Your genes and the environment in which you grew up largely determined when the visible signs of aging will appear. Children receive as much as 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure by about age 18, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Other influences, such as a move to a very dry, wet or cold environment, might alter or accelerate the course of your aging skin. To counteract the gradual decline of healthy skin, you can create a skin care plan that treats the underlying causes.
Environmental Aging
Even when you are young and enjoy healthy skin without a lot of upkeep, environmental stresses will take their toll. Sun exposure does the most damage, although symptoms may not be seen for years. Causes include everyday exposure of unprotected skin; increased absorption of UV ray reflection on water or snow; one-time severe sunburn; and repeated sunburns.
Additional environmental causes for aging skin include recurrent of prolonged exposure to dust, chemicals, irritants or allergens that inflame healthy skin. Gentle skin care following exposure to extreme conditions will assist your body's natural self-healing of the epidermis.
Premature Aging
Prematurely aging skin can be brought about by harmful cosmetic applications, poor lifestyle practices or genetic disorders such as Werner's syndrome. Healthy skin can become damaged by UV exposure from indoor tanning booths and from wearing heavy theatrical makeup for long periods of time. Repetitive facial expressions and even the position in which you normally sleep with your head on the pillow can cause wrinkling to surface sooner rather than later in life.
Dermatologists blame smoking for premature signs of aging skin, such as deep wrinkles and a leathery look and feel. These symptoms also appear in people who spend too much time tanning or working in the sun without skin protection. Inadequate skin care or poor choices in cleansing or make-up products can also lead to a prematurely "weathered" appearance.
Natural Aging
Natural, or intrinsic, aging factors are related to the physical processes that unfold within your body over time. Collagen, elastin and keratin---substances that keep young skin full, elastic and hydrated---break down as you age. The force of gravity on your bones and soft tissue causes further drooping of skin tissue that is less firm than it used to be.
Regular skin care and some cosmetic products can ameliorate these effects. The AAD recommends addressing intrinsic aging causes with facial care products that contain retinol or alpha hydroxy acids.
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