The Signs and Causes of Premature Aging

Understanding The Signs and Causes of Premature Aging

Dry or itchy skin. Gaunt hands. Wrinkles. Dead hair follicles.

We all desire to age gracefully, embracing the wisdom and experiences that come with time. However, the early onset of aging signs can be disheartening, leaving us feeling older than our years. Premature aging, also known as accelerated aging or photoaging, is a condition that affects many individuals, robbing them of their youthful appearance and vitality.

Here, we will explore the five most common triggers of premature aging and steps you can take to avoid them. We will also discuss ways to prevent or correct common signs of aging with high-quality products and treatments.

Whether you’re in your early twenties or well into your forties, this blog will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the realm of premature aging. Let’s unravel the mysteries behind this condition and embark on a journey toward youthful, radiant skin that defies the hands of time!

a woman looks at her laugh lines in a mirror

1. Excessive UV Exposure

While spending time in the sun can be fun, it can also promote skin again when we forget to wear sunscreen. UV rays—as well as exposure to other natural elements—can cause extreme skin damage.

UV rays can be harmful and causes premature aging, dark spots, discolouration, and dry skin. Years of excessive sun exposure without proper protection can make you look older than you are. In fact, nothing accelerates skin aging quite like UV exposure, including UV rays from tanning beds.

If you’re someone who prefers to get their tan by spending time outside, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays in the process.

Treatments That Combat Excessive Sun Exposure Damage

There are a variety of treatments and procedures that can help correct the appearance of sun damage and premature aging. Some options are:

These treatments can help reduce the effects of premature aging caused by sun damage. They can also help with rosacea, broken facial capillaries, and age spots.

2. Not Getting Enough Sleep

You probably know that sleep deprivation is horrible for our immune system and cognitive function, but did you know it can also cause aging skin and premature wrinkles?

Individuals who do not get enough sleep are more likely to show signs of premature aging. Aside from swelling or dark circles under your eyes, sleep deprivation can lead to uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.

Why does that happen?

Our skin cells are known to regenerate at night, specifically as our bodies produce melatonin. As a result, a lack of sleep prevent your skin from regenerating.

Treatments That Combat Signs of Sleep Deprivation

The loss of collagen and elastin in your skin caused by excessive sleep deprivation can make you look older than you actually are.

Dermal filler treatments may be an option for restoring volume loss, reducing the appearance of premature skin aging.

a woman receiving filler between her eyebrows

3. Consuming Unhealthy Substances

Studies have long documented the harmful effects smoking and alcohol have on your skin. These toxic substances can decrease the skin’s elastin and collagen production.

Without elasticity and collagen, your skin will lose its fullness and begin to sag, also contributing to the quickened development of the aging process.

Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol can result in dilated blood vessels, which may lead to facial redness and contribute to the appearance of aged skin.

Treatments That Combat the Effects of Unhealthy Substance Consumption

Some of the treatments that can help correct the appearance of premature aging caused by the consumption of unhealthy substances include:

Laser Vein Removal
Thermage
Dermal fillers

4. Chronic Stress

Your stress levels have a massive effect on your skin.

High levels of chronic stress can contribute to premature aging by shortening DNA telomeres, limiting your skin cells from dividing so they become inactive and accelerate the aging process.

Certain repetitive facial expressions can also permanently change your face. Constantly frowning or furrowing your brow can create deep lines and cause premature wrinkles.

Treatments That Combat the Effects of Stress

Other treatments to help correct premature aging due to stress include:

All of these treatments promote a more youthful appearance thanks to blemish-free skin and a radiant glow.

5. Extreme Dieting

Some may not be as surprised as others, but the food you eat also impacts how fast you age—especially if you’re extremely under or overweight.

If you’re aggressively dieting or struggling with an eating disorder, being underweight can lead to a significant loss in facial volume. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can trigger chronic inflammation in the body, which contributes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, contributing to signs of aging.

Treatments That Combat the Effects of Aging

Beyond a healthy diet and getting enough daily exercise as you age, some cosmetic treatments can help alleviate signs of aging:

These non-surgical cosmetic treatments can add volume and definition to your face, helping you regain your youthful look.

Take the Next Step in Preventing Premature Aging

If you are concerned about aging skin, APT Medical Aesthetics can help!

We offer a variety of treatments that help to correct common signs of aging, such as age spots, facial redness, fine lines and premature wrinkles, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation.

Our facility uses FDA-approved equipment paired with years of experience to help our clients achieve noticeable results and effectively turn back the clock on signs of premature aging.

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