If you are starting to notice signs of aging on your skin, you are probably wondering if there is anything you can do about it. Here, we will go through everything you need to know about how to stop premature skin aging, why it happens, and how to notice it before it is too late.
What Is Premature Skin Aging, and Why Should We Care?
Everyone knows that aging is a natural process, and it happens to everyone. Over the years, our skin will change, and our bodies will be a lot less attractive than they were. But this becomes a problem if we’re aging prematurely. Every second person looks a lot older than they are, and it can happen due to a variety of reasons.
Of course, every person is different, and what might be a problem for some can be insignificant for others. This is why we need to see for ourselves whether we want to try to find a way to avoid premature skin aging.
While there are many people around the world who would rather avoid fighting the aging process and find it completely natural, there are a couple of things they should consider. Sometimes, changes in one’s skin can be a sign of a deeper underlying problem, and addressing them on time can make a significant difference.
Needless to say, even if there aren’t any problems other than with looks, it is still something you can improve and make yourself feel better. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look your age and trying to stop premature skin aging.
Factors Affecting Skin Aging
The first and most obvious factor is skin type. Some people are born with not-so-ideal skin, and they have to live with this throughout their lives. Dry skin is a common problem, and the reason for it might be either genetics or a specific lifestyle.
Our attitude and mind play an important role too. There is no secret that happier people are more likely to look younger, and our attitude towards life can either accelerate or decelerate the entire process of aging.
Of course, our lifestyles play an important role in skin aging. People who smoke and drink will not only have health problems, but this will also be noticeable on their skin. Fine lines and wrinkles might appear around their mouths and eyes and can leave permanent marks on their bodies.
But an unhealthy lifestyle is not the only reason for skin aging. Even if you worry about your body, you still need to avoid extreme temperatures if you want your skin to remain young. Sun damage is one of the most common factors for people that are forced to have sun exposure, like working in the field. It is caused by harmful UV rays, and it can damage the skin.
Moreover, extreme cold is also something you should avoid, at least without proper protection.
Finally, stress, diet, and our general lifestyle can cause signs of aging on our skin. It is always better to choose fruits and vegetables over fats, sugars, and any type of processed food. If a person is overweight, a healthy diet and exercise can reduce signs of premature aging.
Signs of the Problem
So now that we’ve mentioned it, what exactly are the signs of this problem? Each of the symptoms we have talked about has its own set of signs you can notice on your skin. For example, being exposed to the sun for a long time will cause your skin to develop sunspots. Usually, sunspots will appear on the face, at the back of your hands, and on the forearms.
Age spots most commonly appear near the age of forty, but people with lighter skin might notice them even earlier.
As you grow older, your skin will naturally become thinner and thinner. Skin cells will contain fewer proteins (collagen, for example), which will lead to a more veiny appearance and deep wrinkles.
As your skin gets thinner, it will become more prone to dehydration, and dry skin is something that many people experience when they get near their forties.
Finally, some people experience hair loss as a sign of aging. The stem cells that are in charge of triggering hair growth begin to die slowly. Over 50% of men experience hair loss at the age of fifty, while 40% of women over the age of seventy have to deal with the same problem.
How to Slow Down Skin Aging
Eliminating signs of aging is impossible. However, there are a couple of things you can do to slow the process and reduce the symptoms that come with age.
We have already mentioned how sun exposure can cause a problem, and protection methods are quite obvious. Of course, some people are not able to stay away from the sun, and due to their jobs or lifestyles, they are unable to avoid being exposed to it frequently.
What they can do instead is protect their skin from the sun. There is a broad spectrum of sun protection creams and lotions they can use. If you need to spend some time in the sun, be sure to apply sunscreen before you leave your home.
Similarly, there are numerous anti-aging creams and products you can use, and they are designed to feed your skin. Whether we’re talking about moisturizers for dry skin, sunscreens, or skin products, each of them will do an excellent job keeping you safe and your skin healthy.
Needless to say, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes can significantly slow down the process. So if you are a smoker, you might want to consider quitting.
Finally, try leading a healthier life. Focus on your body, exercises, and diets. Not only will it reduce signs of aging, but it will also help you feel better.