The skin on our face especially around the eyes is much more delicate and thinner compared to rest of our body. It’s constantly exposed to sun (UV) or other environmental factors and that can be the reason why the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles more easily seen on our face. Although one would see the signs of aging around 40’s, premature aging of the skin can be observed much much earlier.

Our skin acts as a biological barrier and first line of immune defense against environmental aggressors we are exposed everyday.  Daily exposure to various extrinsic -i.e. UV light- and physiological factors -i.e. stress- can augment the signs of premature aging at an earlier age.  

1-Sun spots on your face and decollette: One of the signs of premature aging is the appearance of hyperpigmentation, sun spots on the face or uneven skin tone in early ages of 20s due to environmental UV damage and persistent sun exposure.

This study from New England Journal of Medicine clearly shows the severe aging impact of UV light on the skin.

The 69 year old man had driven a truck for 28 years exposing only half of his face to direct UV light – sunlight. Result is severe one sided photoaging (on the right side in this picture) also called as unilateral dermatoheliosis.

With UV damage leading to uneven finish and premature aging, the key is to help refine skin’s texture and tone with treatments that help against UV-induced free radicals, while supporting  the natural glow, suppleness, so the skin will appear more radiant, tighter and firmer (Check out this amazing Micro Algae Immun-B3 Serum packed with glow-enhancing botanicals and vitamins such as niacinamide). Read: Why niacinamide is a “must-have” in your skincare routine?  Don’t forget to use daily sunscreen as well.

 

2- Itchy, dry skin: Dehydrated, dry, dull looking skin feeling itchy or sometimes irritated is the second visible sign of premature aging. The dryness and loss of natural glow could be triggered by environmental factors, oxidative stress, not drinking enough water or poor skin nutrition.

Especially with dehydrated skins, after cleansing or applying the toner, air will start drawing out the precious moisture from your skin. Applying the right moisturizers and serums will help balance your skin’s thirst for moisture, while maintaining a hydrated, non-itchy complexion. So, apply your skin care products quickly and evenly to seal the moisture back on your face where it belongs. 

 

3- Early wrinkles around the eyes, lips: Appearance of fine lines or wrinkles around the eyes, lips, forehead and general loss of elasticity is due to skin’s loss of collagen and elastin. These fine lines at early to late 20s are usually due to lifestyle choices such as persistent facial mimicry like frowning or pursing of the lips, sleep deprivation, cigarette smoking and second hand smoking, which can also increase the incidence of acne and allergic skin conditions. 

If you’re want to slow down the appearance of these fine lines, please do consider to avoid any movements that create an expression lines and try to avoid smoking. Smoking destroys the collagen in the skin making it saggy and depletes oxygen significantly decreasing the glowing vitality and brings along with a whole list of other health problems.

Secondhand smoke is more dangerous than smoking as the bad components are more concentrated with the secondhand smoke. So, step away from secondhand smoking to protect your skin. You can minimize the damage by making sure to use products with good antioxidants, calming botanicals and anti-aging moisturizers and peptides to help keep the skin strong and supple. 

Another option is to fortify the moisture on the skin throughout the day and night with Ageless Perfection Cream.

 

4- Sensitivity and inflammation: Another sign of premature aging in 20s and 30s is the sensitivity and inflammation due to air pollutants, free radical oxidation, UV radiation, lifestyle choices and daily stress. Daily stress can lead to chronic immune dysfunction, increased production of free radicals, and DNA damage, which can contribute to the aging of skin and other tissues. 

First, try to step away from the source of the stress and relax.  Maintain the texture of your skin with products packed with botanical humectants that can be found in  Micro Algae Immun-B3 Serum and Ageless Perfection Cream. These are all excellent to help offering calming hydration and preventing the signs of premature aging. They will give the wrinkle-calming and as-smooth-as baby’s skin results, with continued use. I use it every day and night—faithfully.

 

5- Stressed skin: Discolored, fatigued looking skin with dark circles around the eyes or leather-like feeling complexion. This can happen at an early age can happen due to prolonged stress in combination with sleep deprivation that can negatively impact the immune system and increase production of aging oxidative radicals contributing to signs of premature aging.  

Take 15 minutes for yourself and relax in a calm environment, while focusing on your breath to keep away nagging thoughts. De-stress and revitalize yourself and rough-feeling skin with a nice beauty treat filled with skin loving ingredients like honey.

Even if you have sensitive skin, you can use my personal favorite, Honeyactive Beauty Mask. It helps to gently remove dry flaky skin, reduce the rough patches, and give back your skin fresh, soft and smooth feel.

If you’re serious about committing to care for your complexion, paying attention to these premature signs of aging and using the much needed skin care products will most certainly help your skin look and feel its very best.

Wishing you a glowing healthier skin,

 

 

Scientific references

1-Well-aging: Early Detection of Skin Aging Signs.Longo C. Dermatol Clin. 2016 Oct;34(4):513-518.

2-Anatomy and pathophysiology of facial aging. Zimbler MS, Kokoska MS, Thomas JR. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2001 May;9(2):179-87, vii.

3-Psychological Stress and skin aging: a review of possible mechanisms and potential therapies. Dunn JH, Koo J. Dermatol Online J. 2013 Jun 15;19(6):18561.