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Signs and Causes of Premature Skin Aging

It is an inevitable fact that all of us will eventually see signs of aging in our the skin; the face, neck and hands in particular. Our genes will play a part in what time of life we will start to show signs of aging but there are also external factors that may cause premature aging of the skin.

Signs of premature skin aging

There are many indicators that our skin is starting to age. The most obvious of these, and perhaps the one that most women will try to stave off for as long as possible, is wrinkles. Wrinkles will normally start as fine lines in the face which will disappear if the skin is stretched. The development of deeper wrinkles, which don’t disappear on stretching the skin, is a slow process.

Another sign of skin aging is thinning of the skin. It will take on a more transparent appearance and veins will be more noticeable.

Sagging skin has several causes depending on the part of the body where it occurs. One of the reasons for loose, saggy skin is because the skin’s elasticity has been lost and is no longer being replaced. Another cause for loose skin is due to the loss of underlying fat. This is particularly noticeable in the cheeks of the face hence older people often seem to have hollow cheeks. This will also noticeably affect the eye socket area.

Dull skin is caused as the body’s ability to replace old skin is considerably slowed. When we are younger there is a very high turnover of skin replacement.

Pronounced freckles and liver spots or age spots are another symptom of skin aging. Liver spots are actually trapped pockets of melanin caused by skin cell damage.

4 Main Causes of Premature Skin Aging

1.) Exposure to sun: The number one cause of premature aging of skin is due to exposure to the sun. Liver spots and freckles are one of the results of damage caused to the skin by harmful sun rays. Skin that has been continuously exposed to the sun over many years may take on a leathery or rough appearance. Fair complexioned people are far more likely to be affected by premature skin aging due to sun exposure as they have lower melanin presence which is the skin’s natural shield against UV rays.

2.) Facial Expressions: Other factors that may cause skin aging are smoking and repeated facial expressions. We are all familiar with the person who seems to frown a lot and eventually takes on a permanent scowl. Facial expressions cause fine lines initially but these will become deeper over time and eventually permanent.

3.) Smoking: Smoking is a well known cause of early skin aging as the body is constantly absorbing toxic substances which damage it internally and externally.

4.) Diet: Diet can also play a part in skin aging prematurely. Unhealthy diets which don’t sufficiently nourish the body will eventually take their toll and this can be evident in both the complexion of the skin and its aging process.

Prevention

Where premature skin ageing is due to inherited genes there is very little that can be done. However, the external factors that influence skin aging can all be addressed.

Quitting smoking and eating healthily will both be immediate preventative measures. You can also consider doing some facial exercises for wrinkles.

Reducing the risk of over-exposure to the sun is also quite easily addressed. Experts recommend avoiding sun exposure from 11 am until 2 pm wherever possible, particularly in latitudes closer to the equator. If this isn’t possible then use high factor sun cream and cover exposed body parts with long-sleeves and high collars. Always wear a hat which will not only protect your head from heat but will also shade your face.

Article by expert author ‘Deneice Arthurton‘