws this draws in more air into our lungs and due to certain receptor nerve cells they send a signal back to our brain instigating the opposite, diaphragm relaxes and we breathe out carbon dioxide. It is the Alveoli (see diagram above) where the interchange of gases takes place into and out of the blood stream for surrounding these tiny little balloon structures are tiny blood vessels known as capillaries, these are merely one cell thick to facilitate the body's waste carbon dioxide to pass into the alveoli and the oxygen in the air in the alveoli to pass into the blood stream.

This happens continuously throughout our lives automatically the average healthy adult 12 to 18 respirations per minute. It's important to remember that each system of the body is dependent on the others to function as they all interact with one another eg. The brain stem controls respiration and respiration is vital to bring oxygen to the body's cells and remove waste and its specialised nerve receptor cells within the aorta that lets the brain know when to evoke inhalation.

You can also see in the diagram the left lung is slightly smaller than the right this is to allow for the heart. As we breathe in through our nose the air is moistened and the whole of the respiratory tract is covered in little hairs 'Cilia' these trap debris and help waft up mucus from the lungs. The Uvula is a fleshy piece of tissue that stops food going into our Trachea (wind pipe) and the trachea leads to the Bronchus which divides into two Bronchi eventually getting smaller and smaller to becoming Bronchioles to which are attached the Alveoli.

Incidentally smoking paralyses these little Cilia rendering them unable to function and they are not able to move the mucous up out of the lungs, this is what leads to the classic smokers' cough.

Maggie Brown (Author)

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