How to Get a Smooth Complexion

You can get smooth skin despite past damage.

We are all born with flawless skin, but time takes its toll on our faces in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and a rough texture. Fortunately, there are numerous skin-friendly habits you can adopt to combat damaged skin. And while it is all but impossible to recapture the perfectly smooth skin you had as a child, there are steps you can take to achieve a smooth complexion.

Instructions

1. Be sun-savvy by protecting your skin from ultraviolet light and staying away from tanning beds. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light breaks down collagen and elastin, resulting in wrinkles and sagging. Overexposure to sunlight may also result in age spots, rough skin texture and irregular pigmentation. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every time you go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and avoid tanning beds. For added protection, stay inside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest and most damaging.

2. Stop smoking or don't start. Smoking depletes the skin of essential nutrients and causes the blood vessels to contract, which robs skin of oxygen, according to the Mayo Clinic. The toxic chemicals in nicotine also damage collagen and elastin, causing further premature wrinkling. Quitting smoking will help your skin avoid further damage.

3. Eat less refined sugar. Sugar causes an inflammatory reaction in the skin, resulting in a stiffening of collagen and elastin fibers. The end result? Wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. Swap the soda and candy for skin-healthy water, fruit and nuts.

4. Exercise regularly to beat back stress and maintain smooth, healthy skin. Regular exercise encourages the flow of oxygen in the bloodstream and improves circulation. Exercise also keeps age-inducing stress hormones at bay.

5. Avoid picking at blemishes, which can result in scarring and an uneven skin texture. If breakouts are a problem, ask your dermatologist about topical or oral medications to get acne under control.

6. Apply a topical retinoid to the skin to encourage cell turnover and collagen formation. Your dermatologist or skin-care professional can prescribe retinoids. If retinoids are too irritating, apply a serum that contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or retinol. AHAs and retinol both act as exfoliating agents, with a lesser risk of irritation.

7. Approach your dermatologist or skin-care professional about skin-smoothing options such as laser therapy or chemical peels. A series of chemical peels or laser treatments can soften the appearance of acne scars and fine lines, essentially undoing the signs of past damage.

References

• National Institute on Aging: Skin Care and Aging
• Mayo Clinic: Quit Smoking
• Dr. Phil: Anti-Aging Tips

Resources

• The Rockoff Center for Dermatology Laser & Plastic Surgery
• Mayo Clinic: Wrinkles: Treatments and Drugs