Premature Aging In Women: Signs You Shouldn’t Overlook
Every woman must understand that the process of aging begins in the middle teens to late twenties, and continues till death. No one escapes its effect. But there are often great differences in its degree of impact on people of same age especially women.
In females, women have to hurry up and finish growing, because they have limited time for pubescence. That is, that they have to exhaust their reproductive cycle before they attain climacteric. This indirectly affects their appearance.
In some women, according to a specialist, Dr. Ojum Ekeoma Ogwo excess production of growth hormones leads to earlier maturation of all organs and adolescence.
According to the expert, premature aging in women could manifest through the following ways:
Slow walking
I have always advised my female patients not, for any reason, deliberately practice walking slowly. It affects your limbic system and before you know it your body neurological set up starts adopting the slow motion.
Have you noticed that there are people in their 70s, who still walk very briskly, and look very healthy. While some in their 50s almost crawl for a walk. There must be something wrong with their locomotive system.
Women learn to walk fast, it improves both your body metabolism and health. If your walking pace slows down while you are in your 40s, it may be a sign, that you are aging faster than is typical.
A woman should make conscious efforts to walk faster, it is a form of exercise that gradually uplifts you, and gives you a radiant push and younger look.
Memory problems
As a woman, mild memory changes go along with aging and can start as early as your 40s. It might take you longer to recall names or facts, or remember why you went into the room or climbed upstairs.
But if it becomes too drastic – please consult your doctor. Something might be wrong. Alzheimer disease and other types of dementia do not happen until after age 65. And dementia is not a normal part of aging in women. To help every woman keep her mind, please start eating healthy, stay socially active and exercise.
Irregular periods
Your periods usually become less regular in your late 30s or early 40s. That is peri or pre – menopause, the time leading up to menopause. Your body produces less estrogen. That means your periods may be lighter and shorter, or come less often.
Consult your doctor if your periods suddenly become very different or painful, especially in your 30s. It could be a sign of early menopause, caused by internal organ disorder.
Dry skin
As a woman, your skin makes less oil as you age. It can become dry and dull, especially if you are over 40. But dryness can also be caused by things you do (or do not do). To prevent it.
1. Take short baths or showers using warm – not hot water.
2. Clean your skin gently and moisturize well.
3. Drink plenty of liquids.
4. Do not spend a lot of time in dry weather. If your skin is still very dry and itchy, consult a dermatologist, to rule out medical issues.
Joint pains
Not every woman gets stiff joints when they get older. But your chances of getting osteoarthritis go up as you age. Men tend to get symptoms after age 45, and women after 55. If your symptoms start before 30, please consult your doctor.
Hand strength
You might find your hands have to work harder opening a bottle or jar, or your hold on the steering wheel is not as firm.
Your grip strength usually starts to drop in your 50s. You can keep your hands strong by playing with clay or mud, or squishing a stress ball, or wringing water out of a washcloth.
If you lose your grip strength early, say before 30 or suddenly, then please consult your doctor, there may be a sign of arthritis, nerve damage or another health issue.
Always be medically guided.
There are a couple of different factors that have a direct effect on how quickly these signs appear on your body.
Smoking
The toxins in cigarette smoke expose your skin to oxidative stress. This causes dryness, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging.
Sun exposure and tanning
Tanning beds and exposure to the sun penetrate your skin with UV rays. These rays damage the DNA in your skin cells, causing wrinkles.
Genes
There are some very rare genetic conditions that can cause you to show signs of aging in childhood and early puberty. These conditions are called progeria.
Werner syndrome affects 1 in 1 million people. It causes wrinkled skin, graying hair, and balding to develop between 13 and 30 years old.
Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome is an even rarer condition, affecting 1 in 8 million babies.
Children with this syndrome don’t grow as quickly as others in their age group. They also experience thin limbs and baldness. The average life expectancy for children living with Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome is 13 years.
Several lifestyle habits can contribute to how quickly your body shows signs of aging, even if they aren’t a primary cause.
Sleep habits
Sleep gives your body an opportunity to refresh and regenerate cells. At least one small study has indicated that poor sleep quality is connected to increased signs of aging and a diminished skin barrier function.
Diet
Some research suggests that eating a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can damage your skin over time.
Alcohol and caffeine intake
Drinking alcohol excessively dehydrates your body. Over time, this dehydration can cause your skin to sag and lose its shape. Caffeine may have a similar effect, although there’s conflicting research about if daily coffee consumption causes wrinkles.
SEE ALSO: Why A Woman’s Face Ages Faster Than A Man After She Hits Menopause -New Research
Environment
Pigment spots and wrinkles can be triggered or worsened by environmental pollutants.
Since your skin comes into direct contact with the air around you, your skin barrier is being subjected to the toxins and pollutants in your daily environment.
Stress
A stressful lifestyle can trigger an inflammatory response in your body, as well as hurt your sleep habits. Stress hormones and inflammation can age your body faster.
Once you notice the signs of aging, you can take steps to address the way your body is changing — or allow nature to take its course. There isn’t a right or wrong way to age, and whatever you choose to do with your body is entirely up to you.
If you have sunspots
If you notice sunspots, start by seeing a dermatologist to rule out other skin conditions. Once you know for sure what you’re dealing with, consider what lifestyle changes you can make.
Wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF daily to protect yourself from UV rays, and reduce direct exposure to the sun whenever possible. Covering up when you go outside can help prevent further spots from appearing.
You may also try treating the sunspots topically to see if they fade. Aloe vera, vitamin C, and products containing alpha hydroxy acid may help treat sunspots.
If those aren’t effective, clinical treatment for sunspots includes intense pulsed light therapy, cryotherapy, and chemical peels.
If you have gaunt hands
If your hands appear to be gaunt, with translucent, fragile skin and visible veins, start moisturizing them regularly.
It may be time to try a new product that locks hydration in to your skin barrier. You may also want to apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to your hands.
If your hands are regularly exposed to chemicals and pollutants through the work that you do or your household chores, it might not be possible to stop your exposure to those things completely.
Instead, make small changes — like wearing gloves when you wash the dishes or weed your garden.
If you’re concerned with how your hands look, speak to a dermatologist.
Clinical treatments for hands that have aged include chemical peels, dermal fillers, and laser treatment.
If you have inflammation or hyperpigmentation
If you have discoloration on your chest, start protecting that area of your body from the sun whenever possible.
Use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF each day, and pay careful attention to covering the parts of your skin that have been damaged.
Moisturize the area frequently and try to find a lotion with vitamin C or retinoids.
There are products that a doctor can prescribe to treat hyperpigmentation in your chest area. Mild steroids and bleaching agents can fade the look of hyperpigmentation over time.
If you have dry or itchy skin
If your skin is flaky, dry, and itchy, you may want to speak with a dermatologist and rule out any other health conditions.
Once you know that your dry skin is a sign of aging and not a symptom of something else, start focusing on lifestyle factors.
Drink more water to maintain hydration throughout your body and your skin. Take shorter showers using lukewarm water.
Determine if the dryness is a result of your skin type or if it’s actually dehydrated, as the treatments for both differ.
Then find a moisturizer that works for you and apply it daily.
If switching up your routine at home doesn’t work, speak to a doctor about a prescription moisturizer that has stronger ingredients for protecting your skin.
If you have wrinkles or sagging skin
If your skin is sagging or you notice wrinkles, there are several things you can do.
Start by protecting your skin every day with a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. Limit your sun exposure by wearing hats with a brim and loose clothing that covers your limbs.
If you smoke, quitting can help prevent further skin damage.
Drink water and moisturize your skin each day. Cosmetics with green tea extracts, vitamin A, vitamin C, retinoids, and anti-oxidants may help.
If you’d like to go the clinical route, procedures like Botox and dermal fillers can make your skin appear less wrinkled and more full or lifted.
If you have hair loss
If your hair is falling out or growing thinner, consider purchasing a shampoo and conditioner product meant to address the issue.
Make sure your diet is full of nutritious food that nourishes your hair. Consider adding a multivitamin or vitamin supplement to help your body make keratin.
Products for hair loss are different for cisgender men and women.
Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride) are popular over-the-counter treatments.
You can’t stop aging completely — and that’s a good thing.
Experiences come with age, and there are times when our skin or our body will reflect that.
When it comes to slowing the signs you don’t like, it’s all about prevention and giving your cells a boost through products or lifestyle changes.
In some cases, taking care of your skin can allow for a healing process that restores some of your skin’s appearance and restores a bit of its structure.
Some symptoms should signal a consultation with a doctor or dermatologist.
Sunspots, for example, can be difficult to differentiate from moles or other spots.
A doctor can verify that the spot or discoloration isn’t a sign of another health condition.
Thinning hair can be the result of malnutrition or excessive stress, so ask a doctor about that, too.
If you’re concerned about the signs of aging — what’s normal, what’s not, and if there’s anything you can do differently — talk to a doctor.
They can help you create a care plan that addresses your environment, lifestyle, and family history.
Many factors affect how visible your signs of aging will be. Some you can control, and some you cannot.
Use sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 each day may be the biggest thing you can do to prevent signs of premature aging.
Pay attention to more than just your face
Don’t limit your moisturizing and skin-protecting regimen to just your face. Make sure to use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and lotion on the rest of your body, too.
Introduce one new product at a time — and give it time to work
Some products make hefty claims for slowing the signs of aging immediately. The truth is that any cosmetic product will take some time for you to see visible results.
Make sure you remove all makeup before bed
Your face-washing habits can influence the way your skin appears.
Wash your face twice a day using warm water and a mild cleanser. Make sure your face is free of foundation and other residue before you go to bed.
Stick to a sleep schedule
Sleep is essential to all of your body’s organs, including your skin. Following a sleep schedule will give your skin time to refresh and renew itself daily.
Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet ensures that you get all of the nutrition your body needs to produce healthy skin cells.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can make wrinkles show up faster. Drink 8 cups of water per day to hydrate your body.
Get active
Daily exercise boosts your circulation, which keeps skin healthier. This might help your skin look younger.
Stop smoking
If you stop exposing your skin to the toxins in cigarette smoke, you’ll give your skin time to repair itself.
At least one older study found that participants who quit smoking noticed that their skin looked more youthful after quitting.
Practice stress management
Find a stress relief technique that works for you and make it a habit. Yoga, nature walks, and meditation are all proven healthy coping mechanisms.
Source: SunNews,