Age-related changes in appearance are unavoidable and wrinkles are one of the first to show up. They are the result of loss of collagen and elastin, which keep your skin firm and elastic. The levels of these proteins fall as you get older and your skin sags and develops wrinkles. The fine lines and creases that slowly appear on your face make you look older than you actually are. While some people choose to accept these changes, most of us want to postpone them. Experts say that there are many ways you can reduce wrinkles and keep your skin looking young, fresh and glowing.
- Spending too much of time in the sun causes your skin to age faster. Protect yourself from ultraviolet (UV) rays by using a good UV guard sunscreen. This will help prevent premature wrinkles and protect you from skin cancer too, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Wear sun glasses to protect the skin around the eyes.
- It has been established that smoking speeds up aging, and causes discoloration of the skin and wrinkles. Quitting slows down these undesirable changes and makes your skin look clearer and healthier.
- Wrinkles also occur due to lack of sleep and stress. Getting enough sleep and rest produces hormones that keep your skin thick, supple and wrinkle-resistant.
- The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests sleeping on your back to prevent wrinkles from forming on your face. Sleeping on your side causes wrinkles on cheeks and chin and the face-down position can cause a furrowed brow.
- Furrowed brows cause premature wrinkling. Get proper reading glasses to avoid squinting and to prevent the facial muscles from forming a permanent furrow between the brows.
- You are what you eat. Healthy eating habits can keep your skin fresh and glowing. Experts advise eating more fish, especially omega-3 rich fish, to reduce wrinkles and soy to improve the skin’s structure and firmness. Make sure your diet includes fruits and vegetables as they are the best source of fiber and keep your skin looking younger and more radiant.
- Drink lots of water as water flushes out the toxins from the body and keeps your skin hydrated, thereby slowing down aging and wrinkle formation.
- Regular use of moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated and makes the lines and creases less noticeable.
- Remember that over-washing your face robs the skin of its natural oils and moisture that guard against wrinkles.
- A few recommended home remedies for wrinkle-free skin include application of aloe vera, almonds, egg white, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Topical treatments with anti-aging properties such as Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), Retinoids (including Retin A), Topical vitamin C, and Idebenone, Pentapeptides, can also help.
After a certain age, the signs of aging may not show much improvement with these simple skin care remedies. That’s when minimally invasive and non-invasive cosmetic treatments can provide the solution. For instance, Botox injections relax the muscle beneath the wrinkles, so that the overlying skin appears smooth and creaseless. Laser resurfacing uses laser energy to correct facial wrinkles and blemishes. Chemical peels stimulate collagen production to result in younger-looking, smoother skin. If you want to try out one of these surgical wrinkle reduction treatments, make sure you consult a qualified, experienced dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.
