Premature Aging Skin
Meaning, Causes And TreatmentHigh stress levels and poor lifestyle habits can make you look older than your years. Premature ageing is becoming increasingly common ad anti-ageing treatments are widely available. However, understanding the skin’s anatomy, the causes of ageing, and the treatment options available is crucial for making informed decisions. An expert dermatologist can guide you through advanced solutions to reduce ageing signs and help you maintain a youthful appearance.
What Are The Ageing Issues?
As we age, the natural and biological processes of the body cause changes on the surface of the skin in the form of ageing issues like wrinkles, folds, fine lines, laugh lines, sagging skin, etc.
Some extrinsic, as well as intrinsic factors, lead to ageing. These factors may include changes at the genetic level or influence of environment or external catalysts that accelerate the natural process of ageing. Our skin begins to look tired, dehydrated, saggy, dull, full of lines or deep burrows that make one appear aged.
Causes of Ageing
Primary factors are involved in triggering ageing related issues whereas secondary factors are responsible for accelerating ageing.
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Sun Exposure
Chronic exposure to UV light causes structural instability by causing the breakdown of elastin and collagen fibres inside our skin. It results in the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of premature ageing.
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Smoking
Smoking accelerates the ageing process and causes premature wrinkles. Tobacco can quicken the natural process of ageing by triggering skin degeneration. Smoking can cause an accumulation of free radicals in the skin, which can damage it and delay its healing mechanisms. It can decrease the capillary blood flow to the skin thus depriving it from oxygen and essential nutrients.
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Dehydration
As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain water. If our skin stays dehydrated, it dries out and eventually develops fine lines or wrinkles.
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Alcohol Consumption
Excessive intake of alcohol causes nutritional deficiencies and dries out the skin leading to premature ageing.
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High-Stress Levels
Prolonged stress can wreak havoc on your skin especially on the face leading to wrinkles, folds or fine lines.
Symptoms and Types
Dull Skin
Reduced cell turnover with age leads to a buildup of dead cells, making skin appear rough and lacklustre.
Uneven Skin Tone
Excess melanin production from sun exposure or hormones causes age spots, melasma, and dark patches, resulting in a patchy complexion.
Wrinkles
UV exposure usually leads to pigmentation and uneven skin tone causing age spots.
Open Pores
Enlarged pores due to collagen loss and excess sebum production become more noticeable with age.
Fine Lines
Early signs of ageing as shallow creases from collagen and elastin breakdown are seen on the forehead, mid-brow, around the mouth, and nose.
Saggy Skin
Loss of collagen and elastin causes loose skin around the eyelids, cheeks, chin, and neck.
Volume Loss
Decreased collagen, bone demineralisation, and fat loss lead to reduced skin volume and suppleness, particularly in the cheeks, neck, and under the eyes.
Diagnosis
Untreated acne may become severe, cause permanent collagen damage and leave behind visible scars on the skin.
Consultation
Consult a dermatologist to identify ageing changes and potential causes.
Examination
A thorough examination will guide the most suitable treatment for your skin type.
Are you at Risk?
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Prolonged sun exposure
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Regular smoking or alcohol consumption
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High-stress levels
Prevention and Management
Sun Protection
Hydration
Inculcate Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Consume A Nutrient-Dense Diet
Treatment Options
Treatments Explained
Prognosis
- Visible improvements in skin texture and tone.
- Reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
- Achieve youthful, rejuvenated skin with minimal downtime.
- Follow-up sessions may be necessary.
