When you grow older, your body’s internal changes- from skin cell turnover to workout recovery- generally slow down and take longer to complete and recharge. The constant change increases the possibility of aging while leaving room for signs of wrinkles and fatigue. The occurrence of aging signs is a part of human life and is considered normal. The trouble begins when these noticeable changes appear earlier than expected, indicating the term premature aging. Though it is impossible to reduce the signs of premature aging, consulting the dermatologist and following significant tips to reduce the signs of aging can help.
In this article, we will give you comprehensive information on premature aging and how to deal with it. The article contains useful insights shared by Dr. Rajdeep Mysore, the best dermatologist in Bangalore. So, if you are dealing with premature aging, here is everything you need to know.
Common Signs of Premature Aging
Though the aging process looks different for anyone, inevitable signs of aging are identified as ‘premature” if you notice them before age 35. These are as follows:
- Dry or Itchy Skin
Dry or itchy skin may happen more frequently over time than expected. The reason behind this is that thinning skin becomes more susceptible to dehydration. You may notice your skin becoming drier and more likely to flake as you reach your 40s.
- Gaunt Hands
Over time, the top layer of your skin becomes thinner and does not have as many structuring proteins, such as collagen, that give your skin its shape. Eventually, your hands will appear more veiny, thin, and prone to wrinkles. There is no exact point when your hands start looking older, but most people tend to notice it during their late 30s or early 40s.
- Sun Spots
Also called age spots and liver spots, sunspots are flat spots on your skin caused by years of exposure to the sun. These hyper-pigmented spots might develop on your face, the back of your hands, or your forearms. They mostly tend to appear at or after age 40. People with fairer skin can detect these sun spots developing way earlier.
- Inflammation or Hyperpigmentation Along the Chest
It is seen that as people grow old, they start to develop patchy discolouration on their chests. Similar to sunspots, these areas of differing pigment can result from damage to your cells from sun exposure.
Usually, this kind of hyperpigmentation isn’t connected to aging. It can be the result of eczema or other skin conditions that work to damage the melanin cells in your skin. There is no specific age when this skin condition occurs; it can occur at any age.
- Wrinkles or Sagging
When you enter your 30s, your skin starts slowing collagen production down (the protein that gives your skin its shape). Collagen is a protein that helps your skin bounce back and stay plump.
When there is less collagen in the skin, it is easy for visible wrinkles and sagging to occur and trouble your appearance. You might notice the occurrence more in the forehead or where you are mostly exposed to the sun. Sometimes, premature aging is not responsible for wrinkles and sagging; it can also result from dirt or dehydration.
- Hair Loss
Hair loss is seen when the stem cells that trigger new hair growth in your hair follicles die off. Usually, hair loss occurs due to hormone changes, environmental factors, genetics, and diet. Research says that men experience hair loss earlier than women. So, when it comes to choosing hair loss as a prominent factor of aging, it is more common in men than in women.
If you notice any of these signs, it is time to understand the causes of premature aging so that you can make the necessary changes to your lifestyle.
Causes of Premature Aging
Many direct and indirect causes of premature aging can affect your life. The most common ones are:
- Sun Exposure and Tanning: Tanning bed and direct exposure to the Sun can penetrate your skin with UV rays. These rays damage the DNA in your skin cells, causing wrinkles.
- Genes: There are scarce chances that your genes can lead you to show early signs of aging. But when this occurs, the signs are shown in your childhood and early puberty. These conditions are called progeria.
- Smoking: The toxins in cigarette smoke can expose your skin to oxidative stress. It generally causes dryness, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
- Sleep habits: Sleep is necessary for your health. It allows for refreshing and regenerating cells. However, insufficient sleep habits and a poor sleep cycle can lead to aging and diminished skin barrier function.
- Diet: A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can damage skin over time.
- Environment: Environmental pollutants can trigger pigment spots and wrinkles. Since your skin comes into direct contact with the air around you, your skin barrier gets subjected to the pollutants and toxins in your daily environment.
- Stress: Increased stress levels affect your mental health, trigger an inflammatory response in your body, and hurt your sleep habits. These boosted stress hormones, and inflammation can lead to premature aging.
- Alcohol and Caffeine Intake: Drinking excessive alcohol dehydrates your body. Over time, this dehydration can cause your skin to lose shape and sag. Caffeine can also do the same damage to your skin.
Lifestyle Tips to follow to Reduce Premature Aging
You can follow significant lifestyle tips to reduce the risk of premature aging. These tips are:
- Putting a stop to smoking and alcohol
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Apply self-tanner instead of getting a tan
- Avoid repetitive facial expressions
- Protect your skin from the sun
- Cleanse your skin gently
- Exercise daily
- Wash your face twice a day
- Apply a facial moisturizer every day
- Avoid using those skin products that cause sting or burn
You should know that significant lifestyle changes are not enough to combat premature aging. Consulting a dermatologist is always suggested. Your skin is more vital than you think, and one wrong decision of yours can have a long-lasting effect. So, when you experience premature signs, take the first step and consult a dermatologist while following the above-listed lifestyle changes.
Talk to a Skin-care Specialist and Plan Your Treatment Today!
Some symptoms of premature ageing need immediate consultation, for example, sun spots and hair loss. Hence, if you are concerned about the signs and still need clarification on what to do or what steps to take- consult a doctor!
One can consult the best skin specialist in Bangalore at Charma Clinic, Dr. Rajdeep Mysore has more than 20 years of experience in dermatology. He knows how to handle his patients with extra attention and care to provide the best treatment and an effective result. If you are facing premature aging signs or skin problems, you can consult him by booking an appointment today at Charma Clinic!
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