Reality of Premature Aging

Aging is a natural way of life. As we grow old aging is manifested on how we look specifically on the face. But what happens if aging is manifested at early age? It is a premature aging.

Premature aging is a term used to describe an early appearance of aging before old age. It has two types: intrinsic (internal) aging and extrinsic (external) aging. Intrinsic aging is the natural process of aging which occurs as you grow old and involves the following:

• Collagen production slowing (collagen contributes to skin's firmness)
• Elastin production decreases (elastin contributes to skin's elasticity)
• Fat cells begin to disappear (which can lead to sagging skin)
• Your skin losing its ability to retain moisture
• Frown lines and "crow's feet" appearing due to small muscle contractions
• Dead skin cells not being shed as quickly
• Slightly less turnover of new skin cells
  

Usually all of these changes start to occur when you are in 20’s and the signs of intrinsic aging are the following:

• Fine wrinkles
• Thin and transparent skin
• Loss of underlying fat, leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets as well as noticeable loss of firmness on the hands and neck
• Bones shrink away from the skin due to bone loss, which causes sagging skin
• Dry skin that may itch
• Inability to sweat sufficiently to cool the skin
• Graying hair that eventually turns white
• Hair loss
• Unwanted hair
• Nail plate thins, the half moons disappear, and ridges develops
  

On the other hand, the normal aging process becomes a premature aging when external factors often act together. Premature aging usually cause by repetitive facial expressions, sun exposure and smoking.

Here are some Sixwise.com health care tips on how to prevent premature aging:

1. Avoid smoking. Too much exposure to cigarette smoke will increase the wrinkling and dryness of skin.
2. Avoid too much exposure to the sun. Too much exposure to the can also cause wrinkling and skin dryness. It can also cause skin cancer.
3. Have a healthy diet. Having a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will provide you plenty antioxidants which is good for the skin.
4. Have enough exercise. Exercise tones muscles and helps promote blood flow -- necessary for healthy skin and body.
5. Avoid too much alcohol. Over time, alcohol can permanently damage blood vessels in the skin, causing you to appear flushed.