What causes premature aging?

What are the signs of premature aging and can we prevent this?

As we age our skin cell turnover slows down, meaning it can take longer to complete. Some longer than others, this is where the term premature aging comes in. Premature aging is noticing certain signs of aging before you turn 35.

Signs of premature aging

Sun spots (age spots), dry or itchy skin and wrinkles or sagging.

So what causes premature aging?

Sun exposure – UVA/UVB/UVC rays all damage the skin but each type affects your skin differently. These rays damage the DNA within your skin cells, causing weathered skin and pigmentation.

Smoking – this weakens the blood flow to your skin. If the blood does not reach the skin cells correctly your skin will get less oxygen and important nutrients; such as Vitamin A and C. Resulting in dull skin which begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.

Lack of sleep – having less sleep or a bad sleeping pattern affects the skin. It slows down; wound healing, collagen growth, skin hydration, and skin texture. Inflammation is also higher in sleep-deprived patients, causing outbreaks of acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin allergies. Our skin whilst we sleep will regenerate and refresh, if we have  poor sleep quality this will increase signs of aging and cause breaks in the skins barrier function.

Diet/Alcohol/Caffeine intake – A poor diet with a high sugar intake or refined carbohydrates can damage your skin the affects causing dry unhealthy complexion. Overtime leading to wrinkles and poor elasticity. Drinking alcohol and caffeine excessively will dehydrate the skin. The affects of long-term dehydration on the skin will lead to sagging and loss of its shape.

Environmental aggressors – thats correct, aging can be affected by environmental pollutants. Free radicals which are presentable daily speed up the signs of aging.

Stress – having a stressful lifestyle has been known to break down the collagen within our skin. A loss of both collagen and elastin will cause premature wrinkles.

Can we prevent premature aging?

Some of the causes mentioned above cannot be helped, but we can certainly try and change our lifestyle to prolong the signs of aging.

We should be using an SPF daily that not only offers solar protection but also protects your skin from environmental aggressors. RATIONALE’s B3-T is an example of a lightweight SPF that will do exactly this as well being perfect for the most sensitised skin.

Taking skin supplement(s) can really benefit the skin from within. The Advanced nutrition programme has skin specific vitamins with a wide range that will target concerns listed above.

Mr Banwell highly recommends Skinade’s collagen drink that is scientifically proven to work on your collagen and elastin.

Regular facials such as an enzyme reactivator’s can also be very beneficial – an enzyme reactivator can help speed up the skin cell turnover (this is slowed down as we age) removing the dead layer of skin achieving maximum skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime. Alternatively we offer a wide range of non-surgical treatments that slow down the signs of aging; such as botox and fillers.

Looking after your skin is important and you should definitely start a skin care regime as a preventative.

Contact The Banwell Clinic for more information on our medical skin care and how it can dramatically change your skin.  We offer detailed complimentary consultations to prescribe a skin care regime tailored to you and your specific skin concerns.