Early Signs of Skin Aging

As much as we would like to delay the inevitable, some of the earliest signs of aging skin show up in our late 20’s or early 30’s. Because they’re so unexpected, these signs tend to go unnoticed until the day you look in the mirror and your reflection doesn’t match how you feel – and that’s when you start looking for treatments to erase those signs.

Early intervention can prevent or at least slow the aging process. Learning how to identify signs of aging and how to take care of skin can make it much easier to look younger for longer. We’ll discuss how to identify early signs of skin aging, preventative techniques you can use to fight back, and how cosmetic treatments from a dermatologist can help.

Common Signs of Aging Skin

As skin begins to change with age, people typically experience four common conditions:

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

According to Dr. Erik Alexander, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, this is the first noticeable sign of aging. “Fine lines are small, shallow wrinkles that tend to become most noticeable at the outer corners of the eyes – also known as laughter lines or crow´s feet. Wrinkles on the forehead are also triggered by facial expressions and tend to become deeper as time goes by. The smaller, vertical lines between the brows are caused by frowning. As skin matures, there is a loss in collagen and elasticity that causes thin, sagging skin and wrinkles.”

What you can do at home

Establishing a healthy lifestyle and solid skincare routine early can help keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. To maintain youthful-looking skin, you should:

Choose a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type.
Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily, not only to protect yourself from skin cancer, but also because UV rays accelerate skin aging and contribute to the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
Eat a healthy diet of age-fighting foods like citrus fruits and bell peppers high in vitamin C, nuts that are high in vitamin E, leafy greens for vitamin A.
Stay hydrated to plump skin cells, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Apply retinoids to promote collagen production, and products containing vitamin C and E to help protect the skin from free radical damage.

How a dermatologist can help

One of the most popular treatments for aging skin is neurotoxins (like Botox). They temporarily block the nerve signals that tell specific muscles to contract, reducing facial movements that lead to dynamic lines. Patients in their 20s and early 30s (yes, men too) use Botox Cosmetic injections to prevent wrinkles, while those closer to 40 use the treatment to counteract fine lines and wrinkles that have already appeared.

Dark Circles/Eye Bags

In early adulthood, sleepless nights, thinning skin, and poor hydration create the perfect recipe for bags under the eyes. As collagen production decreases, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner, allowing blood and blood vessels to show through more clearly. In addition, puffiness can form under the eyes from sleep deprivation, and from dehydration if you’re not taking in enough fluids.

What you can do at home

The best DIY technique to fix under-eye bags is to:

Get as close to eight hours of sleep as possible.
Drink the recommended amount of water for your age and activity level (a minimum of six cups per day, and more if you’re exercising).
Avoid salty foods since they cause water retention.
Use retinol-based eye cream to help thicken the skin around your eyes.

For some people, it helps to sleep on the back, slightly elevated on a pillow. This prevents fluids from accumulating in the soft tissues around the eyes.

How a dermatologist can help

Injectable dermal fillers are a non-surgical solution to restore lost volume under the eyes. We typically use hyaluronic acid, which plumps the area to reduce dark circles and bridge the gap between the lower eyelid and cheek. Minimal downtime is required, and results often last 6-18 months.

Dullness

As we age, the natural process of cell-turnover slows down. This leaves us with a buildup of dead skin cells that make the skin appear dry, flaky, dull — and yes, older. To restore a youthful glow, the goal is to eliminate dead skin cells and expose smooth, hydrated skin underneath.

What you can do at home

To counter dullness, focus on three key words: exfoliate, hydrate, and brighten.

After cleansing, use a serum with ingredients that help prevent free-radical damage and brighten skin, such as vitamin C or vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
Exfoliate with glycolic acid two or three times per week to enhance cell turnover and eliminate dry skin (but only once a week if you have sensitive skin).
Apply a moisturizer right after exfoliating to lock in moisture and protect newly revealed skin cells.
Take lukewarm showers instead of scalding hot, since hot water strips the skin of natural oils.

How a dermatologist can help

Chemical peels are a form of exfoliation that help remove dull surface cells and increase collagen production to reveal smoother, more radiant skin. There are multiple strengths of chemical peels that range from surface level peels to deeper peels. A consultation with your Forefront provider will help determine which type of chemical peel will best target your needs.

Age spots (Hyperpigmentation)

Skin gets its color from a substance called melanin, which is produced by skin cells. When skin cells in a certain area are unhealthy or become damaged, they make too much melanin, causing dark spots. This can happen due to UV exposure, medication side effects, or simple genetics, and the most prominent areas affected are the face, hands, shoulders, and arms.

What you can do at home

Since sun exposure is the number one culprit for age spots, the best way to prevent new ones is to stay out of the sun. But since you can’t always avoid being outdoors, try following these other tips:

Wear an SPF 30 sunscreen at all times, even on cloudy days, and reapply every 2 hours when sweating or swimming.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade the face, and long sleeves whenever possible.
Avoid over-exfoliating, which can harm the protective skin barrier and allow UV rays to cause damage.

How a dermatologist can help

To fade or remove age spots, dermatologists offer several treatments. One is a prescription bleaching cream (hydroquinone) alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid, which can gradually fade dark spots over several months. For faster results, patients can try:

Laser treatment, which directs short, concentrated beams of light at dark spots, removing the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) and heating the layer underneath (the dermis). This process helps remove brown spots and stimulates the growth of new collagen, resulting in new clearer, smoother skin.
Microneedling involves a provider making microscopic injuries to the skin, which breaks up the pigment and triggers collagen production. As damaged skin cells heal, they are replaced with fresh, evenly toned skin.
Chemical peels can also help reduce discoloration by exfoliating away the top layers of skin that contain areas of hyperpigmentation.

Many treatments for aging skin are available at Forefront

If you look in the mirror and see any of the aging signs mentioned above, don’t worry. Our cosmetic professionals offer plenty of solutions that address early signs of aging and can determine which one will best address your aesthetic goals.

Remember, aging is not a flaw—it’s a process. Our board-certified dermatologists can help that process go as smoothly as possible while helping you look and feel your best. Find your nearest provider and schedule your anti-aging consultation today.