Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD - The Aesthetic Institute
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Orange County | Fullerton, CA

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Category: Skin Care

6 Lifestyle Choices That Are Making You Age Faster

6 Minute Read:

A woman looking in the mirror.

The way we choose to lead our lives has a significant impact on our overall health. Our health may either improve or worsen depending on several things, including the foods we consume, the amount of activity we get, and other lifestyle choices. Therefore, we must pay a closer look at our daily routines.

Today, we are here to discuss the most common lifestyle choices that are making you age faster. If you spot any of your own daily routines, this is your call to make some important decisions.

Common Lifestyle Choices That Are Making You Age Faster

As time passes, our bodies innately break down and show signs of age. This is a natural process that cannot be stopped, but a number of different means may accelerate it. Here are some of the most common lifestyle choices that are making your age faster.

1. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption

Smoking is detrimental to health and adds years to your appearance, which is common knowledge. It has the potential to significantly impair health and cause apparent indications of aging. It prevents new skin cells from forming, contributing to a premature aging appearance. However, if you have been a seasoned smoker for quite a while and your skin is not looking great, you can try some minimally invasive techniques to refresh your skin. Along with quitting smoking, of course.

A woman holding a cigarette.

Smoking is detrimental to both your health and your appearance.

You should avoid alcohol as well. Moderate alcohol consumption may not be as harmful as heavy consumption. But when one consumes alcohol regularly, it might hasten the aging process since it impairs the body’s ability to maintain healthy organs. The skin’s aging process is sped up by alcohol as well.

2. Caffeine addiction

Drinking tea or coffee has many positive effects on the human body. But drinking tea and coffee numerous times throughout the day harms our mental and physical well-being. Your skin and your teeth will suffer greatly as well. If you want to preserve your appearance, make sure to cut down on coffee if you can.

3. Staying up late

You may believe that you no longer need as much sleep as you once did as you age, but experts agree that you still need at least seven to eight hours to maintain good health. Not getting enough shut-eye might impair your ability to manage your daily tasks effectively. It may cause seniors to gain weight, which is another health risk. Furthermore, experts state that if you are a senior and have trouble sleeping despite getting to bed at the right time, you should see a doctor to rule out sleep problems like sleep apnea.

A man working long hours.

Staying up late and working third shifts has been proven to influence your appearance quite a lot.

Not getting enough sleep will also cause you to be more stressed out than usual the next day. It is also one of the leading lifestyle choices that are making you age faster. The presence of constant stress has also been linked to premature aging. Researchers have shown that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol are associated with a wide range of negative health outcomes, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, depression, loss of sexual desire, and impotence. Therefore it should come as no great surprise that stress may wreak havoc on the skin, significantly diminishing collagen over time.

4. A sedentary lifestyle combined with poor eating habits

The main reason why so many people have unhealthy bodies is that they lead a sedentary lifestyle. Problems with your skin might be made much worse by a lack of proper nutrition and exercise. If you want to live longer, make the decision to consume more fresh fruits, drinks, and nutritious snacks. Inadequate physical activity has been shown to cause permanent harm to human health. Lack of physical activity has been linked to various health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, cardiovascular disease, etc.

5. Using cheap and harsh cosmetics

High-quality soap, cleansing gels, and face creams may indeed be rather pricey. However, “that dime-a-dozen drugstore stuff” will have adverse effects over time. It will strip the skin of the required natural oils and leave behind a film of residue that will continue to screw with your complexion as the day goes on. Soaps that are at least half-decent should be used regularly, and you should use exfoliants routinely to exfoliate dead skin cells from the face. You should also be careful about what face creams you use.

A woman putting on a face mask.

Using cheap and harsh chemicals on your face are one of the easiest lifestyle choices that are making you age faster to change.

6. Soaking up too much sun

Daily sun exposure causes the most severe and long-lasting effects, particularly for those who do not take precautions against sun damage and get skin cancer due to not using sunscreen. If you live in a very hot climate, you should try your best not to go out from 12 pm to 5 pm when the sun is the brightest. Statistics show that places like California and Florida have higher skin cancer rates. It’s not always possible to avoid sun exposure in areas like this. On top of that, Preferred Movers say that an increasing number of people are stating climate issues as the main reason for the move.

In fact, the sun’s rays are blamed for 90% of environmental skin aging, according to experts. The sun causes proteins in the skin to degrade, resulting in losing a youthful look over time. Prolonged exposure to UV rays might kill off skin stem cells, resulting in less supple skin and more prone to wrinkles. UVA rays might trigger collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the skin. Collagen is the skin’s primary structural protein. Scientists have indicated that avoiding excessive sun exposure or using broad-spectrum sunscreen may help prevent this form of skin aging. You should always wear sunglasses and a hat with a broad brim while out in the sun for an extended period of time.

Under no circumstances should you think about going on a solarium treatment just to get a few shades darker. This is one of the most bizarre lifestyle choices that are making you age faster. We say bizarre because, in the year 2022, it is so unnecessary. You can use so many sunscreens and body lotions to achieve the same effect without damaging your skin. Solarium treatments can cause all types of skin cancer, and they can seriously fasten your aging.

6 Ways Stress Can Affect Your Skin

6 Minute Read: 

a woman sitting at her desk, working while stressed

Stress has a more considerable effect on us than we realize. One of the ways it can manifest itself is through our skin. Wrinkles, acne breakouts, and dry skin are just some consequences of dealing with tension. Robert Wald MD explains how stress can affect your skin and how to manage its effects. 

What situations cause us the most stress?

We can experience stress in many different situations, mainly when significant life-changing events occur. Going through a divorce or moving long-distance are some of the most stressful events one can go through during their life. These events can affect our physical and mental health, including our skin. Knowing how to deal with these events and get through them as easily as possible is essential. Hiring professional movers for your long-distance move is one of the ways to make this process easier. This will help you tremendously, as pros can make it stress-free and leave you with much less to worry about. Professionals can also help you through challenging times such as divorce or losing a close friend. Always reach out for help when facing complex, life-changing events like these. 

  • Stress can aggravate pre-existing skin conditions

Stress can be hazardous, as it not only causes several health conditions but also worsens your existing conditions. The most common condition people face that is made worse by stress is eczema. Symptoms of eczema can be managed, but dealing with stress is an essential step toward that. Rosacea and psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by stress as well. When battling these conditions, the first and most crucial step is stress-management.

a man putting on face cream while looking in the mirror

One way stress can affect your skin is that it can cause your skin conditions to get worse. 

 

  • Stress can lead to skin picking

Feeling anxious and stressed can cause us to pick at our skin, leading to wounds and scars. Another habit that frequently follows stress is nail-biting. Nail-biting increases your chances of coming into contact with harmful bacteria and viruses. It also causes damage to your nails and can lead to severe conditions. Biting can also make your nails grow differently than they should. It’s common to bite your lips and grind your teeth when stressed out, too, and these all are terrible habits. Grinding your teeth can have severe effects on your teeth. So, try to remind yourself as often as possible to relax your jaw to prevent this from happening. 

  • Acne breakouts are one of the most common ways stress can affect your skin

You’ve probably noticed having more acne when you’re feeling stressed out, such as when moving or changing jobs. Stress has a significant effect on our hormones and, therefore, on acne. It affects our oil glands, making them produce more oil, which leads to breakouts. You will likely notice more acne on the oiliest parts of your face. Consult with your dermatologist to create the perfect, personalized skincare routine for when you experience stress-related acne breakouts, and do whatever you can to minimize stress. If your anxiety is moving-related, experts from Mod Movers CA advise you to ask for help. You can enlist your friends and family to assist with moving tasks or listen to you while you vent. 

stress can affect your skin much worse without using skincare products

A good skincare routine can minimize the effects of stress on your skin

 

  • Stress can lead to dry skin

Dry skin is another common issue you might experience when feeling stressed out. This is one of the most common signs of stress we may overlook because we think it’s just how our skin is. We even assume we are using the wrong products for our skin type. Even though this can be true sometimes, it’s best to talk with your dermatologist when you notice dry skin patches. You might even see your skin is inflamed and itchy too. These can all be signs that you are under too much stress and pressure. 

  • How stress can affect your hair

One of the most noticeable changes in our skin we can experience during stressful times is hair loss. This is a common effect that stress can have on people. Hair loss can indicate an underlying medical condition, but it can also signify high stress levels. This doesn’t mean it’s permanent. There is a high chance of your hair growing back if hair loss is caused by stress. Another common way stress can affect your hair is by causing it to go grey. This type of stress manifestation can take some time to show. It won’t occur overnight, but when it does, it’s a sign you’ve been under stress for too long. 

  • Ways stress can affect the skin on your face

When stressed, our bodies produce the hormone cortisol much more quickly. More stress means more cortisol, which means more noticeable skin issues. Being stressed and anxious can cause your skin to wrinkle much faster, and this can cause us to look older than we are. Bags under the eyes don’t mean just a lack of sleep. They are also a sign of stress. Don’t worry – they can be managed and reduced through a good sleep regimen and a healthy diet. 

two women putting on facial cream

Have a daily skincare routine to help with these problems

How to ease the stress

The most crucial step is to take good care of your skin. This means taking regular showers, doing your skin routine every day, and using high-quality products. There are also many easy ways to manage stress and prevent these effects on your skin. Start with your diet. Eating healthy meals regularly and avoiding junk food can go a long way. 

After this, implement a good exercise regimen. Doing simple meditation or yoga after waking up will help you cope with stress much better. On that note, regular exercise is good for stress management too. It’s not just good for your health but is also an excellent stress-relief option. 

Finally, keep a journal or talk with someone about the things that cause you stress. Remember to do something you love every day, whether it’s a hobby, watching your favorite TV show, or just taking a relaxing bath. Treat yourself from time to time and go to a wellness center for a massage or to enjoy the spa. And don’t forget to sleep for at least eight hours a day. 

he word stress written in red colored pencil on a white piece of paper

Most of the effects of stress are temporary or reversible.

In conclusion

Most of the ways stress can affect your skin are reversible or temporary. Making simple changes to your lifestyle and how you deal with stressful situations can minimize them. Stress is one of the most dangerous things we face daily, and it doesn’t just have negative consequences on our skin but our health as well. So think of effective ways to cope with stress.  

Do’s and Don’ts for Proper Skin Care

Having luxurious skin is considered the essence of youthfulness for many people. However, the natural effects of aging or improper skin care can cause us to develop facial imperfections such as wrinkles, acne, and irritation. It takes a lot of extensive care to maintain a healthy and smooth appearance, though this care is necessary to achieve your desired skin aesthetic.

Maintaining a daily skin care routine can help minimize these issues, and it is the first step to providing your skin with the proper treatment it needs. Here are some helpful tips to help you keep your skin looking healthy and rejuvenated.

Woman Putting on Face Cream

Do: Clean and Moisturize Your Face

Sweating and wearing makeup can cause oil, dirt, and toxins to collect under your skin throughout the day. This can also clog your pores and make your skin break out. It is important that you clean your face properly to remove any makeup you have applied and moisturize your skin to rid yourself of harmful bacteria and prevent future unpleasant facial issues. Make sure you also clean and moisturize your neck and chest. Talk with your specialist to help you determine the best type of moisturizer based on the following concerns:

  • Oily skin
  • Dry skin
  • Flaky skin
  • Moderate to severe acne  

Don’t: Over-Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin can be beneficial and help minimize facial impurities. However, you should be careful when it comes to overly cleansing your face. Over-exfoliation can cause the following issues:

  • Peeling or flaky skin
  • Breakouts
  • Puffiness
  • Dryness
  • Skin sensitivity and irritation

Just like your muscles need to recover after an extensive workout, your facial skin needs time to rest in between your skin care routines. It is recommended that you exfoliate your skin at least one to two times per week. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.     

Do: Use Plenty of Sunscreen

If you plan on being outside most of the day, then you better pack the sunscreen. While many of us desire that brown, golden tan, overexposure to the sun can come with consequences and cause your face to age quickly. Applying sunscreen to your face not only prevents you from getting a bad sunburn, but it offers protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays that can cause wrinkles, sun spots, and other facial imperfections from developing.  

Don’t: Neglect Sleep

While many of us find it easy to pull an all-nighter or stay up late watching one more episode of our favorite TV show, not getting the proper amount of sleep harms both our physical health and our facial appearance. Not giving your body seven to eight hours of rest can cause your face to develop under-eye bags, inflammation, breakouts, wrinkles, and more.  

To learn more about proper skin care, please contact our office by calling (714) 312-3549.

Non-Surgical Facelift Using The Infini Laser

Treatment For Aging, Sagging Skin, And Wrinkles Of The Face

infini laserPatients generally receive laser treatments during the Fall or Winter seasons in order to avoid the sun. Now, the Infini laser provides patients with the luxury of receiving nonsurgical facelifts all year round. Other lasers can’t effectively treat darker skin pigmentation, whereas the Infini device is safe for all skin types. The Infini laser reverses the aging process by removing wrinkles and lifting/tightening the skin. 

What is the Infini Laser?

The Infini is a microneedling, fractional radiofrequency device that targets coagulation zones within specific layers of the dermis. The Infini is a high intensity laser that adds heat only at the distil tip. Dr. Wald can manipulate the laser by specifically adjusting the needles depth to match the desire of each individual patient.

What type of results can I expect? 

Within three days to one week Post-Treatment patients notice a brighter skin tone and significant reduction in oily secretion, for those with oily skin types. One month after treatment patients see improvement of fine wrinkles and skin laxity. There is continuous improvement of fine wrinkles, pore sizes, scars, and skin laxity up to three months after treatment. The Infini laser removes wrinkles, sagging, acne scars, and reverses the aging process.

Infini Laser - before and after pictures

Click here to view more before and after photos

Recovery and Downtime using Infini Laser

The technology of the laser provides maximum comfort with little downtime. Holes from the treatment will be completely closed within just two hours after treatment. Some patients may experience some bruising, but makeup can be applied the following day. 

If you are considering a non-surgerical facelift using the Infini laser, schedule your consultation with Dr. Wald today. Contact our office at (714) 312-3549, or fill out our online contact form here for additional information.

Understanding Skin Cancer

Treating Skin CancerSkin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer, affecting more people in America than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined. While each patient is unique, there is currently a 93 percent survival rate for skin cancer, which is one of the highest survival rates of any cancer. This is due to a number of factors, the most important being early detection.

Catching any cancer in its early stages is one of the main keys to surviving it. Educating yourself on what skin cancer and precancerous lesions look like will help you know when you should get evaluated for skin cancer. The ABCDE system of identifying cancerous and precancerous lesions will help you know if you should get your lesion checked for skin cancer.

  • A: Asymmetry – Cancerous lesions are not symmetrical. If you draw a line through the center of the lesion, both sides don’t match up.
  • B: Borders – Regular lesions have smooth borders, while cancerous and precancerous ones have jagged, irregularly shaped borders.
  • C: Color – Most benign moles are one color. If you have a lesion that varies in color, you should get it evaluated.
  • D: Diameter – Cancerous lesions are usually larger than benign lesions. You should get checked if your lesion has a diameter larger than 6mm or if it is bigger than an eraser head.
  • E: Evolving – Moles and other lesions usually stay static. If yours changes in appearance or grows over time, you should have a doctor check it out.

Diagnosing Skin Cancer

If you believe that you might have a cancerous lesion, it is important to schedule a consultation with a doctor. During your consultation, a small portion of the lesion will be cut off and sent to a lab to be biopsied. If your results come back as precancerous or cancerous, the next step to take is treatment.

Treating Skin Cancer

Whether you have a precancerous or cancerous lesion, the first step is removing the mass. Smaller lesions can be removed in-office using local anesthesia. Common removal techniques include excision or desiccation. After removal, some patients may require further cancer treatment that may include chemotherapy and radiation.

Reconstruction After Treatment

Some lesions are larger or placed in visible areas that can leave unattractive marks on the skin after removal. Sometimes it is just some slight scarring, but in other cases, whole sections of tissue may be removed from the nose, lips, or ears. Dr. Wald performs reconstruction on areas that have undergone cancer removal. This is done to restore the aesthetic appearance of the skin. Common reconstruction techniques include:

  • Scar revision
  • Transferred tissue flaps  
  • Prosthetics

 

If you need to have a lesion tested for cancer, need a lesion removed, or need reconstruction after treatment, schedule your consultation with Dr. Wald today. Contact our office at (714) 312-3549 or fill out our online contact form here for additional information.

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Robert Wald, MD
100 E. Valencia Mesa Drive, Suite 300
Fullerton, CA 92835


Phone: 714-312-3549
Fax: 714-738-1862

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