15 Natural Solutions to Reduce Wrinkles
Wrinkles are part of the ageing process. But there are ways to delay the onset of wrinkles, prevent more fine lines from appearing, and reduce the ones you have. Here are some natural solutions that are not just effective but also safe to try!
Don’t squint!
Get your glasses to avoid squinting while reading and use sunglasses when going out. Squinting and similar expressions overwork your facial muscles, forming a groove beneath the skin’s surface. Over time, that groove would develop into wrinkle.
Apply AHAs
Alpha-hydroxy Acids or AHAs are natural substances that lift away the top layer of the dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines, pores and surface wrinkles particularly around the eyes. They may also help produce collagen – the fibrous protein where your skin owes much of its firmness and youthful glow. But using AHAs does have a downside. It makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. So if you’re considering using them, you may need to wear plenty of sunscreen every day, especially when going out.
Get quality sleep
During sleep, your body secretes human growth hormone (HGH) that is responsible for maintaining the healthy growth of bodily tissues, including that of the skin. When you lack quality sleep, your body releases excessive amount of cortisol (stress hormone) that affects normal tissue maintenance. As a result, the outer layer of your skin becomes drier and more vulnerable to ultraviolet rays, infection and other things that could lead to wrinkles.
Sleep on your back
Incorrect sleep positions night after night could lead to ‘sleep lines’ that may develop into wrinkles later on. If you want to avoid sleep lines, sleep on your back. Sleeping on your side leads to wrinkles on your chin and cheeks whilst sleeping face down gives you a furrowed brow.
Don’t over wash your face
Facial washing is an important part of any beauty regime. But when you wash your face too much, you also wash away its natural oil that protects your skin from free radicals that cause wrinkles and other skin problems. Always make use of soaps that are specifically formulated for the face as body soaps tend to be harsher. Remember, your face has a very sensitive and thin skin. Choose soaps with less chemicals and more moisturiser.
Take vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the production of collagen. So make sure your diet contains plenty of foods that contain this nutrient, such as orange, kiwi, lime and other citrus fruits, guava, tomato, and cruciferous vegetables. Creams that contain vitamin C may also raise collagen production, help reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone, and may protect your skin from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays. There are various types of vitamin C used in facial creams. Those that contain L-ascorbic acid are better.
Drink cocoa instead of coffee
Maybe you can swap your usual morning coffee with hot chocolate. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Nutrition revealed that cocoa which contains epicatchin and catechins (two dietary flavanols) may protect the skin from damage brought by the sun, improve blood circulation to skin cells, and make skin look and feel smoother.
Use moisturiser
Many people, especially women, underestimate the value of a simple moisturiser. But it is needed to keep your skin hydrated. Regular use of moisturiser could lead to softer skin and makes those fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.
Eat right!
What you eat reflects on your physical appearance. If you eat more of fruits and vegetables, expect a healthy, glowing skin with fewer wrinkles! Here’s the thing – fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants that eliminate free radicals that destroy healthy cells in your skin. They also protect the skin from the effects of ageing! Filling your plate with deep-coloured fruits and vegetables, including beans, nuts and legumes is one of the secrets to a beautiful, young-looking skin.
Eat more fatty fish
Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel and halibut are a great source of protein – one of the building blocks of skin! Fatty fish are also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that keep your skin plump, firm and youthful looking. Here’s the bonus: omega-3 is also good for cardiovascular health!
Eat Soy in Moderation
Whilst most studies on the health benefits of soy involved animal models, a paper published in the European Journal of Nutrition which involved humans revealed that using soy-based supplement could promote skin structure and firmness in just six months. Soy products, such as tofu and soy milk, are also high in protein.
Get enough of the trace minerals
Of all the trace minerals that are good for your body, there are two that are specifically beneficial in reducing wrinkles. These are selenium and copper. Selenium works as an antioxidant that neutralises free radicals before they damage the skin cells whilst copper takes part in the production of elastin and collagen.
Drink to your health
When you drink something, you want to make sure it is something that benefits your body. Beverages to include in your regular diet are green tea, natural fruit juice, and milk. They contain essential nutrients that benefit your skin and the rest of your body. Tea in particular, contains catechins and epicatechins that promote younger-looking skin.
Develop good skincare habits
There are a few skincare habits you can develop to delay the onset of wrinkles – avoid the sun or wear sunscreen when going out, wear protective clothing, use moisturiser, and don’t smoke.
Cheer up!
Here’s the last tip. It may sound strange but the old saying “don’t worry be happy” could also help you fight wrinkles. Stress brings a lot of harm to your body, including your skin. It makes your skin thinner and weaker. Another thing, making exaggerated facial expressions such as frowning and scowling can aggravate wrinkles. So don’t forget to smile because every time you do, you are actually having some natural ‘facelift’! Getting some time off from your usual routine and pampering yourself is also a great way to reduce your stress levels. Perhaps you can try acupuncture. This popular therapy has been found to be effective in warding off stress. What about facial massage? It helps improve blood flow in your skin cells which lead to a softer, young-looking skin.
Can you share other tips or advice to reduce wrinkles? Feel free to post a comment below.
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