Beyond genetics – 6 lifestyle choices that fast-track premature skin aging
Aging is an inevitable part of life. As time passes, natural changes occur in the appearance, notably on your skin. However, for some individuals, these changes occur earlier than expected, resulting in premature skin aging. This article highlights the common factors that contribute to premature skin aging to help you take proactive measures.
Stress
- Stress causes the release of cortisol, which can have detrimental effects on the skin. Increased cortisol levels lead to reduced production of hyaluronan synthase and collagen, resulting in dull, dry, and prematurely aged skin.
Hyaluronan synthase is an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally found in the body’s connective tissues, skin, and eyes. Hyaluronic acid plays a crucial role in maintaining hydration and elasticity in the skin, promoting a youthful and plump appearance. The lack of this enzyme can lead to premature aging.
Smoking
- Nicotine toxins alter the cells within your body, causing harmful effects. These toxins degrade collagen and elastic fibers in your skin, resulting in wrinkles, sagging skin, and a hollow, thin facial appearance.
Similarly, excessive alcohol intake also contributes to premature skin aging as it can lead to dehydration, which harms your skin gradually, causing it to lose its shape and sag over time.
Imbalanced Diet
- Research suggests that an unhealthy diet, particularly one high in sugar or refined carbohydrates, contributes to premature aging. These foods can produce harmful end products that damage the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin.
Conversely, diets rich in fruits and vegetables are associated with a lower risk of premature skin changes, as they contain vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients that help support healthy skin function.
Environmental Factors
- Environmental pollutants can exacerbate premature signs of skin aging, such as pigment spots and wrinkles. When the skin comes into direct contact with the air, its protective barrier is susceptible to the toxins and pollutants present in the environment, leading to the appearance of signs of aging.
Furthermore, insufficient or poor-quality sleep, when coupled with other factors, accelerates the aging of skin cells. Consequently, signs of premature aging become evident on the skin.
Sun Exposure
- Exposure to sunlight can lead to various skin issues. Ultraviolet (UV) light and prolonged sun exposure speed up the skin’s aging process beyond its natural pace, a phenomenon known as photoaging. It’s responsible for up to 90% of visible skin changes.
UV light can damage skin cells, causing premature effects like age spots and wrinkles. Moreover, excessive sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.
Treating Premature Skin Aging
Advancement in the world of cosmetics has provided us with a way to fight signs of aging in the form of microneedling. Microneedling is a non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedure that involves using a device to create microscopic punctures in the skin. This is done by inserting very fine, short needles into the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s healing ability and immune system’s response to produce new collagen.
This collagen protein repairs the damaged skin from the inside out. Visible improvement in the skin texture can be seen after the first session. The treatment takes about 45 minutes, but the skin rejuvenates over time. Other non-invasive treatments are also available that can prevent and reduce the signs of premature aging, including:
- Chemical peels
- Titan skin tightening
- Laser genesis
- Dermal fillers and neuromodulators
Achieve younger-looking skin with a minimally invasive Microneedling Procedure. If you want to learn more about noninvasive cosmetic treatments that visibly reduce the signs of aging, call us at (949) 916-7166. We offer multiple cosmetic procedures, such as dermal fillers, Titan, Botox, laser genesis, micro-needling, and PDO thread lift, at discounted rates. We provide services in Aliso Viejo, CA, and nearby areas.
source https://alladerm.com/6-factors-that-contribute-to-premature-skin-aging/
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