When your skin starts to go through the process of unnatural aging, it is known as premature aging. It can occur due to a number of reasons. So, let us look at some of the major reasons of premature aging and ways to prevent them.
ACEITE DE ARGÁN Y COSMÉTICA MARROQUÍ / PINTEREST
1- Sun exposure
Sun damage is one of the leading causes of wrinkles, spots, and skin discoloration.
Why: Exposure to sun for more than 15-20 minutes leads to moisture loss, because of the damage of sebaceous glands. Sun exposure destroys the collagen of your skin through the process of oxidation. Thus, it changes the texture of your skin over time, making it look thick, rough and wrinkly.
How to prevent: Apply a high quality UVA and UVB protection sun screen with SPF 30 and above. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen on your skin and reapply it after every two hours. Do not skip sunscreen even on cloudy or cold days.
While going out, protect your skin with scarves, sunglasses and hats.
2- Smoking or drinking alcohol
Add premature aging to the list of reasons why you should quit smoking and drinking!
If you don't want fine lines around your mouth and a dehydrated, wrinkled skin, then give up smoking and alcohol.
Why: Smoking leads to skin problems because your skin doesn’t get adequate amount of oxygen which leads to wrinkles and fine lines. Oxygen is required for your skin to look healthy and radiant. Smoking also leads to Vitamin C deficiency, which further makes your skin older and saggy. Apart from that, while smoking your lips are pursed, this causes fines lines around your mouth.
Alcohol can severely dehydrate your skin, which will just make your skin look older than it actually is.
How to prevent: Substitute the habit of smoking with chewing gums to help you maintain healthy skin. Try to cut out alcohol from your life and include fresh juices and water in your diet to keep your skin and body healthy.
There are therapies to help you get rid of such habits and addictions.
SARAVANAN NADIMUTHU N / PINTEREST
3- Stress
If you try frowning in front of a mirror, you will immediately see wrinkles on your forehead. Now imagine if you are constantly stressed and worried? It would just make those wrinkles permanent!
Why: Stress releases certain hormones in your body called cortisol and adrenaline. They speed up the aging process and cause premature aging.
How to prevent: Meditate thrice a week to calm your mind. You can do simple meditations for 15-20 minutes. You can also pursue a hobby or go to a spa once a month to relieve stress.
4- Poor Diet
What you eat, is what will eventually show up on your skin.
Why: If you eat processed, junk food with high salt or sugar content, it would just lead to inflammation. This, in turn would cause your skin to breakout and lead to premature aging.
How to prevent: Include food items rich in vitamin C, Vitamin A and proteins. They will help you in keeping your skin youthful and toned. Avoid refined carbohydrates, processed food and canned juices.
5- Lack of exercise
Lack of exercise is not only unhealthy, but also problematic for your skin.
Why: Exercising improves the blood circulation which will slow down the aging process and make your skin look radiant.
How to prevent: Incorporate a 30 minute workout session in your daily routine. You can go for jogging, cardio, swimming, or any sports.
6- Sleep deprivation
It turns out that beauty sleep is necessary for healthy skin.
Why: While you are sleeping, your skin repairs itself because of the secretion of growth hormones by the Pituitary gland. If you don’t get enough sleep, your skin will start to sag and lose its glow.
How to prevent: Sleep for at least 8 hours to maintain your skin. Try to sleep on your back, rather than on your sides to avoid friction.
7- Environmental conditions
If you constantly live in rooms with air conditioners or heaters, then you would start to see signs of aging.
Why: Harsh environmental conditions can disrupt your skin's natural balance and cause your skin to become thin, wrinkly and dry. This will make your skin look older than it actually is.
Dust and pollution will also trigger skin problems which will just accelerate your aging process.
How to prevent: Try to avoid using air conditioners or heaters for a long period of time. Keep your surroundings clean, such as your bedsheets, room, phone and pillowcases. You can also purchase an air purifier to ensure that your room is completely dust free.
8- Dehydration
Dehydration of your body can instantly lead to aging of your skin.
Why: When your body does not get sufficient amount of water, your skin will become dehydrated, which will only make your skin look dull and aged.
How to prevent: Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Also eat vegetables and fruits with high water content, such as, watermelon and cucumber. Avoid caffeine, canned drinks and alcohol.
9- Repetitive facial movements
Repetitive facial expressions can cause deep wrinkles and fine lines.
Why: If you do the same facial movements over and over again, it would cause permanent fines lines and wrinkles.
How to prevent: Try to avoid using the same facial expressions. Avoid squinting, frowning and pouting.
So, these were some of the major reasons for premature aging. This would help you understand how premature aging can occur and some of the best ways to prevent them.
Premature aging is definitely controllable once we know the reasons and the ways to prevent it.
Related Articles: