No one loves looking in the mirror and seeing new wrinkles on their face. Wrinkles and fine lines are one of the most prominent signs of aging, stripping the youthfulness from your skin. They’re a natural part of the aging process, but there are also a few things that can cause wrinkles to appear sooner than they naturally would. There are certain ways to prevent wrinkles, and there are also natural remedies for wrinkles that we’ll be covering in this post. Are you ready to learn how to make your skin look younger? Take a look at our best skin care tips for youthful, wrinkle-free skin!
What Causes Wrinkles?
There are a number of factors that cause wrinkles. Some you can’t control, but others you can definitely avoid. Here are 5 of the biggest things that cause wrinkles.
1. Age
First of all, it’s important to know that wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process. As you get older, your skin becomes less elastic and more fragile. Your skin produces less of its natural oils, drying it out and making it appear more wrinkled. Fat in the deeper layer of your skin also diminishes, causing loose, saggy skin and more pronounced lines.
2. UV Light
Sun exposure and UV (ultraviolet) light is one of the top causes of wrinkles. Ultraviolet radiation speeds up the natural aging process. This means, if you spend lots of time in the sun without proper skin protection, you’re going to see wrinkles earlier than you would if you kept your skin out of UV light. Exposure to UV light breaks down your skin’s connective tissue- collagen and elastin fibres, causing your skin to lose its strength and flexibility.
3. Dehydration and Poor Nutrition
Since collagen is the main connective tissue in your skin and it’s mostly made up of water, depriving your skin of water is a recipe for disaster. When you become dehydrated, collagen molecules crack and clump together, causing wrinkles on your face. Poor nutrition also deprives your skin of the nutrients it needs to stay soft and supple. Nutrient rich foods like fish, protein, and fresh fruits and vegetables contain the vitamins and nutrients your skin needs to stay strong and healthy.
4. Facial Expressions
There is actually some truth to the saying “If you make that face too many times, it will get stuck that way.” Facial expressions and movements like squinting and smiling can cause fine lines and wrinkles. A groove forms beneath the surface of your skin every time you move a facial muscle, and as your skin gets older, it becomes harder for it to spring back into place. These grooves eventually become permanent features on your face.
5. Smoking
Smoking is bad for your health for so many reasons, and on top of that, it also leads to wrinkles and an overall bad complexion. Smoking increases the number of free radicals in your body’s cells, which can cause your skin to age prematurely. It also changes the blood supply to your skin- another reason for the accelerated ageing process.
3 Tips to Prevent Wrinkles
1. Practice Skin Protection
You should always wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen when you’re out in the sun. Limit the time you spend under UV rays, and when you are exposed, make sure to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. You should be applying sunscreen everyday, even in the winter.
2. Use Moisturizer Daily
Moisturizer is non-negotiable if you want to prevent wrinkles. Dry skin dehydrates skin cells that were once plump and youthful. Although moisturizers don’t technically prevent wrinkles, they keep your skin hydrated so it doesn’t get premature lines and wrinkles.
3. Drink Lots of Water and Eat Antioxidant Rich Foods
Drinking lots of water will help your skin stay soft, healthy and supple. Try to drink at least 2 litres of water per day, especially after exercising. Also, work on increasing your antioxidant intake. Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals that can result in wrinkles and fine lines. Eat lots of berries, cherries, black plums, and dark leafy greens for high antioxidants!
6 Natural Remedies for Wrinkles
1. Aloe Vera
Is there anything aloe vera can’t do? With its heaps of healing properties, applying aloe vera to your skin can reduce the amount of wrinkles in your skin. It adds collagen and hydrates your skin, helping it keep its youthful glow.
2. Cucumber Yogurt Mask
Cucumbers are packed with vitamins and minerals that are great for your skin. They contain vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and zinc to help fight against inflammation and neutralize free radicals, which lead to early aging. Purée half a cucumber with mint leaves and mix in half a cup of Greek Yogurt. Let it cool in the fridge, and it will tighten, tone and hydrate the skin while protecting it from dryness, peeling and cracking.
3. Essential Oils
There are certain essential oils that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles when mixed with a carrier oil. Make sure to combine a small amount with the carrier oil, such as coconut oil so it doesn’t overwhelm your skin. Essential oils that may help reduce wrinkles are lavender, rose and frankincense. If you haven’t used a specific essential oil on your skin, perform a patch test before applying it all over.
4. Skin Massage
Massaging your skin can also help a great deal in preventing and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Massaging your face for 3 to 5 minutes per day reduces stress and increases proteins that keep your skin smooth. Apply firm pressure with your fingers to either side of your face and move them in circular motions.
5. Topical Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that’s amazing for your skin. A topical gel containing vitamin C can improve the appearance of wrinkles and other sun damage on your skin. It will keep your skin hydrated, increase collagen and decrease inflammation.
6. Banana Mask
It may seem strange, but making a banana mask is a great natural remedy for wrinkles. The vitamin A helps fade dark spots and blemishes, while the vitamin B prevents aging, and the potassium moisturizes and hydrates your skin cells. Bananas also contain vitamin E, which is known to help the skin fight free radical damage. Mash up one banana with a teaspoon of orange juice and a teaspoon of plain yogurt and leave it on your face for 15 to 20 minutes.
If you’re looking for natural ways to get rid of wrinkles, try these 7 remedies! They’ll have your skin looking fresh and youthful!
