As you get older, your body’s internal processes — from skin cell turnover to workout recovery — slow down and take longer to complete or recharge.
This leaves room for signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fatigue, to occur.
These changes may be surprising if they happen earlier than expected, hence the term “premature” aging.
It’s impossible to avoid these changes completely, but there are ways to reduce the signs of aging in your body — especially if they’re happening before you’re ready to embrace them.
Here’s what to watch for, why it happens, and more.
What are the signs of premature aging?
The aging process looks different for everyone, but there are certain signs of aging that are considered “premature” if you notice them before you turn 35.
Sun spots
Sun spots, also called age spots and liver spots, are flat spots on your skin caused by years of sun exposure.
These hyper-pigmented spots may develop on your face, the back of your hands, or your forearms.
They tend to appear at or after age 40. People with fairer skin, like Fitzpatrick type 1 and 2, may see these sun spot developments earlier.
Gaunt hands
Over time, the top layers of your skin become thinner and contain fewer structuring proteins, such as collagen, that give your skin its shape.
Your hands may start to appear more veiny, thin, and prone to wrinkles as a result.
There’s no objective metric for when hands start looking older, but most people tend to notice it during their late 30s and early 40s.
Inflammation or hyperpigmentation along chest
Many people develop patchy discoloration on their chest as they get older.
Similar to sunspots, these areas of differing pigment can be caused by damage to your cells from sun exposure.
This kind of hyperpigmentation isn’t always connected to aging. It can be the result of eczema or other skin conditions that damage the melanin cells in your skin.
There isn’t an average age of when this skin condition typically appears.
