As you become older, your body's internal functions slow down and require longer to finish or recharge, from skin cell turnover to workout recuperation.
This allows for the development of aging symptoms such as wrinkles and weariness.
These changes may be unexpected if they occur sooner than expected, thus the name "premature" aging.
It's hard to totally prevent these changes, but there are ways to lessen the indications of aging in your body, especially if they're occurring before you're ready to accept them.
Here's what to look out for, why it occurs, and more.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PREMATURE AGING?
Everyone's aging process is unique, although certain indicators of aging are deemed "premature" if they appear before the age of 35.
Sun spots
Sun spots, also known as age spots and liver spots, are flat areas on your skin produced by excessive sun exposure over time.
These hyperpigmented patches might appear on your cheeks, back of hands, or forearms.
They usually occur around the age of 40. People with fairer skin, such as Fitzpatrick types 1 and 2, may notice the development of sun spots early.
Gaunt hands
The top layers of your skin thin out over aging and contain less structural proteins, such as collagen, that give your skin form.
As a result, your hands may become more veiny, thin, and prone to creases.
There is no objective criterion for determining when hands begin to seem older, although most individuals notice it around their late 30s and early 40s.
Inflammation or hyperpigmentation around the chest
As people age, they often get patchy discoloration on their chest.
These patches of different pigmentation, like sunspots, can be produced by solar damage to your cells.
This type of hyperpigmentation isn't usually associated with age. It can be caused by eczema or other skin disorders that harm your skin's melanin cells.
There is no average age at which this skin disease emerges.
Skin that is dry or itchy
Dry or itchy skin (xerosis cutis) may become more common with time. This is because thinner skin is more prone to dehydration.
As you approach your forties, you may find that your skin becomes drier and more prone to flaking.
Loss of hair
Hair loss occurs when the stem cells that stimulate new hair development in your hair follicles die.
Hormone fluctuations, environmental circumstances, genetics, and your food all influence how rapidly this occurs.
Hair loss affects up to 40% of women over the age of 70. Men suffer it sooner, with 50% experiencing hair loss beyond the age of 50.
Sagging or wrinkles
As you become older, your skin's synthesis of collagen, the protein that gives your skin form, slows down. Collagen is responsible for your skin's ability to bounce back and remain plump.
With less collagen in the skin, noticeable wrinkles and sagging are more likely. This may be more noticeable in regions where muscles are regularly utilized, such as the forehead, or where you are more exposed to the sun.
The age at which people first see wrinkles varies, and there is no set criterion for when it is "premature."
And, in certain cases, age may not even be to blame. Dirt or dehydration might be the cause.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF PREMATURE AGING?
There are a few key elements that influence how soon these signals show on your body.
Smoking
Toxins in cigarette smoke cause oxidative stress on your skin. Dryness, wrinkles, and other symptoms of premature aging result from this.
Sunbathing and tanning
UV radiation from tanning beds and sun exposure permeate your skin. These rays cause wrinkles by damaging the DNA in your skin cells.
Genes
Some extremely rare genetic disorders can induce indications of aging in infancy and early puberty. These are referred to as progeria.
Werner syndrome affects one out of every million persons. It produces wrinkled skin, graying hair, and baldness between the ages of 13 and 30.
Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome is much uncommon, affecting one in every eight million infants.
Children with this condition do not develop as swiftly as their peers their age. They also have thinning limbs and baldness. Children with Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome have a life expectancy of 13 years.
OTHER CAUSES
Even if they aren't the major reason, a variety of lifestyle practices can influence how rapidly your body exhibits symptoms of aging.
Sleeping patterns
Sleep allows your body to replenish and rebuild cells.
At least one small study found a link between poor sleep quality and increased indications of aging and a weakened skin barrier function.
Diet
According to several studies, a diet heavy in sugar and processed carbs might cause skin damage over time.
Caffeine and alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption dehydrates the body. Dehydration can cause your skin to droop and lose its form over time.
Caffeine may have a similar impact, however data is mixed on whether everyday coffee drinking promotes wrinkles.
Environment
Pollutants in the environment can cause or aggravate pigment spots and wrinkles.
Because your skin comes into close touch with the air around you, the toxins and pollutants in your everyday surroundings are exposed to your skin barrier.
Stress
A hectic lifestyle might cause an inflammatory reaction in your body and disrupt your sleep patterns. Stress hormones and inflammation can accelerate the aging process.
WHAT YOU CAN DO WHEN YOU NOTICE PREMATURE AGING?
When you observe indications of aging, you may take action to address how your body is changing — or you can let nature take its course.
There is no right or wrong way to age, and you have complete control over what you do with your body.
If you have sunspots
If you find sunspots, consult a dermatologist first to rule out other skin disorders.
Consider what lifestyle modifications you can make once you've determined what you're dealing with.
Wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF every day to protect yourself from UV radiation, and avoid direct sun exposure whenever possible. Covering oneself when going outside can help avoid the appearance of new spots.
You might also try using a topical treatment to the sunspots to see if they diminish. Sunspots may be treated with aloe vera, vitamin C, and preparations containing alpha hydroxy acid.
If those don't work, clinical sunspot treatments include strong pulsed light therapy, cryotherapy, and chemical peels.
If your hands are gaunt
Start moisturizing your hands on a daily basis if they seem haggard, with transparent, delicate skin and visible veins.
It may be time to experiment with a new product that seals moisture into your skin barrier. Apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to your hands as well.
If your hands are often exposed to chemicals and pollutants as a result of your work or domestic activities, it may be impossible to eliminate your exposure altogether.
Instead, make tiny modifications, such as wearing gloves when doing the dishes or weeding the garden.
Consult a dermatologist if you are worried about the appearance of your hands.
Chemical peels, dermal fillers, and laser therapy are clinical therapies for aging hands.
If you suffer from inflammation or hyperpigmentation
If you have discolouration on your chest, try covering it from the sun as much as possible.
Every day, use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and be sure to cover the areas of your skin that have been harmed.
Moisturize the region often and look for a lotion with vitamin C or retinoids.
A doctor might prescribe products to cure hyperpigmentation in the chest region. Mild steroids and bleaching treatments might gradually erase the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
If you have itchy or dry skin
If your skin is flaky, dry, and itching, you should consult a dermatologist to rule out any underlying health issues.
Start focusing on lifestyle issues once you've determined that your dry skin is a manifestation of aging and not a symptom of something else.
Drink extra water to stay hydrated all throughout your body, including your skin. Shower in brief bursts with lukewarm water.
Determine if the dryness is due to your skin type or whether you are dehydrated, as the remedies for both are different.
Then, locate a moisturizer that works for you and use it on a regular basis.
If changing your home regimen doesn't help, talk to your doctor about a prescription moisturizer with stronger chemicals to protect your skin.
If your skin is wrinkled or sagging
There are various things you may do if your skin is drooping or you have wrinkles.
Begin by using a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF on a daily basis to protect your skin. Wear brimmed hats and loose clothes that covers your limbs to limit your solar exposure.
Quitting smoking can help avoid future skin damage.
Every day, drink water and moisturize your skin. Cosmetics containing green tea extracts, vitamin A, vitamin C, retinoids, and antioxidants may be beneficial.
If you want a more professional approach, Botox and dermal fillers can make your skin seem less wrinkled and more full or lifted.
If you are experiencing hair loss
Consider getting a shampoo and conditioner solution designed to treat the issue if your hair is falling out or becoming thinner.
Make sure your diet is rich in nutrients that will nourish your hair. Consider taking a multivitamin or vitamin supplement to assist your body in producing keratin.
Hair loss products differ for cisgender men and women.
Popular over-the-counter treatments include Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride).
IS IT REVERSIBLE?
You can't halt aging entirely, which is a wonderful thing.
Experiences happen with age, and our skin or bodies will sometimes reflect it.
It's all about prevention and giving your cells a boost through products or lifestyle adjustments when it comes to slowing the indications you don't like.
In certain circumstances, taking care of your skin might facilitate a healing process that restores part of your skin's look and structure.
SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR ANOTHER HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER
Some symptoms should prompt a visit to a doctor or dermatologist.
Sunspots, for example, can be difficult to distinguish from moles or other types of spots.
A doctor can confirm that the spot or discoloration isn't the result of another medical problem.
Thinning hair can be caused by malnutrition or extreme stress, so consult a doctor about this as well.
Talk to a doctor if you're concerned about the indications of aging — what's normal, what's not, and what you can do differently.
They may assist you in developing a care plan that takes into account your surroundings, lifestyle, and family history.
HOW CAN FURTHER AGING BE PREVENTED?
Many factors influence how obvious your aging indicators will be. Some are under your control, while others are not.
- Apply sunscreen: Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day may be the most important thing you can do to avoid indications of premature aging.
- Take notice of more than simply your face: Don't limit your moisturizing and skin-protection routine to your face just. Use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and lotion on the rest of your body as well.
- Consume a well-balanced diet: A well-balanced diet ensures that your body receives all of the nutrients it requires to develop healthy skin cells.
- Keep hydrated: Dehydration can hasten the appearance of wrinkles. To hydrate your body, drink 8 glasses of water every day.
- Get moving: Daily exercise improves circulation, which keeps your skin healthy. This may make your skin appear younger.
- Introduce just one new item at a time and give it time to take effect: Some products make bold promises about instantly decreasing the effects of aging. The reality is that it will take time for you to see apparent benefits from any cosmetic product.
- Make certain that you remove any makeup before going to bed: Your face-washing practices might have an impact on the appearance of your skin.
Use warm water and a gentle cleanser to wash your face twice a day. Before going to bed, make sure your face is clean of makeup and any debris.
- Maintain a consistent sleep routine: All of your body's organs, including your skin, require sleep.
Following a sleep pattern allows your skin to rejuvenate and regenerate itself on a regular basis.
- Quit smoking: You will give your skin more time to mend itself if you cease exposing it to the poisons in cigarette smoke.
According to one earlier research, those who quit smoking reported that their skin appeared younger after they quit.
- Use stress management techniques: Make a practice of finding a stress-relieving approach that works for you. Yoga, outdoor walks, and meditation have all been shown to be effective coping methods.