None of us can’t escape from the aging effect on the skin like fine lines and wrinkles. As our actual age advances, our skin looks old naturally. That’s because of retarded skin cell turnover and delayed repair/regeneration of the skin. However, when all of this happens before time, especially when we are not ready to embrace the aging signs, that’s referred to as premature aging.
Understanding about premature aging can help us effectively manage it and be proactive in avoiding it. Read on to learn what is premature aging and the signs, causes, and prevention of premature aging skin in this post.
What is Premature Aging?
Premature aging condition, also referred to as accelerated aging, refers to the early onset of age-related changes in the skin and body. A premature aging disease can make one look older than one’s real age and feel less confident in one\’s skin. It is a cosmetic concern that can affect people of any age group and a dermatologist can help best address it.
Signs of Premature Aging
Aging can have varied impacts on one’s skin and body. But certain signs show up before the age of 35 and are considered “premature”. Some of the common signs of aging or having premature aging face include:
- Signs of premature aging skin like age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, itchy skin, thin skin, sagging skin, and loss of skin tone
- Actinic keratosis/precancerous pink rough patches
- Easy bruising and bleeding beneath the skin
- Cherry angiomas (benign skin growths)
- Sunken cheeks (gaunt face)
- Hair greying or hair loss
- Skin tags and warts.
Causes of Premature Aging
There are different factors contributing to premature aging, usually extrinsic. The reasons behind the premature aging condition are mostly controllable and avoidable.
Here are the potential causes of aging showing up on the skin earlier in life:
- Exposure to sunlight or high-energy visible light– Direct exposure of the skin to UV light from the sun over time can contribute to age spots and other signs of photoaging as well as increase the chances of skin cancer. Similarly, blue light and infrared light that comes from the screen of electronic devices and the sun can disrupt the collagen and elastin fibers production and cause the skin to age.
- Smoking– Nic-otine in cigarette smoking is a toxin that can affect the skin’s firmness and elasticity leading to a gaunt face and wrinkled, sagging skin.
- Unhealthy diet– Studies reveal that intake of a diet rich in sugars or refined carbohydrates can lead to premature aging of the skin.
- Alcohol and caffeine overuse– High caffeine intake and alcohol overconsumption may make skin dehydrated and damage the skin over time, resulting in signs of premature aging.
- Stress– When the body is highly stressed, the brain produces more cortisol hormone. Cortisol makes the skin less plump and vibrant by blocking the working of collagen and hyaluronan synthase.
- Poor sleep schedule– Studies reveal that having not enough sleep can make skin cells age faster.
- Environment– As the skin gets subjected daily to environmental pollutants and toxins in the surroundings, the skin may get wrinkled and pigmented.
- Certain disorders– Rarely, disorders like Seip syndrome, Bloom syndrome, Werner syndrome, Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, Cockayne syndrome type I or type III, Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, and mandibuloacral dysplasia with type A lipodystrophy can lead to premature skin aging.
How Can We Prevent Premature Aging?
Here are some ways to prevent premature aging for the skin and face:
- Protect the skin from tanning or damage by the sun by wearing sunscreen of SPF minimum 30 above and sun-protective clothing. Also, avoid going outdoors during the daytime, unless necessary
- Have a proper sleep schedule. Taking enough rest is important to avoid quick aging of skin and body cells
- Go ahead with stress management techniques like meditation and exercise and avoid stressors in life
- Go for regular health check-ups to avoid any illness that could contribute to premature aging
- Have an active lifestyle to ensure good blood circulation and a healthy immune system
- Have a well-balanced diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and less carbohydrates
- Refrain from smoking, over-alcohol intake, and excessive caffeine intake
- Drink plenty of water daily to keep your skin well hydrated.
Follow proper skin care tips like gently cleansing the skin twice daily to remove impurities, sweat, make-up, excess oils, and regular skin exfoliation. Avoid use of harsh skincare products that are scented or have high pH. Daily moisturize the skin with a suitable moisturizer. Use antioxidant serums to protect the skin from free radical damage or oxidative stress.
Premature Skin Aging Treatment in Hyderabad
Premature aging can occur at any point during young adulthood. Signs like fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, gaunt face, hair greying, and others occur before actual age, usually due to lifestyle or environmental factors. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent premature aging or reverse/delay aging.
If the premature aging signs appear all of a sudden, persist, or become bothersome/discomforting, consulting a dermatologist can help. A dermatologist can assess one’s skin condition, determine the cause of aging, recommend healthy aging tips, and provide suitable treatments like fillers, laser skin resurfacing, B-oto-x, thread lift, and others to fix the appearance of aging skin and make one look youthful, healthy, and radiant again.
FAQs Premature Skin Aging
Can Premature Aging Be Reversed?
Yes. Premature aging can be reversed or delayed with lifestyle changes and cosmetic treatments.
What is the Risk Factor of Aging?
The risk factors of aging include an unhealthy lifestyle, high body mass index, chronic diseases, genetics, social factors, and psychological factors.
What are the Three Main Factors of Successful Aging?
The three main factors of successful aging are having good physical functioning, having good psychological health and cognitive functioning, and being socially engaged.
What is the Biggest Cause of Premature Aging?
Sun exposure has a significant role in premature skin aging. However, other causes include smoking, a polluted environment, genetics, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and repeated facial expressions.
What are the Best Skincare Tips for Premature Aging Skin?
To avoid or delay premature aging skin, dermatologists recommend sun protection, the use of the right skincare products, following a proper skincare regime, eating a healthy diet, managing stress, and drinking adequate water daily.
Celestee Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic is a leading anti aging skin clinic in Hyderabad. It has advanced technology for skin rejuvenation and treatments are provided by experts for best outcomes. Visit now for more details
