how do your protect your skin against smoke
I just started working in a club where smoking is allowed, whereas if my last club you had to go outside to smoke. I don't smoke and liked being in a non-smoking environment, even if the smoking ban did wreak havoc on business. I like my new club enough to put up with the smoke, but I am worried about the effects of second-hand smoke...and this is vain of me, but one of the things I'm most worried about is getting "smoker's skin." I have very nice skin -- smooth, no wrinkles or blemishes -- and that's a big part of why I look younger than I am. So does anybody have any insights on how to protect/treat skin after or during smoke exposure?
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
I'm the same way. There is always so much smoke in my club, and I dont' even smoke. I've been drinking more water, especially on the weekend. I also wear makeup so "block" the smoke from getting into my pores. I dont' know what to do for the rest of my body though. Any help would be appreciated!
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
You want to wear a makeup and lotion that keeps the natural acid mantle of your skin intact. The acid mantle is a natural protection agianst environmental factors, including smoke, but most lotions and products break this barrier down. Reapply the lotion a couple of times during your shift (which means a non-oily lotion, so the girl after you doesn't fly off the pole). Avoid mineral-oil makeups, as those age your face more swiftly and harm the acid mantle of your skin.
Hydration is also important, of course, so lots and lots of water. Also, use a deep pore cleanser a few times a week, and a gentle exfoliant on off days. Again, use cleansers that clean but do not strip the skin. I am 33, and am always get guessed at 19-24 (in daylight, not just in the dim club lights) because of my skin, and this is what I do.
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
I really love the soap at clearandsmoothskin.com. It's just amazing. It's all natural. It's kind of expensive at $5 a block, but the blocks are huge - believe me, I can use the same block for like 2 months if I'm the only one using it. The all-natural ingredients means you're not using nasty detergent on your skin and the smell of smoke won't "stick" to you like it would with commercial soaps.
Their exfoliating face wash (acne treatment) does wonderful things for my face as well. Actually, it does everything for my face except treat my acne because benzoyl peroxide doesn't do crap for me - but it did make my face nice and.. glowy, haha.
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
Quote:
Originally Posted by shwankie
You want to wear a makeup and lotion that keeps the natural acid mantle of your skin intact. The acid mantle is a natural protection agianst environmental factors, including smoke, but most lotions and products break this barrier down. Reapply the lotion a couple of times during your shift (which means a non-oily lotion, so the girl after you doesn't fly off the pole). Avoid mineral-oil makeups, as those age your face more swiftly and harm the acid mantle of your skin.
Good to know...thanks! What products do you use that keep the acid mantle intact? Most soaps are pretty alkaline.
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
After work I would use Vaselines "Healthy Complexion" Lotion as it has Alpha Hydroxy Acid in it, it would help keep skin looking young
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
But, most of all...as soon as you get off of work, you want to make sure that you wash your face well. Make sure you shower when you get home, too.
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
A moisturizer/night cream with Vitamic C
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
Quote:
Originally Posted by cinammonkisses
I dont' know what to do for the rest of my body though. Any help would be appreciated!
Cover yourself with tin foil,LOL!!!
:P :P :P
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
Quote:
Originally Posted by onlythebest
Cover yourself with tin foil,LOL!!!
:P :P :P
Smart ass :D
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
Lots of body lotions are made with vitamin A,C, and E which are great antioxidents for the skin. You can even find some with retinol or AHA's to help with skin cell turnover which is more repairing. WARNING: the latter can sting if applied to freshly shaved legs!
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
Quote:
Originally Posted by cinammonkisses
Smart ass :D
Just remember to bake at 350° for 3 hours. :D
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Or move to California... <smirk> There's no smoking indoors here and I LOVE IT!!!
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
I put coconut oil all over my body and my face after work (not all the time, but I should be better about that.)
I wonder if it's about scavenging "free radicals." I never understood that a lot but I know vitamin C does that and I think coconut oil does too.
I'm sure there's vitamin C lotions out there....drat-- I need to order a new bottle of Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C (it's buffered so you can take high doses without it having a bad effect on your stomach. and yes, I do notice a difference when I take it in multi-grams per day as opposed to a gram occasionally.)
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
Get an antioxidant moisturizer. Clinique makes a good one!
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
I HATE smoke. Its the worst thing for your skin besides sun exposure I believe.
If you want to accelerate the aging process being surrounded by second hand smoke constantly is a first class ticket there.
You may be able to slightly prevent damage with the aforementioned tips, all though realistically I don't think you can do much for this problem besides avoid the smoke all together.
That is why I quit working in a casino, *great* money, too much damn smoke.
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
Quote:
Originally Posted by
shwankie
Avoid mineral-oil makeups, as those age your face more swiftly and harm the acid mantle of your skin.
OK maybe this is a dumb question, but how do you know if your makeup is mineral-oil based? Are most concealers in this category? Certain ingredients to look for to determine if it's mineral-oil makeup? /:O (I don't think I've ever seen an ingredient label straight out list "mineral oil"...)
It would suck if my concealer was aging my skin...but there's no way I can go to work without covering up my hideous freckles. :no: Sigh. Hopefully early next year I can get them laser-treated, and then I can toss the concealers.
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
Quote:
Originally Posted by
scarlett_vancouver
A moisturizer/night cream with Vitamic C
This is what was suggested to me by an esthetician. She said to put the Vitamin C serum on after my moisturizer, but before my makeup.
Honestly though, I've never been overly concerned about the smoke and my skin. I don't smoke, and I'm only in the club an average of 24 hours a week. I eat a fairly good diet and try to drink a good amount of water, and I use at least an SPF 15 every day. My skin is very soft and clear and my face is just barely showing any signs of aging (I'm 34). I think a lot of it is good genetics. There's only so much you can do to really protect your skin from free radicals in any environment.
Re: how do your protect your skin against smoke
I'd like more info on this too! Does this mean the mineral powder makeups are bad too? Any product recs?