Mistakes that age your skin faster

Dermatologist says sun, smoking top the list

WYANDOTTE, Mich. – Americans spend billions of dollars trying to look younger, but it's no secret that preventing damage is much easier and cheaper than trying to reverse it.

We asked Wyandotte dermatologist Dr. Steven Grekin to share the biggest skin mistakes he sees patients making, mistakes that actually speed up the aging process. He didn't hestiate to name the top offender.

"The biggest mistake that ages our skin prematurely is being unprotected in the sun," said Grekin.

He cautioned it's a myth that only sunburns damage your skin.

"There is always damage. What you have to remember is this is ultraviolet radiation, no matter if you get burned or not. Burning is synonymous with severe damage. Tanning is just as damaging," said Grekin. "The people we see that are 90 years old that have never been in the sun, they look 60."

Another instant ager is smoking.

"Smoking absolutely robs your skin of oxygen, so your skin is not able to heal or turn itself over as quickly," said Grekin.

Mistake number three is using harsh chemicals on your skin.

"There are some people who think the more they scrub and the harsher the soap, the better it is to keep their faces clean. That's absolutely not true," warned Grekin. "Stripping your skin of excess oils, oils that your body naturally produces, can prematurely age the skin."

Another common mistake is injuring your skin. That includes not protecting it from small cuts and scraps or deliberately popping pimples or other blemishes.

"It causes an area where an infection can get in," said Grekin. "Inflammation that follows these infections or injuries prematurely ages our skin."

So what can help hold back the hands of time? Hydration says Grekin.

"If you drink plenty of water, it's good for your overall body, therefore it's good for your skin."

Grekin suggests avoiding hot showers because they suck the moisture out of your skin. He also recommends applying moisturizer to wet skin just as you get out of the shower because that helps lock the moisture in.