Premature Aging Skin
What is premature aging of the skin?
Premature aging skin is the development of early signs of skin aging as a result of unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays.
What causes premature skin aging?
UV rays break down elastin and collagen fibres in young healthy skin leading to wrinkles, loosened folds, dark spots, permanent skin darkening and leathery skin texture. Some lifestyle choices, such as smoking, also cause premature aging of skin.
How is premature aging skin treated?
When you present to the clinic, your doctor examines your skin and designs a suitable treatment plan. There are many less-invasive procedures that tighten, smoothen wrinkles and improve your overall complexion. Your doctor may suggest dermabrasion or chemical peels, which remove the outer layers of the skin, allowing a new layer of skin to grow and replace the treated skin. Your doctor may also use skin fillers to fill in wrinkles and restore a smoother looking skin.
Can premature aging of the skin be prevented?
Eventually, everyone loses their youthful skin, but you can prevent premature skin aging with the following methods:
- Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen. Choose a water resistant product with sun protection factor (SPF) depending on your duration of exposure to the sun.
- Avoid tanning
- Quit smoking
- Repetitive facial muscle contractions such as squinting and smiling can leave permanent lines on the skin over time. You can avoid squinting at the sun by wearing sunglasses.
- Practice a good skin care regime of applying moisturizer, cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser and washing your skin twice a day as well as after sweating.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Limit alcohol consumption as excessive alcohol damages the skin.