Aging is a lifetime process that kicks in from the very moment you are born. So, as you get older, your internal process slows down, including skin cell turnover and recovery. In other words, it takes longer for you to recharge your charge, which leads to fatigue, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
However, if the signs of aging set out earlier than you expect, you go through something known as premature aging. While it is impossible to stop time and prevent aging, there are several things you can do to delay aging and reduce the signs of aging – especially if you are aging prematurely.
Signs of Premature Aging
Generally speaking, if you are below the age of thirty-five and you experience the following tell-tale signs of aging, then you are essentially aging before time or prematurely:
- Sagging cheeks
- Sagging neck
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Patchy and dry skin
- Thinning skin
You might have noticed that the earliest signs of aging are linked to the health of your skin. Your skin is the largest organ, which is why it reflects a lot about your lifestyle choices and health concerns.
Your skin is also visible to everyone, which is why you must take care of it at all costs. When it comes to good skin, elastin and collagen are two of the most essential proteins that give your skin resilience, suppleness, and a youthful appearance. If these two proteins start to break down, your skin starts to appear dull, wrinkled, and thin.
Apart from excessive sun exposure, premature aging is also caused by gravity and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
It is important to mention here that apart from your skin, you might as well want to look after your hair, as hair loss and thinning hair are signs of premature aging.
Which Factors Contribute to Premature Aging?
Now that you know the essential signs of aging, let us check out some of the crucial factors that are the cause of it.
Tanning and Sun Exposure
You might already know the importance of applying sunblock every day – even on days when it is cloudy or rainy. Sun exposure, as well as tanning, causes exposure to damaging UV rays, which cause wrinkles along with damage to the skin cells.
Here is what happens: the UV rays instigate the formation of free radicals within the skin, which then lead to damage to the skin’s elasticity, causing wrinkles and fine lines.
Genetic Condition
You might have to blame your genetic setup, too. Why, you might ask? The underlying reason is that certain genetic conditions reflect early puberty or childhood aging. This aspect is also referred to as progeria and is rare to the point that it affects only one out of one million people.
Nonetheless, progeria leads to balding and wrinkles that the affected people start to develop between – starting as early as the age of thirteen.
Bad Lifestyle Choices
Your lifestyle choices are reflected in your appearance, and if you have started showing signs of early aging, your lifestyle might be the primary contributing factor. For instance, let us talk about your sleep habits. Sleep is absolutely crucial for your health as it gives your body the opportunity to rejuvenate – literally.
When you sleep, your skin and body cells are repaired and regenerated, which is why there is a new you every day. On that note, poor sleep habits are directly linked with premature aging.
Another important factor is your eating and drinking habits. If you consume foods that are rich in sugars and carbs, you are damaging your skin big time. Excessive caffeine and alcohol can cause your skin to lose its elasticity.
How to Manage Premature Aging?
Now that you know the early signs of premature aging and what contributes to it – let us move on to the important question of how you can effectively manage or reduce premature aging.
Managing Wrinkles
Your skin is the first organ to show visible signs of aging. So, if you have wrinkles or fine lines, there are several things you can do to manage and delay further damage. For instance, make it a mandatory habit to apply sunblock every day with the right SPF. As a rule of thumb, your sunblock should have a minimum of SPF 30.
Simultaneously, delimit your skin exposure. If you are on vacation at the beach, wear a wide hat and sunglasses, and apply sunblock on every exposed part of your skin. You can also opt for injectable wrinkle reducers for a youthful and smoother appearance. Wrinkle reducers and fillers are an excellent way to restore lost volume and get a rejuvenated facial look.
Managing Sunspots
If you have developed sunspots, these are also signs of premature aging. The best thing you can do is to see a dermatologist to be absolutely sure that there are no other skin conditions. Once you are absolutely sure that you are indeed dealing with sunspots, follow the strict rule of applying sunblock every day.
Also, cover up your exposed skin whenever possible to prevent the formation of further sunspots. You can also opt to apply serums, such as vitamin C serums, to treat sunspots. Chemical peels are also recommended – however – consult a dermatologist first.
Managing Hair Loss
You might want to change your shampoo or conditioner if your hair is getting thinner. Switching your regular shampoo with a medicated shampoo might help in this regard. Make sure to consume healthy foods, such as eggs, omega-three foods, protein, etc.
Your diet must be nutritious so that you can thoroughly nourish your hair. Supplements such as biotin supplements and multivitamins are also effective. On that note, keep your stress in check and stick to a sleep schedule where you go to bed early and wake up early the next morning.
Final Thoughts
You might be wondering whether you can reverse premature aging, and the simple answer is no. You can efficiently slow down aging with the help of lifestyle changes and the right products. Moving your body and living an active lifestyle is also important.
