Although aging is a natural experience, and one to be embraced – from smiles lines and forehead wrinkles, all signs of a life lived and memories made, there is such a thing as Premature Skin Aging. Which, as the names suggests, occurs earlier than you would expect in life, and can show more symptoms than just a few wrinkles. The good news is that there are a few steps you can put into place which can make all the difference to restore a more youthful and healthy complexion.
Signs and Causes of Premature Skin Aging
When we think of aging we often think of fine lines and wrinkles, and whilst these do make an appearance they are often paired with other visible signs such as sun spots, hyperpigmentation, sagging and even dry itching skin can signify skin aging. To get a little more technical and delve into the sciencey stuff behind aging, as we age the Telemores (the caps at the end of our DNA strands which protect our DNA) shorten, eventually to the point of leaving them exposed. The result of this is damage to the DNA strands, and thus the visible signs of aging emerge. Having said that, what can affect the speed at which our Telemores shorten is not just our genetics, but lifestyle factors such as stress, a nutrient deficient diet and smoking can all accelarate the aging process. All these factors have been found to negatively impact the condition of the skin, for instance with smoking it has been found that the toxins in nicotine can alter the cells within the body, compromising the skin barrier by causing damage to the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin.
Similarly, in periods of stress the brain produces more cortisol (the stress hormone) in an effort to protect you by keeping you on high alert, the impact on the skin unfortunately is that cortisol blocks collagen and hyaluron synthase, which both contribute to the overall health and complexion of the skin – the result of this therefore being a dull complexion more susceptible to wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. However, perhaps the most significant factor which we are all at risk of on a daily basis is sun exposure. In fact, studies show that around 80% of all facial skin aging is as a result of sun damage. This is because the Ultra Violet radiation (or UV rays) can break down the skins connective tissue within the dermis (the deeper layer of the skin) – the result of these changes to the skin is referred to as photoaging. So it’s fair to say there are a handful of reasons premature aging is something we can all experience. But the good news is it is definitely preventable and treatable, so your youthful glow isn’t behind you just yet!
What To Do
A few healthy habits put into place can make a world of difference for the protection of your skin against premature aging. Firstly, always wear sunscreen. Its really that simple, but the importance cannot be emphasised enough! Opt for at least an SPF30, apply every morning, all year round (that’s right, even in the cloudy winter months your skin is still exposed to the sun’s very powerful rays!). Using sunscreen is perhaps the most important step you could take to not only protect the skin from premature aging, but also the risk of skin cancer – so it’s fair to say it’s a must.
Next, nourish the body internally by consuming a diet full of nutrient dense and vitamin rich foods. Combining this with foods you enjoy is the perfect way to keep your skin looking youthful and balanced. Which brings us nicely to the next healthy habit, reducing stress. Of course, this is likely to be a gradual step but being able to identify and minimise the significant stressors in your life and adopting stress management techniques like meditation can lead to a visibly healthier and more youthful complexion.
Another way to reduce stress and an important step on it’s own is implementing a skincare routine both morning and evening. Not only can this act as a form of self care, but being intentional in the products you choose means you can include products that specifically prevent premature aging, instead preserving your youth. A great example of a simple yet effective 3 step routine would be to start with the Vemel Vitamin Boost Cleansing Balm, which works to gently purify the skin while also injecting vitamin boosting gems like Shea Butter and Carrot Extract.
Follow this up with the Vemel Advanced Protective Serum, the perfect serum to protect the skin from premature skin aging with its photoaging and blue light damage fighting properties, this bottle of goodness helps lock in hydration and stimulate collagen production – bringing back your radiant glow.
For your morning routine you can simply finish off with your SPF and you’re ready for the day.
For your evening routine simply swap out your SPF step for a nourishing moisturiser so you can make the most of the repairative stages your skin undergoes as you sleep. The Vemel Daily Moisturising Face Butter, full of antioxidants and fatty acids to nourish and repair the skin, fits the bill perfectly. Your skincare routine really can be that simple, and by opting for waterless, vegan and organic products like these your skin really is getting the most (even in just a few steps!).
Taking these moments each day to yourself can make all the difference to keep stress levels at bay. Each and every one of us has our own life stresses, but we don’t need to drastically adjust our lives with hours of rigorous exercise in the name of self care to achieve the de-stressing results we’re looking for. It can be as simple as an unwinding evening routine that goes hand in hand with your skincare routine. A calming chamomile tea, soothingly scented candles and a little face massage when applying your final skincare step of the Vemel Daily Moisturising Face Butter is just the thing to relax your muscles and your mind, preparing you for a good night’s sleep as well as boosting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells – the benefits are plentiful!
So whilst premature skin aging might, on the face of it (excuse the pun!) seem like it cannot be reversed, the truth is far from that. A few simple tweaks in your daily routine can inject a whole lot of life back into your skin, even if your insides are calling out for a nap!