Aging is inevitable, but there are ways to combat the premature onset of fine lines and wrinkles and to age gracefully.
Research has shown that there are two types of aging:
Intrinsic (internal) aging is caused by our genes.
Extrinsic (external) aging is caused by environmental factors.
As such, extrinsic aging can, to a large extent, be controlled through a healthy lifestyle and good skin care habits.
The Signs of Premature Aging
Premature aging follows the same pattern as natural aging, but the signs appear much sooner in life.
As the skin thins out and become more transparent, it loses its underlying fat, which leads to hollowed eye sockets and cheeks. The hands and neck become less firm as the bones shrink away from the skin as the result of bone loss, thus causing sagging skin.
More noticeable signs of premature aging include:
Different causes of aging result in different signs.
Photoaging is a term used by dermatologists to describe the aging that is caused by sun exposure. The severity of photoaging depends on your skin color and history of intense or long term sun exposure. Photoaging develops over years, as the skin loses its ability to self-repair.
Some other causes of premature aging include:
Repetitive facial expressions – Stop doing facial exercises, as they may cause fine lines and wrinkles.
Gravity – Our bodies are constantly pulled by gravity and when the skin loses elasticity, sagging becomes pronounced.
Sleeping positions – Sleep lines are caused when you rest your face on the pillow in the same position every night. Try a silk pillowcase and try to sleep on your back.
Smoking – Cigarettes contain chemicals that cause biochemical reactions in the body. Smokers are more likely to develop yellow, leathery skin with deep wrinkles.
Tanning – Deliberate tanning should be avoided, both indoors and outdoors. Stay out of the sun between 10:00-4:00 when the sun’s UVA rays are the strongest. If you have to be outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat and broad spectrum sunscreen.
Diet – Studies have shown that a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables may help to prevent free radical damage that leads to premature aging.
Exercise – Exercising most days can help improve circulation and boost your immune system, which may lead to a more youthful appearance.
It is important to wash your face twice a day and after heavy sweating (and even after wearing head gear for example after wearing a bike helmet).
Gently cleanse the skin to remove all traces of makeup before you go to bed, and apply a moisturizer daily.
Don’t use products that irritate your skin, as that will make it look older.
A healthy lifestyle and much care goes into preventing premature aging, but even with the best of care, some symptoms may still appear. Thankfully, there are some treatment options that can help combat premature aging.
Peels
At Bradford Skin Clinic, we specialize in Medical Grade Facial Peels! We use the most technologically advanced product lines for our peels to achieve the most effective results for each and every skin type. Sun exposure, acne, hormone imbalance, or just getting older, can leave your skin tone uneven, wrinkled, scarred and pigmented, as well as appearing dull, tired and stressed.
Peels are great for anti aging, and the iS Clinical line we carry is the Ultimate Anti Aging skin care line. Read more on the iS Clinical line.
Photo Rejuvenation
We do Photo Rejuvenation with our “New” VPL Energist device. Tired of looking older than you are? Want to get rid of those fine lines and wrinkles and restore your face to a more youthful appearance? Photo Rejuvenation at the Bradford Skin Clinic & Medical Spa uses the UltraPlus Variable Pulsed Light System (VPL), the most effective advanced laser on the market, to give you a smoother and more restored glow to your face, neck, hands and more. Read more on Photo Rejuvenation here.
Skin Tightening
Pollogen’s (Tripollar & TriLipo) skin tightening solutions have been clinically proven to help restore and rejuvenate facial skin, leaving it looking smoother and feeling tighter. Suitable for all skin types, the procedures are non-invasive and clinically proven to renew collagen. The treatment will lift, tone and firm the skin using Rf energy and muscle activation technology, this leads to a thicker dermal layer and stronger muscles to reduce the appearance of aging skin by about 10 years. You will have enhanced blood circulation and oxygenation. This procedure is painless, quick and easy walk in – walk out treatment and will not impact on your daily routine. Read more about how to reduce the loss of collagen.