Those first signs of wrinkle lines are a rude awakening that our youthful skin is bidding us farewell. Aging is an inevitable process of life, and while we can’t reverse time, the good news is that we CAN do something about it. Unlike the cosmetic manufacturers that try to make the public believe their youth is contained in a jar, dermatologists will actually tell you that those expensive creams are… utter nonsense. If you learn how to look after and protect your skin, you can have good skin well into your 70’s and 80’s! Many of the tips we’ll provide can be used on your own without the need to pay for a dermatologist. But First, What Causes Wrinkles?
There are two types of aging skin:
Intrinsic (caused by our genes), and Extrinsic. Sallow, thickened, tough-like skin with pigment spots and deep wrinkles is the consequence of extrinsic skin aging. As the name suggests, extrinsic skin aging comes from external factors. Unlike intrinsic skin aging, aka natural skin aging, extrinsic aging begins a lot earlier and has a much more significant impact on your aging process!
Read More: This 3-Ingredient DIY Eye Cream Will Reduce Wrinkles (and Make You Feel 5 Years Younger!)
Alongside the sun, some of the many leading causes are:
- Expressions – Facial movements and expressions are shown to cause fine lines and wrinkles. Every time you use a facial muscle, it forms a groove under the skin’s surface. Eventually, that groove gets deep enough to be visible, and an expression line forms. [2]
- Gravity – Gravity is continually pulling your body down, and in doing so, it tugs on the skin, leading to wrinkles and sagging areas. As the skin’s elasticity decreases, gravity’s effects become increasingly evident. [2]
- Sleeping Positions – If you rest your head on the pillow the same way every night you sleep, it’s possible that your habit will lead to wrinkles. Also called sleep lines, these wrinkles start on the surface of the skin and eventually become permanent.
- Smoking – This is perhaps the most controllable extrinsic age factor. Smoking causes chemical changes in the human body that speed up the aging process. Those who smoke tend to develop an unhealthy, yellow complexion and have been shown to have significantly more wrinkled skin. [2]
- Pollution/Environment – Smog, smoke, and exhaust can all lead to extrinsic aging. Pollution attacks your skin with free radicals that can break down otherwise healthy skin cells. Other free radical producers include fluorescent lights and the light emitted from cell phones and computer screens.
11 Natural Approaches to Avoid & Reduce Wrinkles
Uncover 11 natural methods to prevent and minimize wrinkles, harnessing the power of nature for youthful skin without resorting to artificial treatments.
Read More: 15 Science-Backed Remedies to Minimize Wrinkles and Look Younger
Daily Sun Cream
Considering that 90% of skin aging is due to the sun, the most important measure that you can take is to protect your skin against the sun daily with a sun cream containing SPF 15 and try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. [4] But be careful!
Stop Smoking
People who smoke find that their skin becomes thicker and gets an unhealthy pallid yellowish complexion. Their wrinkles actually appear at an early age too. Even stopping after long-term smoking can improve the skin’s appearance!
Less Sugar (and Alcohol in Moderation)
A study which was published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2007 demonstrated that this “sugar effect” becomes visible from the age of 35. Although a glass of wine contains antioxidants, over-consumption of alcohol can also speed up the aging of the skin. So please enjoy in moderation. [4]
Use Good Cosmetic Products
Good skincare is essential for maintaining beautiful skin. Cream containing anti-oxidants can prevent the early signs of aging. Furthermore, research has revealed that ingredients such as Glycolic Acid, Vitamin C, and Niacinamide really improve the skin. If it is too late for that in your battle against wrinkles, then an option is to apply Vitamin A Acid cream. [4]
Read More: 7 Simple Ways to Naturally Reduce Wrinkles
Get Adequate Sleep
Yale dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, MD, says that when you don’t get enough sleep, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. Get enough rest, Perricone says, and you’ll generate more HGH (human growth hormone), which helps skin remain thick, more “elastic,” and less likely to wrinkle! [1]
Sleep On Your Back
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) cautions that sleeping in certain positions night after night leads to sleep lines that become etched into the surface of the skin. Sleeping on your side increases wrinkles on cheeks and chin while sleeping face-down gives you a furrowed brow. To reduce wrinkle formation, the AAD says, to sleep on your back. [1]
Eat More Salmon
Not only is salmon (along with other cold-water fish) an excellent source of protein (one of the building blocks of great skin) it’s also a remarkable source of an essential fatty acid known as omega-3. Essential fatty acids help nourish skin and keep it plump and youthful, helping to reduce wrinkles. But make sure you’re only eating truly wild-caught salmon; here’s why.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
The key is their antioxidant compounds. These compounds fight damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells), which in turn helps skin look younger and more radiant, and protects against some effects of extrinsic aging. A 2007 study of women between ages 40 and 74 found those who had a high intake of vitamin C had fewer wrinkles and less age-related dry skin. [1]
Read More: LED Lights Can Cause Irreversible Eye Damage, According to French Health Authority
Use Moisturizer
Women are usually so concerned with antiaging products they often overlook the power of a simple moisturizer. Skin that is hydrated looks better anyway! Our favorite moisturizer is simply coconut oil. It’s also a good idea to treat your skin with a natural mask every once in a while. Try mixing raw honey with plain yogurt for a moisturizing DIY mask.
Tropical Vitamin C
Studies at Tulane University, among others, have found it can increase collagen production, protect against damage from UVA and UVB rays, correct pigmentation problems, and improve inflammatory skin conditions. The key, however, may just be the type of vitamin C used. To date, most of the research points to the L-ascorbic acid form as the most potent for wrinkle relief. [1]
Relax!
It is scientifically proven that stress can speed up our skin’s aging process because the cells stop dividing early and as a result, we age. Chronic stress causes more free radicals and a faster breakdown of our genetic material.
Final Note
So there you have it, 11 natural ways to prevent wrinkles. Try to remember that aging is a natural process of life. Wrinkles are what make us human. Besides, a face without expression lines looks odd anyway. Just do your best to live a balanced life, try to manage stress well, get enough rest, have a good diet, moisturize, and always use sunblock!
Read More: How Kidneys, Skin, and Brain Change Every Time You Put On Makeup
Sources
- [1] Bouchez, C. (n.d.). 23 Ways to Reduce Wrinkles. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/23-ways-to-reduce-wrinkles#1