A multitude of lifestyle factors contribute to the aging of our skin. We have no control over certain things, while others are within our sphere of influence.
The natural process of aging is one thing that cannot be altered by human intervention. It is essential to the process. Everyone’s face will eventually develop wrinkles and creases and sagging skin as time passes. It is normal for our faces to gradually lose some of the fullness they had when we were younger. We have seen that our skin is growing more fragile and dry. When these alterations take place is primarily determined by our DNA. This form of aging is referred to in the medical field as “intrinsic aging.”
We have control over yet another aspect of the aging process that manifests on our skin. The effects of our surroundings and the decisions we make in our daily lives might hasten the signs of premature aging out of our skin. This form of aging is called “extrinsic aging” in the medical field. If we take certain preventative measures, we may lessen the impact of this form of aging on our skin and keep it looking younger for longer.
Signs Of Aging Skin
The aging process is different for each person, but there are some signs of premature aging, that happen before you even realize it.
Age spots : The same thing as liver spots. When you stay in the sun for a long time, you get flat spots on your face. Spots like these show up on the face, the backs of the hands, or the elbows.
Skin is dry or irritated : This situation may happen more often because the skin is much thinner and it is likely to get dry or itchy skin at this time.
Wrinkles and bowing. When people turn 30, their skin will stop making as much collagen and protein. Because collagen is the thing that makes the skin flexible and full. When there is less collagen in the skin, it will sag and look wrinkled. This disease is most obvious on the face or other skin parts that get a lot of sun.
Causes Of Skin Aging
Some things that cause skin to age are:
- Oxidative stress is caused by the toxins in cigarette smoke, which get into the skin. This leads to dry skin, more lines, and other signs of aging before their time.
- UV rays from the sun damage the DNA in skin cells, which leads to lines.
- Geriatrics is the study of signs of aging in children and young teens. This is rare. For instance: Werner syndrome happens to one person out of every million. Between the ages of 13 and 30, it makes the face sag, the hair turn gray, and the person go bald. Or, 1 in 8 million babies is born with Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome, which is even fewer. Children who have this syndrome don’t grow as fast as other kids their age. The average number of years a child with Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome can expect to live is 13.
- Some other factors include how you sleep, what you eat, and how much booze and coffee you drink.
11 Ways To Reduce Premature Skin Aging
The sun is one of the primary contributors to the accelerated aging of our skin. A number of the activities that we do can hasten the process of aging our skin beyond what would be normal. The following are some of the recommendations dermatologists provide to their patients to ward off early signs of aging in the skin and prevent premature aging.
#1. Prevent Sun Exposure
Always take precautions to prevent sun damage to your skin. Sun protection is critical for any outside activity, whether it is a day spent at the beach or doing errands. You may protect your skin by going into the shade, covering up with sun-protective clothes (such a lightweight long-sleeve shirt, slacks, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection), and using a sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection, an SPF of 30 or more, and is water-resistant. Other ways to protect your skin include seeking out the shade. You are advised to use sunscreen daily to any exposed skin, even areas that are covered by clothes. Try to get clothes that have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label on it. This will provide you with more effective protection.
#2. Avoid Getting Tan
Instead of getting a tan, use a self-tanning product. Tans speed up the skin’s aging process and should be avoided at all costs. This is the case regardless of whether you got your tan from the sun, a tanning bed, or any other type of indoor tanning equipment. All of these things give off potentially dangerous UV rays, which hasten the process by which your skin ages.
#3. Avoid Smoking
If you smoke, stop. The aging process of the skin is substantially accelerated by smoking. It contributes to a wrinkly appearance and wrinkled skin as well as a pale and lifeless skin.
#4. Avoid Repetitive Facial Expressions
When you produce a facial expression, you contract the muscles beneath your skin’s surface. These lines will become permanent if the same muscles are continually contracted for a significant amount of time. Squinting causes lines, although wearing sunglasses can help minimize their appearance.
#5. Eat a Balanced Diet
Consume food that is good for you and well-balanced. The results of a few studies show that eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables may help protect against the kind of damage that can cause skin to age faster than it should. A diet that is mostly refined carbohydrates or high in sugar may also hasten the aging process, according to the findings of several research investigations.
#6.Avoid Alcohol
Take it easy on the booze. Alcohol may be irritating to the skin. It causes the skin to lose its moisture and, over time, can even harm it. This may give us an older appearance.
#7. Be Physically Active
Perform physical activity on most days of the week. A few research results show that engaging in moderate physical activity can enhance circulation and boost the immune system. Because of this, the skin may have the appearance of being younger as a result.
#8. Don’t Scrub Your Skin Too Hard
Be gentle when you cleanse your skin. Scrubbing your face too vigorously might be irritating to your skin. Irritating your skin speeds up the natural aging process. Washing your face with a mild cleanser helps eliminate pollutants, makeup, and other contaminants from your skin without aggravating it.
#9. Wash Your Face Twice Daily
You should wash your face twice daily, especially if you have been sweating hard. Because sweat can irritate the skin, particularly when combined with a cap or helmet, you should wash your skin as soon as you can after it has been exposed to sweat.
#10. Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Always keep your face hydrated by using a facial moisturizer. Using moisturizer helps our skin retain water, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
#11. Use Good Skincare Items
Put away any skincare items that cause a burning or stinging sensation. If you feel a burning or stinging sensation on your skin, this indicates that your skin is inflamed. Irritating your skin might cause it to appear older than it is.
Final Word
Even persons who already have visible indications of skin that is aging prematurely might benefit from making adjustments to their lifestyle. You can give your skin a chance to recover some of the damage it has sustained by avoiding sun exposure and wearing sunscreen. When people quit smoking, they frequently comment on how much better their skin looks.
Visit a dermatologist if the visible effects of aging on your skin are starting to annoy you. Many people can get a more youthful appearance in their skin thanks to the introduction of innovative, less intrusive treatments and procedures. These treatments and procedures aim to improve the appearance of wrinkles, skin laxity, and complexion.
