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Causes of Premature Aging and How To Slow It Down

Premature aging is a condition where the process of aging develops in an accelerated manner. While intrinsic aging is unavoidable due to physiological changes in your body, there are measures you can take to combat the causes of extrinsic aging. Focusing on living a healthy lifestyle can significantly slow the symptoms of premature aging. 

Signs of premature aging

The most prevalent signs of premature aging appear in your skin. Your skin may be dry and feature wrinkles and age spots. You may notice a loss of skin tone and increased sagginess. Ultimately, premature aging can make your face and body look older than your actual age. 

Causes of premature aging

 

Sun exposure

Sun exposure can cause many skin problems and cause your skin to age rapidly. Excessive exposure to UV light carries profound health risks, especially to the skin, the largest organ in the body. 

 

Smoking

When you smoke, the nicotine you inhale alters the cells in your body. Some of the changes smokers may notice in their skin include:

  • Crow’s feet
  • Uneven skin complexion
  • Pronounced lines between the eyebrows 
  • Wrinkles around the mouth
  • Thinner lips
  • Puffiness below the eyes
  • A grayish skin tone 

 

These changes occur because nicotine narrows your blood vessels, reducing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your cells. Many studies have concluded that tobacco leads to accelerated skin aging.

 

Unhealthy diet

Unhealthy diets with high sugar or refined carbohydrates may contribute to premature aging. Craft a diet loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to promote naturally-glowing skin, hair, and nails.

 

Lack of sleep

Low-quality or insufficient sleep can make cells age faster because sleep is essential for growth and renewal. A study of 60 women with known sleep issues revealed increased signs of aging, such as reduced skin barrier protection. 

 

Alcohol

Overindulging in alcohol dehydrates the skin and can damage it over time, leading to signs of premature aging. 

 

Stress

When you are stressed, your brain releases cortisol, a stress hormone. Inflammation and stress hormones act to age your body faster. 

Ways to slow down premature aging

 

NAD IV Therapy

If you want to improve the signs of premature aging, NAD IV therapy could help. So what is NAD IV therapy? NAD occurs naturally in every cell in the body and works to improve cellular health and regeneration. In-home NAD IV therapy delivers NAD and other vitamins directly into the bloodstream, helping to restore levels of NAD that decrease naturally as you age.

 

Avoid sun exposure

Using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher all year round is essential. Make sure you reapply sunscreen throughout the day if you plan to be active. Wear protective clothing, including sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat if you plan to spend several hours outdoors.

 

Quit smoking

You may not be able to reverse the damage to your skin due to smoking, but you can prevent additional damage by giving up this unhealthy habit. 

 

Follow a healthy diet

Researchers have found that eating fruits and veggies can help slow the signs of skin aging. A well-balanced diet that includes lean protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables can help prevent premature aging. Magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, and vitamins C, B, C, D, and E all play vital roles in skin health. 

 

Cut back on alcohol

Reducing alcohol intake can prevent further drying out of the skin and damage to skin cells. 

 

Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity improves blood circulation and boosts your immune system, supporting healthy aging. 

 

Get enough good quality sleep

Good quality sleep helps to keep all your internal processes running smoothly. It takes longer to recharge as you age, and getting enough sleep is essential. 

 

Manage your stress

It is impossible to eliminate stress, but you can find healthy ways to manage it. Meditation, yoga, exercise, and delegating tasks to others are all ways you can lower your stress levels.

Last words

You may not be able to impact intrinsic aging, but you can make many lifestyle changes that slow the development of extrinsic aging. Avoiding excess sun exposure and giving up smoking are two of many changes that could make a significant difference in the signs of premature aging. 

xoxo

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