Your skin is the largest organ of the body. As we age, our skin starts to show signs of aging. From wrinkles to age spots, sagging skin to skin pigmentation, there are several signs of aging that everyone experiences when they enter their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond.
Aging is an inevitable natural process, but there are things you can do to slow it down. There are two types of aging skin: intrinsic and extrinsic. Our genes largely control intrinsic aging, which we can’t control. On the other hand, extrinsic aging is due to various environmental factors and poor lifestyle choices. So, you can do things to affect this type of aging.
What causes your skin to age?
When your skin ages, the cause is a combination of natural aging, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Our skin has two distinct layers, the epidermis, and the dermis layer. The epidermis is the skin’s outer layer that acts as a barrier, protecting it from environmental factors such as pollution, bacteria, and U.V. rays. On the other hand, the dermis layer is beneath the epidermis layer, which is rich in collagen and other proteins and is responsible for the skin’s elasticity and strength.
As we age, the dermis layer becomes thinner and drier. So, when our skin doesn’t get enough moisture or hydration, it starts to show signs of aging. Also, our skin slows down the natural production of proteins and loses its elasticity with time. Additionally, as we age, the fat layer underneath our skin shrinks, which leads to sagging skin. All of these things contribute to the aging process.
Other lifestyle and environmental factors contributing to aging include a poor diet, lack of sleep or poor sleep patterns, chronic stress, smoking, and repetitive facial expressions.
What are the signs of aging?
The aging process for every person is different. Some people start to show signs of aging when they turn 40, whereas others experience signs of aging at 35. Some of the most common signs of aging include:
- Wrinkles or sagging: Collagen is a protein responsible for skin elasticity and gives your skin its shape. It helps your skin bounce back and stay plump. However, your skin slows down collagen production as you enter your 30s, resulting in visible wrinkles and sagging.
- Dryness: When you age, your skin becomes thinner and thin skin is more susceptible to dehydration. So, when your skin doesn’t get enough moisture, it dries and becomes more prone to flakiness.
- Age spots: Overexposure to the sun causes age spots. While people with normal skin tone may experience age spots much later than their 40s, people with fairer skin tend to see them appear at 40.
What can you do to reduce the signs of aging?
Get enough sleep: Sleep yields many health benefits. Experts recommend at least 8 hours of sleep every day. It can benefit your physical and mental health and boost your skin health. When you sleep, skin cells repair the damage caused throughout the day. So, when your body gets enough time to rest, it can boost the cell regeneration process.
Wear sunscreen: Overexposure to the sun can significantly impact your skin health. U.V. rays damage skin fiber, known as elastin. The breakdown of elastin causes your skin to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to snap back after stretching. While you may not experience sun damage when you are young, the sun makes your skin more susceptible to sunspots, sunburns, and skin cancer. So, it is crucial to protect your skin from harmful U.V. rays.
Use an anti-aging cream: Finally, you should buy an anti-aging cream to get the maximum results. There are different types of creams for anti-aging, including day cream and night cream. You can use the same cream day and night when you are younger. However, as you age, it is recommended that you buy a different day cream and night cream.