Wrinkles are a normal and inevitable part of the aging process. According to the Mayo Clinic, as time marches on skins loses its firmness and becomes thinner. It also becomes harder for skin to shield itself from harm as its production of natural oils declines. This results in drier skin that is more prone to lines and wrinkles. In addition, fat that lies deep in your skin, giving it a plump, firm and youthful appearance, begins to disappear. This leads to a sagging of the skin. Although your genes play a major role in determining your skin texture and how well it will age, there are several controllable factors that lead to unnecessary premature aging. Aging that is based on your heredity is referred to as intrinsic or natural aging. The other kind is called extrinsic or external aging, which is due to sun exposure and other environmental factors. External and intrinsic factors work together to cause premature aging.
Signs of Natural Aging
Intrinsic aging is simply what occurs during the natural aging process that typically begins in the mid-20s. This is when the production of collagen starts to become sluggish and the skin's elasticity becomes to wane. Some of the common signs of intrinsic aging are fine wrinkles, loss of skin firmness in the face, neck and hands, as well as thinner and more transparent-looking skin.
Natural aging also causes bone loss than contribute to sagging skin. Skin becomes drier and may be itchy. Intrinsic aging also leads to graying hair, hair loss and hair growth in unwanted areas.
Photoaging
Photoaging describes the signs of premature aging caused by repeated sun exposure over several years. Too much time spent in the sun without proper protection (sun block) can lead to age spots, facial spider veins, thick and leathery skin texture, loose skin and wrinkles.
Over time, the sun's rays can harm the skin's elasticity, impairing its ability to bounce back as it did previously.
The Mayo Clinic recommends applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 15 approximately 20 minutes before stepping outside.
Smoking
Smoking can speed up your skin's normal aging process and cause wrinkles to appear prematurely. Smoking interferes with blood flow to your skin and prevents it from getting the nutrients and oxygen it needs to maintain a healthy appearance.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the nicotine in cigarettes is responsible for narrowing the blood vessels. In addition, the numerous chemicals in tobacco smoke can harm the fibers that give your skin elasticity and strength.
Repetitive Facial Movements
Various facial expressions over a long period of time eventually cause skin to develop lines and wrinkles. With every smile, squint or frown a groove develops under the surface of the skin. As you get older, your skin gradually loses its capacity to jump back into position as it once did. As a result, these grooves become permanent markers on your face.
Member Comments