BENGALURU: Ageing is an inevitable process accompanied by several physical, psychological and emotional changes. Our bodies and minds go through several transitions with time. For some, these changes occur much earlier than usual and this phenomenon is known as premature ageing. Not very uncommon, this occurs due to a combination of factors which include both genetics and lifestyle. While premature ageing due to genetic factors is termed intrinsic or chronological ageing, environmental or behavioural factors make it extrinsic ageing. When a person ages prematurely, their chronological age is more than their biological one.
Signs of premature ageing
Sunspots: Also called age spots, these are dark or hyper-pigmented spots on the skin that are caused due to prolonged exposure to the sun, and are commonly present on the face, back of the hands, chest and back. Dull and listless skin: As the production of collagen (a protein) is reduced, (typically after the age of 30) it causes your skin to lose its suppleness. Fine lines and wrinkles appear on the skin slowly.
Dry and itchy skin: After the age of 40, your skin produces less oil leaving it dry and itchy. Further, the skin also becomes thin (leading to flaking) and prone to bruising.Gaunt Hands: As skin becomes thin, the veins become more prominent. This is first observed in the hands.
Puffy eyes and crow’s feet: The delicate area below the eyes is the most susceptible to ageing. With reduced amount of collagen, the skin under your eyes tends to become puffy. Wrinkles spreading out from this are called crow’s feet.
Reversing premature ageing
Since most of the lifestyle factors responsible for premature ageing can be rectified, premature ageing can be controlled to a large extent. The first step is to follow a healthy lifestyle and aim for a work-life balance. Sleep well and on time so that your body is recharged the next day. Follow a healthy diet by consuming fresh fruits, vegetables and foods rich in nutrients like minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Avoid excess junk food and alcohol. Quit smoking and it is sure to make a big difference. Follow an exercise routine so that your body is energized and active.
Avoid exposure to the sun and wear a scarf or hat and use an effective sunscreen/ moisturiser. Follow a skincare regime of ‘cleanse, moisturise, protect and treat’ regularly. Use skincare products that are replete with ingredients like retinoids, peptides and antioxidants. Consider in-clinic treatments like light chemical peels, micro-needling, lasers to reverse sun damage, anti-wrinkle injections to correct fine lines and wrinkles and dermal fillers to restore volume loss.
(The writer is an aesthetic physician)
