Let's face it- ageing is inevitable.
While you can’t stop the process of ageing, you can most definitely delay it.
As you get older, your body’s internal processes slow down and take longer to complete or recharge. This leads to visible signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles to occur.
These changes sometimes can happen earlier than expected, hence the term “premature” aging.
CAN PREMATURE AGEING BE REVERSED
The way our skin ages depends on the lifespan of our skin cells but up to fifty percent of our aging process is caused by external factors. These factors that lead to aging are not in our control. But when it comes to slowing the signs you don’t like, the key is all about prevention and giving your cells a boost through products or lifestyle changes.
It may be impossible to stop ageing but it’s possible to reduce or delay some signs, especially if they’re happening before you’re ready to embrace them.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIGNS OF PREMATURE AGEING
SUN SPOTS
These brown spots also called age spots appear on your skin after years of sun exposure. Usually appearing after the age of 40, if these signs of hyper-pigmentation start in your late 20s or early 30s, you might want to make some adjustments in your skin routine and lifestyle.
DULL AND DRY SKIN
As skin ages, it no longer exfoliates (sheds the dead cell layer) efficiently. Because of this, dead cells build up on the skin surface and decrease luminosity and glow. It’s like having a lackluster skin.
FINE LINES AND WRINKLES
Having some wrinkles is a natural, normal part of aging, but if you notice wrinkles appearing way early in your late 20s and 30s, you may be exhibiting signs of premature aging.
Premature wrinkles happen when:
- you have continued sun exposure for long
- dry and dehydrated skin
- slowing down production of collagen
HOW TO DELAY THE AGEING PROCESS
Many factors affect how visible your signs of aging will be. Some like the ones listed below you can control.
TIP #1: NEVER FORGET SPF
Rain or shine, never miss protecting your face from the harsh sun.
Sun exposure till date is the biggest reason for premature aging and SPF is your knight in shining armor when it comes to saving you from the harmful UV A and B rays.
These rays damage your DNA and cause wrinkles. Make sure to wear SPF 30 or above, preferably a broad spectrum sunscreen.
TIP #2: STICK TO A SKINCARE ROUTINE
Make sure you remove all makeup before bed. A consistent and efficient skincare routine is very important if you want results that last long.
A 4-step routine which comprises a Cleanser, Toner, Serum and Moisturizer will keep skin free of toxins.
Toning keeps pH balanced and pores tight, and moisturizing ensures that your skin never lacks hydration or nutrition. As needed introduce one new product at a time — and give it time to work. Remember skincare products take some time for you to see visible results.
New to Toner? Read more about "What Is Facial Toner & Why Should You Use One?"
Looking for easy to follow skincare routines?
TIP #3: PAY ATTENTION TO MORE THAN JUST YOUR FACE
Don’t limit your moisturizing and skin-protecting regimen to just your face. Make sure to use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and lotion on the rest of your body, too.
TIP #4: CUT DOWN CAFFEINE, SALT AND ALCOHOL
Diet is another big reason behind premature ageing. Drinking too much alcohol and caffeine dehydrates your skin and dilates your blood vessels. If you drink too much, you could develop broken blood vessels and rosacea. Too much salt has similar effects. Dehydrated skin ages faster.
TIP #5: AVOID SMOKING
Smoking speeds up the breakdown of collagen and constricts blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to your skin. Smokers are more likely to wrinkle early so if you stop smoking and exposing your skin to the toxins, you’ll give your skin time to repair itself.
TIP #5: AVOID HARSH DIETING
Crash diets or harsh diets do more harm than good for your health. They often lead to vitamin deficiencies and break down of muscle. All of which can lead to premature ageing.
Want to know the best kind of detox? It’s the no-tox. Click to read more.