5 Main Causes Of Premature Skin Aging

Owing to the increased prevalence of lifestyle diseases in today’s population, the skin being the largest organ in the body is under constant attack. There are no other organs as susceptible to toxin damage as the skin owing to its nature, and vitality in function. What follows is a summary of common lifestyle activities with real threats to the skin’s wellbeing and a few ways to reduce their impact and maintain the skin’s optimum health.

1. Smoking cigarettes A condition called “smoker’s face” characterized by wrinkled, pallid, grayish-yellowish skin is attributed by medical data to in excess of 4000 chemical substances that form cigarette smoke and over-time accumulate underneath the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. There’s not much you can do against cigarette smoke except to avoid it, and that may mean avoiding friends or family. Another dangerous side effect of smoking is in the reduction of Vitamin C, an essential nutrient involved in enumerable body regulating and healing processes and it is highly recommended that one increases their Vitamin C intake while in the process of being weaned from cigarette smoking.

2. Alcohol Consumption Alcohol is a very strong diuretic that depletes the body of its water content faster than you can replace it. When skin cells are dehydrated, they will look wrinkled and dry. Alcohol is also a vasodilator causing blood vessels under the surface of the skin to dilate and “flushing” it with more blood resulting in that look of rosy redness; more chronic cases lead to a condition known as telangiectasias which is not different from a permanent and really itchy sunburn. Again, the best way is to refrain from drinking booze whenever you can; your skin will thank you for it.

3. Get your 8 hours a night! Sleep is a crucial part of the body’s regulative routine as it is the perfect time when the body refreshes the injury incurred during the previous day, and a lack of sleep often translates to general fatigue. Impaired blood circulation and low blood pressure results in dark circles and bags under the eyes, including lines on the face and a pale complexion that is easily perceptible. There is no alternative to a good night’s sleep. If not possible to get 8 hours sleep at night try having a nap during the day, make sure to turn-off all lights and close all your window blinds to simulate the feel of night. Doing this will correct the body’s off-key cycle eventually adjusting its common healing mechanisms to what is applicable for you.

4. Stress There are limited advanced anti aging products that can counteract the effects stress can have on the skin. If stress is unavoidable, which is largely the first tip to escaping from it, ensure that you get a healthy dose of stress-busting activities like going to the spa. Healthy means of relieving stress include physical activities including running, biking, hiking, yoga or going to the gym. If you aren’t a fan of exercise and spending on spa treatments isn’t high on your priorities, you can create a relaxing atmosphere at home with just a few scented candles, gentle music, and low lighting. The spa doesn’t have to be extravagant. There are more activities out there that can aid you to achieve healthy, young-looking skin but it is always prudent to cut out excessive social vices.

5. Not Using Sunscreen! Sunbathing is one of the most aggressive causes of aging. Our skin gets tanned by producing melanin which is actually our skin’s own natural protection against the sun. These signs of aging are caused by the sun:

Fine Lines Wrinkles are the most common sign of aging. You can’t avoid developing a few fine lines as you age, but noone would be happy to look 10 years older than they really are!

Sun Spots Call them what you like… liver spots, sun spots or age spots are all the same thing - small patches of pigmentation caused by excessive exposure to the sun. An uneven skin tone can be equally as aging to the appearance as wrinkles, so protecting your skin is the ideal way to avoid these types of pigmentation. Sun damage accumulates over the years so even if you have no signs of liver spots yet, chances are you will as you age.

Keratosis Actinic keratosis is a serious skin condition caused by the sun. This is a condition that starts as dry patches of skin that don’t heal and can actually develop into a cancerous condition. This may not be a noticable sign of aging, but all have the same cause and if you suffer from wrinkles or pigmentation you need to look out for this condition. You should always get a growth on your skin checked by a dermatologist.

Make it a point to put health and wellbeing ahead so you can develop the necessary drive to resist these urges. All it takes is a little knowledge and a lot of hardwork.