Skin, much like everything else, ages with time. Skin is made of collagen and elastin – proteins – which keep it firm and smooth. As it ages, the protein network weakens. Skin decreases the production of collagen, causing it to sag and lose its support structure.
Usually, noticeable changes such as loss of elasticity, decrease or change in color, fine wrinkling, thinning of layers and increased itchiness occur, after 40 years of age. However, if skin shows these signs earlier than expected, it is known as premature skin ageing.
Causes of Premature Skin Ageing
There are many causes of premature ageing of skin. Several environmental, hormonal and physiological factors have a harmful effect on the skin. The main causes are:
Exposure to the sun’s UVA rays causes the most damage. UVA rays – often called ‘ageing rays’ – penetrate deepest into the skin and cause darkening and pigmentation of the skin. They accelerate the ageing process by damaging the underlying collagen, thus making the skin appear dry and wrinkled with dark patches.
Stress and lack of sleep make the skin pale and yellow and may cause acne and spots. They also diminish the amount of other hormones within the body – like growth hormones which help nourish the skin and hair.
Smoking or taking toxic chemicals into the body accelerate the ageing process and damage the elasticity of the skin. For this reason, people who smoke, drink and take drugs often look far older than they are.
How to Protect Skin from Premature Ageing:
Sun Protection
Whether spending a day at the beach or running errands, sun protection is essential. Protect skin by seeking shade, covering up with clothing, and using SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, and water-resistant. Apply sunscreen every day to all skin that is not covered by clothing.
Avoid Smoking & Drinking Alcohol
If you smoke, stop. Smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion.
Similarly, alcohol is rough on the skin. It dehydrates the skin, and in time, damages the skin. Try drinking more water and juices to hydrate the skin and body.
Well Balanced Diet
Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging. Research also shows that a diet containing lots of sugar or other refined carbohydrates can accelerate aging.
Cleanse & Moisturize
Cleanse your skin gently. Scrubbing can irritate skin and this leads to skin aging. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritating the skin. Apply a facial moisturizer every day. Moisturizer traps water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.
Take a Supplement
Aside from taking care of the skin, it is also important to provide it with the right building blocks – the right nutrients. One of the easiest ways to get all the required nutrients is by taking a supplement, such as Inversion Femme.
Inversion Femme is an all in one nutritional anti-ageing supplement for skin, hair, nails and your figure. It provides “a precise balance of natural ingredients including green tea extract, beta-carotene, zinc, selenium, chromium, shark cartilage, copper, iron, vitamins C, B2, B5, B6, B8, iron, Omega-6 and 3, and grape extract”.
