subject: Factors that Make Skin Age Faster [print this page] As we all know, there are two types of aging : intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging is the natural aging process which usually starts during our mid twenties. On the other hand, extrinsic aging is caused by external factors such as the environment and personal habits. There are different factors that contribute to extrinsic aging and here are some of them.
Smoking is one of the major factors that makes the skin age faster. First hand as well as second hand smokers damage their skin in a faster rate compared to those people who don't smoke. Cigarette smoke causes wrinkles. It also makes the skin dry and leathery in texture. Another factor is prolonged and unprotected sun exposure. It is actually considered to be the number one factor of extrinsic aging. Prolonged or unprotected skin exposure to the sun causes brown spots, wrinkles and dryness. It also increases the risk of skin cancer. Like smoking, alcohol also contributes to skin aging. Other factors include exposure to cold weather, stress, bad diet, and lack of exercise.
Extrinsic aging makes the skin age faster so it is very important to avoid the factors that contribute to it. We can't totally avoid exposure to the sun but we could use protection such as sunscreen, umbrellas, sunglasses and hats. We could slow down the appearance of skin aging by having a healthy lifestyle. Avoiding alcohol, smoking, eating healthy food and taking vitamin C and E can greatly help in maintaining youthful looking skin.
