As we get older, our skin cell turnover decreases, as do collagen and elastin levels. This leads to the visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, and sagging, dull skin.
While skin aging is a natural process, there are factors which can speed it up.
What Are the Signs of Premature Aging Skin?
Premature aging skin usually appears in the form of fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, thinning skin, and age spots. The aging process looks different for everyone, but to experience these symptoms before the age of 35 would generally be categorised as “premature”.
What Causes Premature Aging Skin?
Ultraviolet Radiation (UV Rays) - The sun plays a major role in the premature aging of the skin. Exposure to UV rays causes a break down of your skin’s connective tissue (collagen and elastin). Collagen and elastin are responsible for keeping skin plump, tight and youthful.
Stress - Chronic stress can also lead to premature aging of the skin, in particular the appearance of premature wrinkles. Cortisol is the most prevalent stress hormone and breaks down the collagen content in our skin.
Smoking - Nicotine, and other chemicals in cigarettes and vapes, contribute to wrinkle formation and other signs of aging. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict which reduces oxygen flow and nutrients to the skin.
Poor Diet - A diet which contains large amounts of sugar, refined carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, artificial sweeteners) and a high-fat content helps to accelerate skin aging. High fat diets in particular cause oxidative stress in cells which produces inflammatory damage.²
Lack of Sleep - Studies have shown that poor quality sleepers display increased signs of skin aging including fine lines, uneven pigmentation and reduced skin elasticity.³
Pollution - Air pollution has a significant impact on skin health. Soot and nitrogen dioxide from pollution have been associated with premature skin aging, including stimulating wrinkle formation and age spots.
Alcohol Consumption - Alcohol depletes levels of key vitamins, such as vitamin A, which are crucial to healthy skin. A lack of vitamin A can reduce collagen levels. Alcohol can also cause dehydration, which causes wrinkles on the face as well as excessively dry skin. Excessive alcohol drinking also causes spider veins, rashes, red skin spots, skin colour changes, and also worsens skin conditions.
References
1. Farage M, Miller K, Berardesca E, Maibach H. Psychological and Social Implications of Aging Skin: Normal Aging and the Effects of Cutaneous Disease. Textbook of Aging Skin. 2015;:1-14.
2. Cao C, Xiao Z, Wu Y, Ge C. Diet and Skin Aging—From the Perspective of Food Nutrition. Nutrients. 2020;12(3):870.
3. University Hospitals Case Medical Center. Sleep Deprivation Linked to Aging Skin, Study Suggests. [Internet]. ScienceDaily. 2013. Available from here