Wrinkles are an inevitable part of aging. Everyone’s skin ages, which is why the skin of a young child and the skin of a 90-year-old looks very different.
Skin loses elasticity as we age because collagen production slows down over time. This process can be exacerbated by a variety of factors, including sun exposure, pollution, and certain lifestyle habits.
As you get older, your skin tends to become thinner and drier, too. Also when your skin doesn’t have as much moisture or volume as it used to, it can also make it more prone to wrinkles.
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Without medical or surgical intervention, it can be challenging to reverse the appearance of wrinkles once you have them. But there are steps you can take and lifestyle changes you can make to slow down their appearance.
What to do to prevent wrinkles?
1. Protect yourself from the sun
It’s a well-known fact that exposure to the sun can damage your skin, leading to premature aging and wrinkles.
To protect your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, it’s vital to apply an SPF of between 30 and 50 every day, even if it’s overcast. UV rays can still penetrate clouds, so don’t skip on sunscreen just because it isn’t sunny.
For extra protection, wear a wide brim hat, light-colored clothes that’ll reflect the sun, and sunglasses with UV protection.
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2. Use a Retinoid
Retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, are one of the most studied anti-aging ingredients. Sometimes referred to as retinol, retinoids have the ability to increase collagen production, which helps plumps up the skin.
Retinoids also encourage skin regeneration and can promote the creation of new blood vessels, which may help improve the skin’s overall appearance and texture.
There are five main types of retinoids, each with slightly different degrees of potency. Some are available in creams and gels that you can buy over the counter, while others are available by prescription only.
Dermatologists recommend starting with a small amount to test your skin’s tolerance to the product, and using it every other day to avoid peeling. Talk to your dermatologist to find out which option is right for your skin.
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3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is essential for good health. Your body needs water for almost every function it does.
Besides vital functions like flushing toxins from your body, aiding with digestion, and regulating your body temperature, water can also help keep your skin healthy and hydrated from the inside.
4. Moisturize
A moisturizer acts like a drink of water for your face. Moisturizers help to nourish and hydrate the skin. This is especially important as you get older and your skin becomes drier, which makes it more prone to wrinkles.
Ask your dermatologist for product recommendations for your skin.
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5 Eat vitamin-rich food
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” When it comes to how well your skin ages, this is especially true.
Foods that are high in anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties may also improve the skin’s elasticity and protect against skin damage and premature aging.
Some foods and drinks with these qualities include: green tea, olive oil, salmon, avocados, pomegranates, flax seeds, vegetables, especially carrots, pumpkin, leafy greens, bell peppers, and broccoli.
6. Sleep on your back
One way to prevent this is to try sleeping on your back instead of on your side or stomach.
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7. Don’t smoke
Tobacco smoke damages collagen and elastin, the fibers that give your skin its elasticity and strength.
Also, the nicotine in cigarettes causes your blood vessels to constrict. This reduces the blood flow to your skin. As a result, your skin doesn’t get as much oxygen. It’ll also limit the important nutrients, like vitamin A, that can get to your skin.
8. Relax your face
Repeated facial movements like squinting, frowning, or pursing of the lips can speed up the formation of wrinkles.
If you find yourself frowning or scowling often, you may want to look into ways to relieve your stress. Some helpful stress management techniques include:regular exercise, deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, mindfulness.
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9. Drink less alcohol
Alcohol is rough on the skin. It dehydrates the skin, and in time, damages the skin. This can make us look older.
10. Exercise most days of the week
Findings from a few studies suggest that moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, may give the skin a more-youthful appearance.
11. Cleanse your skin gently
Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate your skin. Irritating your skin accelerates skin aging. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritating your skin.
12. Wash your face twice a day and after sweating heavily.
Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, irritates the skin, so you want to wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.
13. Stop using skin care products that sting or burn.
When your skin burns or stings, it means your skin is irritated. Irritating your skin can make it look older.
Culled from Healthline and AAD