Wrinkles are part and parcel of the aging process. But how can we reduce wrinkles on our skin before our time? Some 23 year olds I know have wrinkles around the eyes at such a young age, but some ladies in their mid thirties have flawless wrinkle free skin.
So how do you maintain lovely, wrinkle free skin, that will keep the cat-calls coming, from boys half your age? Here are 20 Ways that I know of, that can help reduce wrinkles, and I am listing them in order of intensity. From no. 14 onwards, these are the more hardcore, invasive techniques available on the market at the moment which I don’t recommend you do, without first consulting a doctor.
The 20 Ways to Reduce Wrinkles are..
1. No Sun! It’s the No. 1 cause of wrinkles, with dozens of studies documenting the impact. However, if you are a health freak who likes to run in the sun, swim in the sun, sorta lass like me, then No.2 below is the next best solution. If you must, try self tanning products that look natural and don’t require actually being out in the sun. For me, the best in the market at the moment include – Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousseand Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel. Other good products products include St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse and the Body Drench Quick Tan Tanning Mist but you have to get these online.
2. Use Sunscreen. If you must go out in the sun, the American Academy of Dermatology says, wear sunscreen! It will protect you from skin cancer, and help prevent wrinkles at the same time. The best sunscreen I’ve ever used is light, and does not give me zits, and they include Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection SPF 40
3. Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoke ages skin — mostly by releasing an enzyme that breaks down collagen and elastin, important components of the skin. Smokers tended to have skin that is more wrinkled and up to 40% thinner than the non-smoker.
4. Sleeping Beauty. When you don’t get enough sleep, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. On the other hand, when you do get enough sleep, the body produces HGH (human growth hormone), which helps skin remain thick, more “elastic,” and less likely to wrinkle.
5. Sleep on your back. When you sleep on your side, you tend to press down on your face. Wrinkles that become etched into the surface of the skin and don’t disappear once you’re up and will gradually grow deeper. To reduce wrinkle formation, sleep on your back.
6. Don’t squint. Squinting overworks facial muscles, forming a groove beneath the skin’s surface. This groove eventually becomes a wrinkle. In tropical countries, were sunglasses as this protects the skin around the eyes from sun damage and further keeps you from squinting.
7. Eat more fish, especially salmon. I cannot stress enough that eating cold-water fish is an awesome source of an essential fatty acid known as omega-3. These “good oils” help nourish skin and keep it plump and youthful, helping to reduce wrinkles.
8. Reduce Caffeine, increase Cocoa. Cocoa containing high levels of two dietary flavanols (epicatchin and catechin) which protects skin from sun damage, improved circulation to skin cells, affected hydration, and made the skin look and feel smoother. Caffeine in coffee has a way of dehydrating skin as well, which can make you look dried out.
9. Use moisturizer. A good moisturiser can slow down the wrinkling process. Most women know this, but men should try it too. I have few vices, but I end to spend too much money on moisturizers but hey, you really need to invest in a good one that reduces wrinkles. I alternate between Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, Biotherm Aquasource Nuit High Density Hydrating Jelly and CHANEL by Chanel Precision Hydramax Active Moisture Cream.
10. Don’t over-wash your face. Tap water can strip skin of its natural barrier oils and moisture that protect against wrinkles. Washing too often can actually strip away this protection.
11. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). These natural fruit acids lift away the top layer of dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes. New evidence shows that in higher concentrations, AHAs may help stimulate collagen production. I myself use an AHA mask once a week – cannot do without it. Dr. Sebagh – Deep Exfoliating Mask is the best- employing natural fruit acids, and it does not leave my skin too dry or too red. It has a healthy pink glow after I use it, that I love!
12. Retinoids (Retin A). The only FDA-approved topical treatment for wrinkles is tretinoin, known commercially as Retin A. Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A found in many over-the-counter products. Be careful though, using this product will actually make your skin photo-sensitive, so slather up on sun-block when you are out and about. A good one to try is REN Bio Retinoid Anti-Aging Concentrate.
13. Topical vitamin C. Vitamin C can increase collagen production, protect against damage from UVA and UVB rays, correct pigmentation problems, and improve inflammatory skin conditions. The key, however, may 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. If there is one Vit C serum you should use very night, it would be the Obagi System Professional-C 20% Vitamin C Serum. It’s quickly absorbed and when you wake in the morning- baby smooth skin!
14. Idebenone. This is the chemical cousin to coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is a super-powerful antioxidant. In one study published recently in the Journal of Dermatology, doctors found that with just 6 weeks of topical use, there was a 26% reduction in skin roughness and dryness, a 37% increase in hydration, a 29% decrease in lines and wrinkles, and a 33% overall improvement in sun-damaged skin.
15. Pentapeptides. Pentapeptides can increase collagen production in sun-damaged skin. Several subsequent studies showed that when topically applied, pentapeptides stimulated collagen production and diminished lines and wrinkles.
16. Botox. An injection of this purified version of the Botulinum toxin A relaxes the muscle just underneath the wrinkle, allowing the skin on top to lie smooth and crease-free. Not recommended to be used heavily as you will end up with a frozen look on your face.
17. Wrinkle fillers. Doctors fill wrinkles with a variety of substances, including collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other synthetic compounds. Popular treatments include Restylane, Juvederm, and ArteFill, among others.
18. Laser/light resurfacing. Here, energy from a light source, either a laser or a pulsed diode light, removes the top layer of skin, causing a slight but unnoticeable skin wounding. This kicks the skin’s natural repair process into action. I.e. Collagen production will start, to heal the wound, resulting in smoother, more wrinkle-free skin.
19. Chemical peels. In this treatment, one of a variety of different chemicals is used to “burn” away the top layer of skin, creating damage that causes the body to respond by making more collagen. You end up with younger-looking, smoother skin. Not recommended to overdo this as your skin will become too thin and you might develop pigmentation as you become over-sensitive to sunlight.
20. Dermabrasion. A vacuum suction device used in tandem with a mild chemical crystal, dermabrasion helps remove the top layer of skin cells and bring new, more evenly textured skin to the surface. In the process, fine lines and wrinkles seem to disappear.
Due to my active, outdoor-sy lifestyle and my inability to bring myself to do anything invasive to my face, I advocate steps 1 to 10, doing the occasional step 11 (on alternate weekends). The other points are more drastic ways to reduce wrinkles and I suggest you consult a skin specialist or a doctor before attempting them on your precious skin. Remember, your face is your fortune -love it, take care of it, but don’t mess too much with it!
I am going to have to work hard on 19 of them because I am hopelessly addicted to coffee.
Everything in moderation Ted! I like coffee too but I stick to one mug per day;)
Do you have any product recommendations for minimizing wrinkles around the eyes?
Jessica, try my favourite Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Antiwrinkle Eye Cream –
http://amzn.to/Oil2kC good luck!
Great info, been struggling with wrinkles for a long time now
Awesome. Let us know how it goes:)
I started trying to find Hyaluronic Acid products, but that was a few years ago and these products were very expensive. I started using the Lady Soma Serum which has hyaluronic acid in it. I’m satisfied with it. The contents are a bit jelly and not watery like most serums, but it actually works somewhat better.
P.S. My husband is very anti-beauty products, but he WILL put the Lady Soma Serum on himself, especially on scars. He’s just amazed at how hydrating this is.
Awesome, I got to try it!
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