Premature Aging-What to Look Out For

We all age. Unlike fine wine, our skin does not get better with time. But what happens when the signs of wisdom show up sooner than expected? If you are under the age of 35 and have visual signs of aging such as wrinkles, and skin laxity, you may be aging prematurely. Here are the main causes of premature aging and what you can do to stop it in its tracks.

You are a sun goddess.

You may already be aware of the fact that exposure to the sun’s UV rays is particularly damaging to skin. If you love to bake in the sun, get ready for skin that is not as young-looking and supple as it should be in the near future. Sun damage can occur in as little as five or ten minutes of UV radiation exposure, regardless of skin type. Sun protection should be the top priority when it comes to protecting against aging. Always put on sunscreen to leave the house and NEVER use a tanning bed.

You Smoke.

If you need one more reason to quit smoking, let it be this: smoking is bad for your skin. Not only can it cause wrinkles and premature aging, but it can also lead to more serious skin conditions. Smoking reduces the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and more wrinkles. It can also cause an uneven skin tone, dark circles around the eyes, and sagging skin. Perhaps the most serious consequence of smoking is an increased risk of skin cancer. Because it exposes your skin to more carcinogens, this can increase your risk of developing the disease. In short, smoking is bad for your skin in more ways than one. So, if you want to keep your skin looking its best, kicking the habit is an absolute must.

You don’t have a skincare regimen.

One of the worst things you can do besides sunbathing and smoking, is not having a good skin care regimen. Most people think that if they don’t see visible signs of aging when they look in the mirror, they don’t need to do anything special to take care of their skin. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If you’re in your twenties, or even younger, it’s imperative to start a good skincare regimen now. Studies show that women who start great skincare before their twenties visibly age slower than women that don’t.

You aren’t drinking enough water.

Did you know that not drinking enough water can lead to premature aging? It’s true! Dehydration has been linked to wrinkles, dull skin, and other signs of aging. When your body is dehydrated, your skin cells don’t get the moisture they need to stay plump and healthy. Dehydration can also reduce your body’s ability to repair and regenerate itself, meaning that any damage your skin has sustained won’t heal as quickly as it would with proper hydration. If you want to maintain youthful, glowing skin, make sure you’re getting enough water each day- not only will it help you stay hydrated and healthy, but it’ll also help you look younger. Drink up!

To Wrap This up…

Identifying the causes of aging prematurely are key to aging like a fine wine. It’s true that you can’t pause time, but you can start building a lifestyle that slows the aging process. Here’s to looking young!

Relevant articles:

• Premature Aging: Signs, Causes & Prevention (clevelandclinic.org)
• Premature Aging Skin (dermascope.com)