As you get older, your body slows down in more ways than one. You may notice it takes longer for your muscles to restore after a workout or for a wound to heal—your cell turnover rate is the main culprit for these changes. While we can’t keep ourselves from aging entirely, we can prevent it from coming too soon. With that said, knowing the most common signs of premature skin aging is a helpful tool for determining what to do for your unique situation. Follow along to learn more about premature aging and preventing it.
Visible Hand Veins
Because your skin becomes thinner and more fragile as you age, your hands are one of the first things to change. Unfortunately, you may notice your hands look thinner and display more visible veins; as a result, your hands become more prone to wrinkles. Although there’s no set time frame for your hands to appear older, many people notice changes in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.
Preventative Measures
You can delay this sign of premature skin aging by moisturizing your hands properly. Additionally, protecting them from the sun is helpful; consider applying sunscreen to your hands every morning.
Sun Spots
Sun spots are among the most prominent signs of premature aging, as they occur due to excessive sun exposure. These are flat spots on your skin that appear darker than your skin tone, and they can be large or small. Many people notice them on their faces, backs, hands, and arms, but they can pop up anywhere you experience extreme sun exposure.
Preventative Measures
Although getting a tan may seem important, applying sunscreen is the best preventative measure to keep your skin young. If you tend to break out due to certain skincare products, be sure to find an SPF product that’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores.
Fine Lines, Wrinkles, and Sagging
Fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging are all signs of aging. Collagen is the main protein that gives your skin its elasticity, and your body decreases production of it starting in your 30s. Unfortunately, with less collagen, you may notice your skin isn’t as resilient and plump. This will first occur in frequently used areas of your face, such as around your mouth, forehead, and eyes.
Preventative Measures
Sticking to a positive skincare routine is an excellent way to prevent premature wrinkles on your face. Knowing the best age to start an anti-aging skincare regimen is a great place to start, but skincare isn’t everything—consider supplementing your daily products with collagen to boost your skin and joints.
Excessive Hair Loss
Hair loss is a tough circumstance to cope with, as your hair may be one of your favorite physical features. Unfortunately, hair loss occurs when the cells that stimulate new hair growth die off, which can occur as a result of hormonal imbalances, unhealthy lifestyles, or genetics.
Preventative Measures
Hair loss can be a challenge, but you may be able to combat it by keeping your hormones in check, nourishing your body with food, and maintaining a growth-stimulating haircare routine.
After learning more about the most common signs of premature skin aging, you can do your best to prevent it. Caring for your body as a whole is an excellent way to stay young for as long as possible—hydrate, eat well, and establish consistent skin and hair care routines.
