How to avoid
getting wrinkles
From time to time we all take a glance in the mirror and are a little taken aback by the fine lines, wrinkled skin and folds that have appeared and deepened since the last time we looked. But what are wrinkles?
Wrinkles, also known as rhytides, are the result of your skin producing less collagen and elastin, so it becomes thinner and more prone to damage. Environmental conditions, dehydration and toxins are all factors that can contribute to wrinkles. But is there anything we can do to avoid getting wrinkles or at least ensure they’re less pronounced?
We’ve asked our experts and they’ve told us that although wrinkles are a natural part of getting older (cue big sigh), there are some things you can do to slow down the process (cue sigh of relief):
Wear sunscreen
Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’21, wear sunscreen. If we could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. It can be oh so tempting to ignore the age-old advice to wear sunscreen, what harm is half an hour in the sun going to do, right? But wearing sunscreen over 30 can help prevent skin cancer, and sunscreen has also been found to delay the signs of ageing. It might sometimes be a sticky and uncomfortable job, but applying a moisturising sunscreen on your face each day is a habit that will benefit your skin health long-term.
Get some sleep
Getting lots of sleep is perfect for giving you a lift and a healthy glow, but the position you sleep in can also cause wrinkling on your face. Referred to as ‘compression’ – your face pressing against your pillow in the same way every night can leave your skin weaker in some places than others and can lead to stretching, sagging and wrinkles. Sleeping on your back is the best way to retain your youthful skin.
Wash your face
We’ve all rolled into bed on more than one occasion without taking off our makeup, but taking that extra couple of minutes to wash your face at night is never a waste of your time. When you leave makeup on your face overnight, your skin absorbs most of it, along with the chemicals it contains; this contributes to the oxidative stress your skin faces. But avoid vigorously scrubbing your face as this can damage your skin.
Don’t stress
Avoiding stress is key to preventing wrinkles. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which could break down collagen in the skin.
Stay off the sugar
Put down that doughnut! According to Healthline, Sugar in your body sets off a glycation process, and advanced glycation end products (called AGEs) are no good for your skin. AGEs break down the collagen in your body and, over time, can make you look older.
Try some antioxidants
Your skin is on the frontline when it comes to being exposed to oxidants. Antioxidants help fight the damage of oxidative stress and can boost your skin. Eating a diet rich in blueberries, kidney beans, grapes, kale, and spinach will help you get healthy skin “from the inside out” and could reduce the signs of premature ageing. If you want to find out more about antioxidants, take a look at our blog post – What are antioxidants?’
Stop smoking
Smoking is terrible for you for lots of reasons, and it can age your skin permanently. Even secondhand smoke can increase the risk of cancers and other diseases, and it may hurt your skin as well.
Drink water (lots of it)
Drinking water is essential for good health. Your body needs water for almost every function it does. Alcohol can cause dehydration, which can dry the skin and cause it to look older. Not drinking alcohol or cutting back may help with wrinkles. 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.
Avoid ultraviolet light
Most wrinkles on your face can be attributed to UV light. Although hard to avoid, there are some things you can do to reduce your exposure – opt for a sunless tanning lotion over long sunbathing sessions in the sand, and wear a hat that shields your face from the sun during long periods outdoors. When possible, cover up and wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts when you’re outdoors. You’ll still absorb some sunshine, but you won’t be contributing to the wrinkles on your skin.
Moisturise
A moisturiser acts more or less like a drink of water for your face and help to nourish and hydrate your skin. As you get older and your skin becomes drier, making it more prone to wrinkles, keeping it hydrated becomes more and more important. Topicals like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are especially effective at helping to hydrate your skin thus preventing wrinkles from forming or getting deeper.
Eat vitamin rich foods
We’re all familiar with the saying, “You are what you eat.” When it comes to how well your skin ages, this is actually true.
According to a recent study, women whose diets include a high amount of red meat and unhealthy snacks tend to have more facial wrinkles than women who include more fruit in their diet.
Foods that are high in anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties may also improve the skin’s elasticity and protect against skin damage and premature ageing. Some foods and drinks with these qualities include olive oil, avocados and vegetables.
Take a look at our Anti-wrinkle treatments
Anti-wrinkle treatments and facial aesthetics are a highly effective, comfortable and popular way to keep your wrinkles at bay. The perfect solution for a more youthful appearance, at Effect Doctors we use ultra fine needles and prescription only bacteriostatic saline to reduce the discomfort of treatment. Our doctors will consult with you to find out exactly what results you’re looking for in order to help build your self-esteem and confidence.
We provide the world’s favourite anti-wrinkle treatment, the perfect solution for a more youthful appearance in the “Three Areas” – frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. Find out more here.
Sources:
