One morning you wake up and look in the mirror, and are shocked by what you see. You may feel like your skin has started to wrinkle overnight and you may wonder how time elapsed so quickly. If this sounds familiar, you may be suffering from premature aging.
What is Premature Aging?
The difference between premature aging and standard aging is the age at which visible changes appear. Fine lines and minor wrinkles normally start to show up in the late 20s to early 30s, but the timeline is accelerated with premature aging. Simply put, premature aging occurs when signs of aging happen earlier than normal, making an individual appear older than they are.
Signs of Premature Aging
Some of the first noticeable signs of premature aging are grey hair, wrinkles, and fine lines. It can also present with hair loss, sunken temples or cheeks, sagging skin, dry or itchy skin, or sunspots. Skin condition has a major effect on age appearance.
Aging happens because of the shortening of telomeres. Telomeres are caps at the end of DNA strands, which protect our DNA from damage. As we get older, telomeres shorten and leave DNA strands exposed to damage. The more damage the strands take, the more signs of aging appear.
Telomere shortening does not only affect the way that we look. Research has shown that faster rates of telomere shortening are linked to age-related health concerns, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
What are the Causes of Premature Aging?
The rate at which telomere caps shorten is directly related to the appearance of aging. Genetics is a key factor, while body weight, smoking habits, economic status, and lifestyle also play a major role. Heavy smokers are more likely to see signs of premature aging throughout the body. Studies have shown that smoking is responsible for activating enzymes that break down the elasticity of the skin and increase fine lines and wrinkles. Diet, exercise, and sleep are other major factors in premature aging.
What Are My Treatment Options?
If you are worried about premature aging, the first step is to limit how often you participate in behaviors linked to the acceleration of the aging process. Smoking cessation, diet, and exercise help boost antioxidant intake, which helps counter oxidative damage. Targeted treatments are indicated for people with outward physical signs of premature aging.
Rejuv Laser is Here for You
Rejuvenation Laser & Skin Center is here to help you fight off symptoms of premature aging and show you how to keep your skin and body feeling younger. We offer a number of skin treatments designed to make you look and feel comfortable in your own skin. Contact us today to get started!