When it comes to aging, some people are just luckier. Genetics play a significant role in how fast you age, so if your parents aged really well, that may be the case for you too. Your skin's thickness, color, and vascularity can determine how quickly damage or signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles appear.
Everyone ages, but the rate of how apparent or how soon it shows on the skin surface varies. For some, the first signs of aging can show as early as their mid-20s, while others only notice wrinkles, sun spots, and sagging skin in their late 40s or even early 50s. Some people can also appear younger than their age, while others look way older.
How does this happen? Why do some women age faster than others? What are the factors that play a role in how quickly a person ages? Continue reading as we explore skin aging and the things that can cause your skin to age slower or faster than you’d like.
Genetics or family history
When it comes to aging, some people are just luckier. Genetics play a significant role in how fast you age, so if your parents aged really well, that may be the case for you too. Your skin’s thickness, color, and vascularity can determine how quickly damage or signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles appear.
In general, fair skin is more prone to sun damage, while darker skin tones are naturally more vulnerable to hyperpigmentation. Those with darker skin, furthermore, also have a thicker dermis (second layer of the skin), which is beneficial in preventing damage from the sun. This does not mean, however, that they are immune to sun damage.
There is not much you can do about your genes, but there’s a lot you can do to take better care of your skin. We at Cutis are a big proponent of wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and limiting sun exposure. We also have several non-surgical procedures like dermal fillers, Botox, peels, and laser treatments to help you maintain a youthful appearance.
Environment
UV radiation and air pollution are two of the environmental factors that can exacerbate aging and make us appear older than our age. The sun’s UV radiation is said to be responsible for about 80% of aging on the face, including sagging, dryness, and pigmentation or dark spots.
Air pollution, meanwhile, hurts the barrier function of the skin, increasing your vulnerability to damage and other skin concerns. Tiny airborne pollutants can enter and accumulate in your pores, clogging them and triggering breakouts. It can also generate free radicals, which can trigger cell damage and speed up skin aging.
It may be almost impossible to avoid all pollutants as they are so prevalent. There are, however, things you can do to protect your skin against their effects and risk to your skin health.
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Cleanse your face at night to remove makeup, dirt, and other pollutants.
Use skincare products with peptides or antioxidants like Vitamin C serums.
Fill your diet with fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Don’t forget to moisturize your skin.
Avoid or limit your consumption of fast or processed food.
Use eco-friendly cleaning products.
Consider non-surgical aesthetic treatments that can help tighten skin and treat mild laxity, including Ultherapy , NIR Skin Tightening , and Titan . For sun damage and dull skin, you can consider Limelight , Pearl Treatments , and Laser Genesis .
Reduce exposure to air pollution by: Taking walks or exercising away from busy roads and streets. Using an air purifier or dehumidifier at home to reduce moisture. Running exhaust fan in the kitchen to remove cooking fumes.
Lifestyle and Women Age
This is one factor you have control over. As certain lifestyle habits can affect the state of your skin, it is important to know which can accelerate aging. If you, for instance, have been dealing with new skin concerns or have been struggling with the same issues for quite a while now, it may be the time to look into and reassess your lifestyle choices.
Smoking – This is one of the worst things you can do to your body, skin, and overall health. The nicotine in cigarettes narrows the blood vessels and impairs blood flow, which then reduces the amount of nutrients and oxygen that reaches your skin. The chemicals in the smoke can also damage collagen and elastin, causing premature sagging and wrinkling. Find out more about what smoking does to your skin.
Sun exposure/tanning – As previously mentioned, prolonged and unprotected sun exposure can damage your skin and speed up the aging process. It can contribute to the onset of premature signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and sagging skin. On top of that, skin damage from UV exposure increases your risk of skin cancer.
Inadequate sleep – The skin goes into reparative mode while you sleep, allowing it to recharge and recuperate from daytime damage. Sleep deprivation, meanwhile, doesn’t allow your skin cells to repair overnight, which can then accelerate the aging process. It can also make your skin look lackluster with the appearance of under-eye bags and dark circles.
Sitting all the time – Having a sedentary lifestyle can, in the long run, contribute to weight gain and increased risk of chronic health problems. A study also suggested that women who lead a sedentary lifestyle have faster-aging cells than those who engage in physical activity daily. Check out our previous post on how to fight a sedentary lifestyle.
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Poor diet – Apart from adding inches to your waistline, a poor diet can also contribute to or aggravate skin problems. This is especially true if your diet is full of fats (trans and saturated), calories, and processed foods, which can cause inflammation in the body and worsen skin concerns. A diet that is rich in fiber and nutrients, and low in calories is beneficial in slowing the pace of aging.
Stress/anxiety – Too much stress can make your skin act out, resulting in oilier skin, clogged pores, and breakouts. Also, stress causes your body to produce cortisol, which too much of can break down collagen and elastin. This may then lead to premature aging and the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and creases. It can also make the existing lines on your face deeper or more prominent.
How Cutis can help
If you have been noticing signs of aging on your face and neck, we have various treatment options that can improve your concerns. We have injectables like Botox, fillers, and Profhilo for softening wrinkles and giving your face a more refreshed appearance. We also have light-based treatments that can treat mild laxity or sagging skin, as well as fade pigmentation and minimize scarring.
Our clinic offers minimally invasive and non-invasive anti-aging and rejuvenation treatments. We also have a patient-centered approach and focus on US FDA-cleared and CE-marked treatments for different skin and body concerns. If you are interested in any of our treatments, contact us at +65 6801 4000 and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.
Smoothy Slim
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio
