What is premature ageing?

When you hit your forties, your skin’s ability to produce that plumping, firming protein we all know and love – collagen – slows down. As a result, your face begins to show the signs of ageing.
If this rings true to you, you probably have a few questions. Why did you start noticing lines around your eyes when you were eighteen? Or why did your forehead start becoming crepey in your mid-twenties? Well, you can blame premature ageing for that…
So, what is premature ageing?
It’s exactly what it sounds like – skin that ages before its time. It’s caused by internal and external factors that damage the skin and accelerate the rate at which it ages. These causes are most likely environmental, hormonal and physiological, and include exposure to the sun’s UV rays, stress, lack of sleep, and naughty habits like drinking excessively and smoking.
RELATED: How stress wreaks havoc on your skin
What are the signs of premature ageing?
Premature ageing shows up on the skin in many forms: lines and wrinkles, expression lines, uneven skin texture, dehydration, sun spots, loss in elasticity, visible capillaries and rough patches. A red, blotchy complexion is also a telltale sign of premature ageing.
How can you prevent premature ageing?
For Aussie women, due to our harsh climate, hiding from the sun’s harmful rays is no easy feat – but you can take steps to protect your skin. Invest in skin care that’s formulated to fight premature ageing with antioxidants and ingredients like licorice root, and get your hands on a day cream that’s high in SPF to shield your skin from the sun. Also, try to limit stress by enjoying some ‘me’ time each day. Get enough sleep, keep your intake of alcohol to a minimum, and steer clear of cigarettes.
RELATED: The anti-ageing products you should be using
bh loves: Mirenesse Endless Youth Magic Beads Botanical Cleanser, Indio Smooth Emulsion, Dr. LeWinn’s Puressence Day & Night Fluid, Pelactiv Skin Defence Face Lotion SPF 30+
Did you know about premature ageing? Are you seeing the signs of premature ageing?
119 Member Comments
premature aging is scared for girl, my friend recommends me to use the cavitation machine to prevent it, I hope it is helpful.
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Interesting article
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It can happen after especially having babies! Because I lacked the sleep for so long it helped the process of premature ageing- but that's life and why I love to try anything for ageing skin.
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I think I will age pretty well due to good genes, however, I definitely make sure to take care of myself. I have to be very vigilant in the sun because I burn so easily! I have had a few bad burns in the past.
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Her sunnies look very cool - they'd also help to prevent her premature aging.
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Thankfully I've never been a sun lover and have always been a sunscreen user.
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I'm showing a few signs of ageing, but I'm hoping the fact I use sunscreen daily will slow it down. Just wish I'd started on sunscreen a lot earlier.
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Good article....but very close to home.
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I start to see sign of fine lines and pigmentations.
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freckles from sun damage and fine lines are my biggest issues, the spf is a must be sadly we all realise it too late and play catch-up - wish I was smarter when I was younger!
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Pigmentation and fine lines are my main issues. I need to get more sleep too.
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Unfortunately I'm starting to see some fine lines on forehead. With four little ones I don't get enough sleep and definetly need to make some room for 'me time'.
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I thought I'd replied to this post before, but apparently not...
I've definitely started seeing the signs of aging now that I'm into my 30's and I'm also definitely paying the price for not wearing sunscreen enough, in more ways than one. Pigmentation, blotchiness, dehydration, the beginning of expression lines...some of this started in my late 20's, but I'm noticing it more now. Just noticed recently that part of my forehead has open pores now as well, nooooo! That said, I supposedly still pass for about 26, so maybe I've done something right!
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I think eating well (lots of healthy fats), and doing inversions like headstands seems to also help a lot with aging.
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I mostly have to stay out of the sun or I'll burn (really, if it was any worse I'd be a real life vampire), but at least that means I can avoid premature ageing from excess sun exposure. As for the other factors... Well, I'm not a saint.
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I'm still in my teens but I try to live a healthy life (and wear plenty of sunscreen!!) so I don't regret these years when I'm in my 30s/40s and already wrinkling. - best advice my mother ever gave me!
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Oh this is a bit scary and depressing. But good to know.
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I knew a little about premature ageing and I have seen the occasional sign but I do use a day cream that is high in SPF so that's great. Thanks bh! for a wonderfully informative and interesting article!.
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I have pale skin so I try to wear sun screen all the time, 5 minutes in the sun can start to burn!
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I know I have good genes because my mum is aging well (looks 20 years younger than her age) but l feel I'm going to ruin it with not wearing sunscreen, not sleeping enough and eating junk food!
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yes, be careful with too much sun exposure! The only thing i got over the years is sun spots/pigmentation on my shoulders and face. I have never in my almost 4 decades used suncreams, and use to stay on the sun all day long, no hats either, no protection whatsoever. And Australian sun is bit harsh. Need care for that and junk food that is for sure.
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Im aging fine however I am 26 so Im not really aging at an accelerated rate just yet. I don't drink enough water and sunscreen is seriously lacking so I need to work on that
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