Signs Of Premature Skin Aging

Premature skin aging is commonly caused by sun damage. Many people receive excessive exposure to UV rays that cause damage to the skin's collagen and elasticity. Damage caused by the sun is not immediately visible, and may take several years to fully develop. Most sun damage is cosmetic; however, some damage is serious including cancerous skin lesions, according to the Mayo Clinic. Premature aging of the skin can cause a person to look years older than his true age. The best protection against premature aging is sun block.

Uneven Skin Tone

The skin surfaces that receive the most sun, including the face, cheeks, shoulder and neck, are most prone to uneven blotches of coloration. Chemical peels and bleaching processes can reduce uneven pigmentation and return the skin to a more even look; however, these cosmetic procedures are costly and are not guaranteed to work.

Age Spots

Age spots, also known as liver spots, are elongated marks on the skin. Age spots can be brown, black or grey and are commonly found on the hands and face. Commonly found on people over the age of 40, age spots can also appear on young adults who experience extreme amounts of sun exposure. These spots are harmless and are not a sign of cancer. Age spots can be lightened with bleaching procedures and creams; however, results are not guaranteed.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles form on the face at an accelerated rate with too much sun exposure. Crow's feet are small horizontal wrinkles near the corners of the eyes. Deep lines on the forehead may also form. The horizontal lines are known as transverse lines. Vertical lines between the eyes are called glabellar lines.

Skin Texture and Elasticity

Skin's texture may become extremely rough. This change in texture is due to a decrease in collagen. Skin may have a thick leather-like appearance and skin near the cheeks and chin may even start to sag.