All about premature ageing, fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots
If you’re in your 20s or 30s, chances are that you might have started noticing signs of age creeping in: dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and those pesky sun spots. While it’s no secret that we all grow older, the real trick is deciphering between the normal ageing symptoms and premature ageing. Here is everything you need to know about keeping your skin plump, smooth, and glowing for longer.
What is premature ageing?
The biggest difference between normal ageing and premature ageing is the timeline. Premature ageing happens when a person’s biological age is older than their chronological age, which means the signs of ageing occur earlier than expected.
Some of the most common signs of premature ageing include fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots (also called liver spots or age spots), dry and itchy skin, dull skin, sagging skin and sunken cheeks.
Causes of premature ageing
Genetics plays a big role in how quickly we age, but certain environmental and lifestyle factors speed up the process. Here are some of the leading causes. (Spoiler alert, it’s the usual culprits!)
Skimping on SPF
Did you know that roughly 80% of facial skin ageing is due to sun damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays? Sun exposure is the most significant external factor in ageing, so never skimp on the SPF – make it a part of your daily skincare routine and trust us when we say your skin will thank you for it! Oh, if you rely on makeup to block those harmful rays, you might not be sufficiently protecting your skin. Most makeup protects against UVB rays but doesn’t block UVA rays, which cause fine lines and age spots. Instead, use a lightweight, non-greasy, high-factor SPF that protects against UVA and UVB, such as SKIN functional’s SPF50.
Smoking
Smoking breaks down our skin’s elasticity and strength, shrinks the size of our blood vessels and limits the amount of oxygen that our skin receives. The result is wrinkled, sagging skin. Nicotine is also the reason for stained teeth and skin, causing that aged, yellow look.
Not enough sleep
Getting 5 hours a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 would, so yes, there is a reason why it’s called “beauty sleep”! Our bodies never stop working, especially when we’re asleep. At night, the skin goes into a renewal state, and this is when some of the most important internal – and epidermal – repair and recovery takes place, including the process of making new collagen. More collagen means skin is plumper and less likely to wrinkle.
Other lifestyle factors
Diet, exercise, alcohol consumption and stress can also contribute to premature ageing skin. Don’t underestimate how good food, meditation, plenty of water and a good night’s sleep can all have an enormous effect on the biological and cosmetic ageing process.
Now that you know what causes premature ageing, learn how to treat and prevent wrinkles, fine lines and age spots using effective skincare ingredients and products.
