An In-Depth Look at the Different Causes of Ageing Skin and What You Can Do for Proper Care
The skin will start looking more aged as we get older, and this is inevitable and a fact of life. We can start noticing some fine lines at the corners of our eyes and when we smile, even when we are still in our 20s. In our 30s and 40s, we can develop deeper crow’s feet and may also notice that our skin is dryer and less moist, and sagging and softness can also become apparent, especially along the jaw line and the cheeks. Our skin’s elasticity can change, becoming less firm as we age, and these signs and symptoms of ageing skin can be further exacerbated if we don’t have a good diet or nutrition and if we are constantly exposed to pollution and the harmful effects of the sun. But what else can cause skin ageing apart from the natural and inherent causes, and what can we do for proper care? Here’s what you should know.
Whilst the ageing of the skin is a natural process and can be completely biological, there are some factors that can cause premature ageing or contribute to the even faster ageing process of the skin. These are known as the external factors that contribute to the ageing of the skin, and they are as follows:
Too much sun exposure
The rays of the sun are definitely the main external factor that contributes to skin ageing, and it does this by adding to the skin’s oxidative stress. Damage to the skin from the sun is called photo ageing, and if your skin has an uneven look and pigmentation, this is one of the most common symptoms of too much sun exposure.
Smoking
There is no doubt: the nicotine and chemicals found in cigarettes can also increase the amount of the skin’s free radicals, which can, in turn, intensify the effects of sunlight exposure.
Pollution
Too much exposure to pollution can also cause the skin to age, as it triggers the release of free radicals, and these can damage the skin. Along with this, pollution can also exacerbate the already bad effects of too much exposure to the sun which can then accelerate oxidative stress on the skin.
Improper skincare
Your skin may well age quicker if you don’t take proper care of it or if you are using various products that are not good for your skin and act as an irritant. When you cleanse your skin, use products that are gentle and proper for the type of skin you have. You can also make use of products that are designed to help alleviate the skin ageing process, such as the products from SkinCeuticals that include UV defence creams, eye gels and balms, moisturising creams, epidermal repair creams, and more.
Proper skincare also includes making sure you cleanse your skin, protect it from the sun, and keep it moisturised each and every day.
Poor nutrition
Try to include more antioxidant-rich foods in your diet, as antioxidants are known for neutralising free radicals – and free radicals can damage the skin and contribute to the ageing process. Make sure to eat a lot of fruits and veggies that are rich in antioxidants, such as berries, carrots, oranges, nuts, legumes, leafy vegetables, and beans.
