6 Common Signs of Aging and Its Treatments For Younger-looking Skin

‘Aging is just another word for living’ - Cindy Joseph. Yes! This beautiful quote reinforces what your mind believes- You are a child inside. But your mirror tells you a different story with those most visible signs of aging- dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin with each passing year.

Premature aging is a concern that worries many due to external factors such as environment and lifestyle choices. But a good skincare routine can regain your confidence by making your skin healthy and radiant.

Read on to get insights on the 6 common signs of aging and the treatments for younger-looking skin that you can adopt.

The Science of Skin Aging

• Skin is the body’s largest organ that contains nerve endings, hair follicles, pores, blood vessels, sweat glands etc. It is the sense organ of the body, protecting the body from bacteria, chemicals, temperature, and harmful UV rays and also preventing moisture loss.
• With time, the skin starts aging too, starts losing moisture, and becomes drier and that natural aging process can be taken care of if you cater the skin care regime accordingly.
• Skin aging is a complex biological process influenced by a combination of endogenous or intrinsic (genetics, cellular metabolism, hormone and metabolic processes) and exogenous or extrinsic (chronic light exposure, pollution, ionizing radiation, chemicals, toxins) factors.
• Your skin undergoes several changes as you age due to factors like reduced collagen production, decreased elasticity, and environmental damage.
• The overall collagen content per unit area of the skin surface is known to decline by approximately 1%/year.
• As you age your skin is thinner, more fragile, and you lose some of the protective fat layer.

So, understanding skin concerns and taking action early can delay signs of aging.

What are the causes of skin aging?

Skin aging can be categorized into two types:

• Intrinsic aging, which is a natural process influenced by genetics and time
• Extrinsic aging, caused by environmental factors and lifestyle choices such as sun exposure, smoking, pollution, diet, skincare routine, facial expressions, and sleep deprivation.

What are the common symptoms of skin aging?

• Development of wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes and mouth, along with sagging and less firm skin on the cheeks and neck due to a loss of elasticity.
• Skin becomes dry, rough, and flaky as it struggles to retain moisture, resulting in an uneven skin tone with pigmentation issues and age spots.
• Dullness occurs from decreased skin cell turnover and a buildup of dead skin cells, while the skin itself thins over time.
• Loss of facial volume leads to a sunken appearance, and spider veins and broken capillaries become more visible.
• Pores appear larger, wound healing slows down, and increased sensitivity to environmental factors and skincare products is observed.
• Uneven skin tone due to pigmentation, age spots and areas of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

6 common signs of aging and its treatments

1. Fine Lines and Wrinkles

• Fine lines are the start of wrinkles and look like small creases on your skin, closer to the surface of your skin.
• Wrinkles are deeper creases or folds within your skin, a natural part of aging on the face, neck, hands and forearms.

What causes wrinkles?

Factors contributing to their development include slower skin cell division, thinning of the dermis, decreased moisture retention, reduced oil holding capacity, sun exposure, pollutants, smoking, heredity, and repeated facial expressions.

What are the symptoms of wrinkles?

Visible symptoms of wrinkles often occur around the eyes, mouth, and neck, with some wrinkles becoming deep crevices or furrows.

What does effective anti-wrinkle treatments include?

A dermatologist can offer you treatments that can help reduce wrinkles, and lift your face to give you a bright, youthful look.

• Effective treatments for wrinkles include dermatological interventions such as face lifts, botox injections, fillers, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion, and plastic surgery.
• Anti-wrinkle creams with retinoids or moisturizers improve hydration and support the production of collagen proteins in your body. These can significantly improve the signs of aging such as uneven pigmentation, roughness, and wrinkling, while alpha-hydroxy acids offer mild exfoliation benefits.
• Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E, and beta-carotene can also aid in wrinkle improvement and sun protection.

What home remedies can be used for anti-wrinkle treatment?

For home remedies, extra virgin coconut oil and aloe vera gel can hydrate the skin and promote collagen production.

Green tea's antioxidant properties protect the skin, while raw honey acts as a moisturizer and antimicrobial agent.

Rosehip seed oil, cucumber slices, and yogurt masks offer skin regeneration, hydration, and gentle exfoliation, respectively.

Vitamin E provides protection against free radical damage. It's important to note that home remedies may vary in effectiveness depending on individual skin types and conditions, so patch tests are recommended.

Tips to prevent wrinkles

• Limit direct sunlight exposure, wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and apply SPF 30 sunscreen, reapplying every 2 hours.
• Choose products with built-in SPF and use a daily moisturizer to avoid promoting fine lines.
• Quit smoking, as it reduces collagen production and contributes to wrinkle formation.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants to promote skin regeneration and overall skin health.

2. Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots

• Hyperpigmentation and dark spots are common skin concerns that occur when certain areas of the skin become darker than the surrounding skin due to excess production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.
• It can appear as brown, black, grey, red or pink spots or patches.
• The spots are sometimes called age spots, sun spots or liver spots.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

There are several types of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, each with different causes.

However, the most common causes include: 

• sunspots from UV exposure
• post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after skin inflammation or injury
• melasma linked to hormonal changes,
• freckles, post-surgical hyperpigmentation, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies
• irritations from skincare products
• Skin conditions like acne or eczema.

What are the symptoms of hyperpigmentation?  

Other than dark spots, hyperpigmentation doesn’t cause any symptoms. If there is any thickening, itching etc., a dermatologist should be consulted immediately.

How is hyperpigmentation treated?

• Sun protection is crucial in preventing and minimizing hyperpigmentation, with daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing.
• Topical treatments containing ingredients like azelaic acid, hydroquinone, retinoids, AHAs, kojic acid, vitamin C, or niacinamide can fade dark spots.
• Mild chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments can also help improve hyperpigmentation.

What home remedies work for hyperpigmentation?

Home remedies include applying fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera gel, turmeric mask, vitamin E oil, potato juice, or milk with lactic acid to the affected areas to help lighten hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture.

It's important to note that results may vary depending on individual skin types and conditions, and patch tests should be done before trying any new remedy to check for allergies or skin sensitivities.

Tips to prevent hyperpigmentation

• Apply sunscreen every day. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB, with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Avoid too much sun exposure and wear protective clothing and hats.
• Take care of your skin by cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing regularly.

3. Sagging skin and jowls

• Sagging skin and jowls are common signs of aging occurring as the skin loses its elasticity and firmness over time.
• It affects various areas of the face, especially the jawline and cheeks.
• The collagen strength starts diminishing from mid-20s onwards but the sagging is not usually apparent until mid 30s.
• It gradually accelerates and then becomes obvious in the 40s and certainly 50s and later, resulting in sagging skin and sagging jowls.

What causes sagging skin and jowls?

• A decrease in collagen and elastin production
• Natural aging
• Sun damage
• Unhealthy lifestyle habits
• Repetitive facial expressions
• Muscle activity
• Significant weight loss.

Symptoms of sagging skin and jows

The sagging skin and jowls become visible in the 40s-50s and later on.

What are the treatment options for sagging skin and jowls?

• Dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid or collagen can be injected to restore volume and provide a temporary lift to sagging skin, improving the appearance of jowls.
• Thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting dissolvable threads to lift and tighten sagging areas.
• Radiofrequency (RF) therapy stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin, while ultrasound therapy targets deep layers to promote collagen and lift sagging skin.
• For more severe sagging, facelift surgery offers a surgical solution by lifting and tightening the facial skin, providing more significant and long-lasting results.
• Some anti-aging creams and serums may contain ingredients that temporarily improve the appearance of sagging skin, although their effects are typically modest.

What home remedies can you try?

Although home remedies may not provide the same level of effectiveness as professional treatments for sagging skin and jowls, they can complement a skincare routine and contribute to overall skin health.

• Home remedies like facial exercises, massage, moisturizers with hydrating ingredients, honey and yogurt masks, alternating warm and cold water splashes, and aloe vera or cucumber masks can complement skincare routines.
• Exercises like chin lifts, cheek lifts, and mouth stretches can strengthen the underlying muscles, which may temporarily improve the appearance of sagging skin and jowls.

Tips to prevent sagging skin and jowls

Prevention tips involve maintaining a healthy lifestyle, daily sunscreen use, a good skincare routine, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and having a balanced diet.

4. Dull and Uneven Skin Tone

Dull and uneven skin tone can result from factors like sun exposure, pollution, lack of proper skincare, hormonal changes, and aging.

What causes dull and uneven skin tone?

• Excessive sun exposure leading to sunspots
• Hyperpigmentation from unprotected sun exposure
• Melasma due to hormonal changes, dry skin, and pollution.

What are the symptoms of dull and uneven skin tone?

Symptoms include visibly distinct, discolored patches with varying color and rough or spotty texture.

What are the treatment options for dull and uneven skin tone?

A dermatologist, esthetician, or skincare professional determines your unique skin type and treats your skin to improve skin texture, reduce discoloration, and promote a more radiant complexion.

• Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser or IPL therapy, topical retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide, fractional laser resurfacing, prescription lightening agents, facials, and professional skincare treatments can improve skin texture and tone.
• Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, exfoliating with AHAs or BHAs, and using natural ingredients like licorice extract, arbutin, kojic acid, turmeric, aloe vera, and green tea can also help.
• Facials and Professional Skincare Treatments: Regular facials and professional skincare treatments based on your skin's specific needs can help improve skin texture and tone.

Home remedies for dull and uneven skin tone

• To improve skin tone: exfoliate with AHAs or BHAs 2-3 times a week.
• Wear SPF 30 sunscreen daily, try natural brightening ingredients like licorice extract, arbutin, and kojic acid.
• Stay hydrated with water and suitable moisturizers, use turmeric or aloe vera masks and apply green tea for beneficial effects.
• Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, wearing sunscreen daily, avoiding touching the face, using suitable skincare products, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and quitting smoking are preventive measures.

Tips to prevent dull and uneven skin tone

• Wear sunscreen every day.
• Keep your hands off your face as hands are exposed to various places and act as a carrier of dust, germs, and oils, which cause irritation or inflammation of the skin. Also, scratching and pulling the skin can cause scarring.
• Choose skin care products formulated for your skin type and stick to a skincare routine.
• Get good sleep and minimise your stress.
• Good hydration.
• Quit smoking.

5. Dark Circles and Puffiness

• Dark circles and puffiness around the eyes are caused by various factors like genetics, age, lifestyle, allergies, lack of sleep, and fluid retention.
• It can affect people of all ages, races and sexes especially people with darker skin tones, the elderly and who have a family history of dark circles.

What causes dark circles under your eyes?

Genetics, dermatitis, eye rubbing, lack of sleep, sun exposure, dehydration, stress, alcohol, and smoking contribute to dark circles.

What are the signs of dark circles?

• The skin below your eyes looks darkened as shades of blue, purple, brown or black, depending on your skin color.

What are the treatment options for dark circles and puffiness?

• Treatment options for dark circles and puffiness include topical creams with vitamin C, retinol, and peptides to improve skin texture and reduce discoloration.
• Cold compresses and chilled cucumber slices can temporarily reduce puffiness.
• Caffeine-based products constrict blood vessels, reducing puffiness. Antihistamines may help manage puffiness due to allergies.
• Dermal fillers add volume to reduce bags under the eyes. Chemical peels improve skin tone, and PRP therapy stimulates collagen production.
• RF therapy tightens the skin, microneedling stimulates collagen, and blepharoplasty surgically addresses severe puffiness caused by excess skin or fat.

These options, combined with home remedies and lifestyle changes, help achieve a more refreshed appearance.

Home remedies for dark circles and puffiness

• Home remedies involve adequate sleep (typically 7-9 hours for adults), chilled cucumber slices applied to the eyes, an elevated sleep position, drinking enough water, low sodium intake, and cool tea bags.  
• For an immediate fix, use a concealer that matches your skin tone to camouflage dark circles.

Tips to prevent dark circles and puffiness

• Use sun protection, especially around your eyes and wear sunglasses.
• Adjust your sleep schedule to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
• Reduce your stress and schedule time for self-care.
• Cut down on drinking, as too much alcohol can cause reduced circulation.
• Quit smoking as it speeds up the aging process of your skin.

6. Dryness and Dehydration

Dryness and dehydration affect the skin due to various factors like genetics, age, and environmental conditions.

• Dry skin lacks sufficient natural oils, leading to roughness, tightness, and flakiness.
• Dehydrated skin lacks water content, resulting in dullness, fine lines, and wrinkles.
• The skin will be rough, tight, and flaky, especially after cleansing or exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
• Dryness can be influenced by genetics, climate, and age.
• Whereas dehydration is a temporary condition in which the skin lacks water content and can occur in any skin type, including oily skin, and is often characterized by dullness, tightness, and an overall lack of plumpness and elasticity.

What causes dryness and dehydration?

• Dryness is caused by a lack of natural oils or lipids and
• Dehydration is caused when the skin loses more water than it takes in.
• Damage to the skin’s protective barrier or various external factors, such as extremely cold, dry weather conditions.

What are the symptoms of dehydrated skin?

• Rough texture
• Itchiness
• A feeling of tightness
• More pronounced fine lines
• Scaling, peeling, or flaking
• Darker shadows and under-eye circles
• Itchiness
• Skin dullness
• Sensitive fine lines
• Wrinkles

What are the treatment options of dehydrated skin?

• For dryness, use a gentle, hydrating cleanser, followed by a rich moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Hyaluronic acid serum can provide an extra hydration boost.
• For dehydration, opt for water-attracting ingredients in cleansers, toners, and serums, like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. Use moisturizers with water-retaining ingredients such as ceramides.
• Use a hydrating facial mist throughout the day to refresh and hydrate the skin with soothing and hydrating ingredients like rose water or chamomile extract.
• For dryness, avoid long, hot showers, and use occlusive agents like petroleum jelly.
• For dehydration, consider adding a hydrating sheet mask to your skincare routine. Maintaining a well-balanced diet and using appropriate skincare products can help keep the skin hydrated and healthy.

Home remedies you can try

Home remedies for dryness include applying emollients like coconut oil or aloe vera gel. For dehydration, consume water-rich fruits and vegetables, and avoid dehydrating beverages.

Both conditions benefit from drinking plenty of water and using a hydrating facial mist throughout the day.

Conclusion

Intrinsic aging is inevitable, but taking proactive measures to protect the skin from extrinsic aging factors can significantly slow down the visible signs of aging. Regularly using broad-spectrum sunscreen, adopting a healthy diet, not smoking, managing stress, and maintaining a consistent skincare routine can keep common signs of aging from making an appearance.

Consult a dermatologist or licensed skincare professional to determine your skin type and tailor the best approach for your specific skin concerns.

Remember, home remedies may provide mild improvements but are not a substitute for professional treatment. A skincare regime with the best skin care products that suit your skin type is worth the hype! Let’s bid farewell to those fine lines and wrinkles. Here’s to young, glowing skin that keeps everyone guessing!