Photo by Shiny Diamond from Pexels Although skin ageing is a natural process, it is sometimes accelerated by certain environmental factors and way of life. Extrinsic ageing is the term used to describe ageing brought on by factors that can be avoided.

This article goes through the many ageing signs and symptoms as well as lifestyle changes that can slow down the ageing process of the skin.

Signs of Skin Aging

Many factors, including genetics and environment, influence how each person ages. Aging signs include:

●Dullness
●Roughness
●Uneven skin tone
●Discoloration
●loss of skin volume and elasticity
●Wrinkles and fine lines

The most notable cause of skin ageing is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. When UV rays strike your skin, they damage your DNA, triggering cellular defences including freckles, tanning, and ultimately sunburns.

UVB penetrates superficially and causes tanning. UVA causes oxidative stress by penetrating deeper layers of skin and is the cause of photoaging. As a result, collagen is harmed and abnormal elastin fibres are produced, leading to wrinkles.

Other Factors Causing Skin Aging

1. Gravity

Gravity causes drooping of the eyebrows and eyelids, looseness and fullness under the cheeks and jaw (jowls and "double chin"), and lengthening of the ear lobes when the skin loses its elasticity.

2. Obesity

Excess weight weakens the hair and nails and causes the skin to stretch. It also contributes to the development of stretch marks, varicose veins, skin tags, and dark patches on the skin called acanthosis nigricans.

3. Sleeping Position

Sleeping habits might also be important. Sleep creases are commonly seen on the side of the forehead, starting above the eyebrows to the hairline near the temples, as well as on the middle of the cheeks. Changing how you sleep could make these creases less noticeable or stop them from getting worse.

4. Smoking

Compared to non-smokers of the same age, complexion, and history of sun exposure, smokers typically have more wrinkles. It's unclear why this disparity exists. It can be because smoking affects the skin's normal blood flow.

Tips to Delay Skin Aging

1. A healthy skin habit that may be formed early in life and has long-term antiaging benefits is daily usage of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen in the recommended doses and reapply as necessary.
2. Avoid being exposed to the sun by finding shade whenever you can, using UPF clothing, and wearing wide-brimmed hats.
3. Refrain from using tanning beds, smoking, and consuming too much alcohol. It has been noted that drinking alcohol and smoking both speed up the ageing process of the skin.
4. Stay hydrated and consume enough water to maintain good skin.
5. Dullness and wrinkles on dry skin can appear earlier than on moist skin. Emollients and moisturisers can be beneficial. When used frequently, certain ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, can offer improved skin hydration.

Your genes and the natural process of skin ageing are beyond your control. However, by controlling the extrinsic factors, skin ageing can be delayed. In order to stop premature skin ageing, it is crucial to stay out of the sun, exercise every day, and quit smoking.