Slow the Signs: How to Reduce Premature Skin Ageing

Aging is a natural and inevitable process we all go through – no doubt about it. However, for some people, the visible signs of aging appear earlier and progress faster than they should. This is known as premature skin aging.

While genetics play a major role, the main causes of premature skin aging are usually environmental and lifestyle factors that prematurely age your body’s largest organ – the skin. 

But here’s the good news: by understanding what contributes to premature aging and the steps you can take to prevent and reduce it, you can keep your complexion looking fresh, healthy and youthful for longer.

What Does Premature Skin Aging Look Like?

The telltale signs that your skin is ageing faster than it should include:

• Fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes, mouth and forehead
• Dry, rough and itchy skin
• Uneven skin tone or texture
• Age spots, especially on the face, décolletage and hands
• Visible blood vessels (spider veins)
• Loose, saggy or crepey skin
• Thin, translucent or easily damaged skin
• Skin that bruises easily

While it’s normal to develop some of these signs as you get older, if you’re noticing them appear in your 20s, 30s or early 40s, it may indicate your skin is aging prematurely. The severity can range from mild cosmetic changes to the skin that looks and feels significantly older than your chronological age.

What Causes Premature Skin Ageing?

Many factors can speed up the skin’s natural ageing process, but the most common culprits are:

Sun Exposure 

UV radiation breaks down the skin’s collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging and uneven pigmentation. Up to 80% of visible facial ageing in Caucasian women is thought to be caused by sun exposure.

Smoking 

It’s no secret that smoking is terrible for your health, but did you know it’s also one of the worst things you can do for your skin? With every puff, you’re exposing your skin to over 4,000 harmful chemicals that break down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and elastic. Smoking also narrows the blood vessels in the outer layers of your skin, reducing blood flow and depriving your skin of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to repair itself and stay healthy.

Poor Diet 

You really are what you eat when it comes to your skin. Diets high in sugar and processed carbohydrates can lead to glycation, a process that damages the skin’s collagen and promotes ageing. Conversely, not getting enough vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production, can also contribute to premature ageing.

Alcohol 

Alcohol is very dehydrating and over time, this loss of moisture can lead to more noticeable fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. Alcohol also generates free radicals that damage the skin cells.

Environmental Pollution 

Exposure to pollutants in the air generates free radicals that damage the skin’s collagen and elastin fibres and accelerate signs of ageing. Those who live in highly polluted cities may see signs of ageing sooner.

Poor Sleep 

Beauty sleep is not just a cliché – it’s a real phenomenon backed by science. During sleep, the body repairs damage and regenerates skin cells. A chronic lack of sleep can inhibit these processes and exacerbate signs of ageing.

Stress 

When you’re under chronic stress, your body ramps up production of the hormone cortisol. In small doses, cortisol is necessary and beneficial. But when it’s constantly elevated, it can wreak havoc on your skin.

How to Prevent and Reduce Premature Skin Ageing

Protect Your Skin From the Sun

Since UV exposure is the number one cause of premature skin ageing, protecting yourself from the sun is crucial. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30+ (preferably SPF 50) every day, even when it’s cloudy or you’re indoors (as UVA rays can penetrate through windows). Apply it liberally to all exposed areas including the face, neck, décolletage and hands. 

Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sun-protective clothing when outdoors for extended periods and avoid peak UV hours. Consider using skincare products that contain antioxidants like vitamin C, which help to neutralize free radical damage from UV exposure.

Don’t Smoke

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your skin and overall health. As well as causing premature ageing, smoking also increases your risk of developing skin cancer. If you need help to quit, speak to your doctor about smoking cessation aids and support services.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A nutritious diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats provides the nutrients your skin needs to stay plump, firm and radiant. Foods that are particularly good for the skin include:

• Colourful fruits and vegetables like berries, leafy greens, sweet potato and red capsicum. These are rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from damage.
• Oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines. These are high in omega-3 fatty acids which help to keep skin supple and hydrated.
• Nuts and seeds. These are good sources of vitamin E, zinc and selenium which support healthy skin.
• Green tea. It’s rich in polyphenols which have anti-inflammatory and protective effects on the skin.

Minimise your intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, as these can all accelerate skin ageing. Make sure you’re also drinking plenty of water to keep your skin cells hydrated.

Limit your Alcohol Consumption 

Stick to the recommended alcohol limits to minimise the dehydrating and inflammatory effects of alcohol on your skin. That’s no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day for healthy adults. Alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water and be sure to hydrate well before and after drinking sessions.

Follow a Consistent Skincare Routine

Cleanse, moisturise and protect your skin every morning and night to keep it healthy and youthful-looking. Choose products that are suitable for your skin type and address any specific concerns you have like wrinkles, pigmentation or loss of firmness. Look for formulas that contain scientifically proven anti-ageing ingredients like retinol, peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Don’t forget to also care for the fragile skin around your eyes with a targeted eye cream or serum.

Manage Stress

Chronic stress takes a toll on your skin as well as your overall well-being. Make relaxation and self-care a priority by regularly doing activities you find calming, whether that’s deep breathing, meditation, yoga, spending time in nature, or catching up with loved ones. Adequate sleep is also essential for skin health and stress management, so aim for 7-9 hours per night. If you’re struggling with stress or sleep, speak to your doctor.

Consider Professional Treatments

In addition to your at-home skincare routine, professional cosmetic treatments can help address specific signs of ageing and give your skin an extra boost.

One example is rejuran, an injectable skin treatment that stimulates collagen production to improve skin elasticity, hydration and tone. Rejuran contains polynucleotides (PN), a salmon DNA extract that repairs damaged skin cells and has been shown to rejuvenate aging skin. 

Other effective professional treatments for premature ageing include microneedling, laser therapy, chemical peels and prescription retinoids. Speak to a qualified skin therapist or dermatologist to determine which treatments are best for your individual skin type and concerns.

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While we can’t stop the clock on aging completely, we can certainly slow it down by protecting our skin from damage and providing it with the nourishment it needs to repair and regenerate. We hope these pointers have given you a solid idea to take care of yourself (and your skin) better.