There is a normal, expected timing for the effects of time to be visible on the face. However, there are a number of extrinsic factors that act together with the normal aging process. The truth is that most premature aging is caused by excessive sun exposure. Other external factors that prematurely age our skin are repetitive facial expressions, gravity, sleeping positions and smoking.



In fact, just a few minutes of exposure each day over a period of decades can cause noticeable changes to the skin. Freckles, age spots, spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, wrinkles, loose skin, a blotchy complexion, actinic keratosis (thick wart-like, rough, reddish patches of skin) and even skin cancer can all be traced back to sun exposure.



Dont ever forget that your skin is a most important organ in your body. Treat your body right: eat a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep and make sure you exercise regularly. You will see very pleasant results on your complexion and overall health.



Photo aging is the term dermatologists use to describe this type of aging caused by exposure to the suns rays. The severity of the damage depends on a persons skin color and their history of long-term sun exposure. People with fair skin who have a history of sun exposure develop more signs of photo aging than those with dark skin. In darker skin, the signs of photo aging are usually limited to fine wrinkles and a mottled complexion.



This process takes place over a period of years. Repeated exposure causes the skin to lose the ability to repair itself and the damage accumulates. Scientific studies have shown that repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure breaks down collagen and also impairs the synthesis of new collagen. The skin becomes less elastic as well as loose, wrinkled and leathery much earlier than skin that has been protected from exposure to sunlight.



In addition, as we get older the skins elasticity declines dramatically and the effects of gravity become evident. Gravity causes the tip of the nose to droop, the ears to elongate, the eyelids to fall, jowls to form, and the upper lip to disappear while the lower lip becomes more pronounced.



Particularly damaging is cigarette smoking which causes biochemical changes in our bodies that accelerate aging. Research shows that a person who smokes 10 or more cigarettes a day for a minimum of 10 years is statistically more likely to develop deeply wrinkled, leathery skin than a nonsmoker.



It's recommended by most dermatologists that you create a skin-care routine. The face should be cleansed twice daily and exfoliated at least once a week. Alpha hydroxy acids can be your best ally to assist with collagen growth.



Natural skincare can become one of the pillars of healthy aging. The right product can be your greatest ally in combating these extrinsic and, for the most part, avoidable factors for premature deterioration. When use in combination with moderate exercise and a healthy diet, natural skin products will allow you to maintain a youthful, healthier complexion for many years to come.