Wrinkles: Treatments and prevention

 In ancient times, having wrinkles often meant that you were successful in having reached old age. It was a sign of wisdom, health, and longevity. With the advancements in medical knowledge and care, we all get to live longer, meaning that wrinkles are becoming less a sign of success, and more a sign of just being old. Any pharmacy will have a plethora of “anti-aging” creams and products meant to make wrinkles less visible, but the best way to reduce the likeliness of wrinkles, one just needs to know these facts:

1. The more expressive you are, the more wrinkles you’ll have

Laugh-lines, frown-lines, crow’s-feet, etc. – they all are results of your more common expressions. These lines become ingrained in your skin through years of similar motions and are impossible to reduce without plastic surgery as a facelift or by injecting special fillers under the skin.

2. Changing your diet can make a difference

Fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants help the body combat the effects of free radicals, which are the main cause for aging-related symptoms. Foods that are particularly rich in antioxidants are prunes, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, walnuts blueberries, pinto beans, and red beans.

3. Spending time in your car increases the likeliness of wrinkles

You may feel safe from the sun’s rays in your car, but the sad truth is that the car windows can be your worst enemy. They provide no UVA protection, so if you sit in traffic a lot – you’re also being exposed to the sun, often on one side specifically. Always wear sunscreen when you go for a drive – your skin will thank you.

4. Do you sleep on one side? You’re more likely to get wrinkles

If your favorite sleeping position is on your side or stomach, with your face lying on a pillow – you’re creating your own wrinkles. As your face presses into the pillow, it creates many wrinkles on your face, similarly to expression lines.

5. Drinking water helps reduce wrinkles

Most people don’t know or understand the importance of drinking sufficient amounts of water during the day. If we’re not sufficiently hydrated, our skin dries out, and dry skin gets damaged more easily because it loses its elasticity and becomes more brittle. Make sure you’re well-hydrated throughout the day, and you’ll keep those wrinkles at bay.

6. Frown lines can mean problems with your vision

While most other wrinkles are the results of age or sun damage, frown lines are not. These wrinkles that appear between your eyes are most often an indication that you probably need an eye exam. If you take care of vision problems early enough – you’ll be able to delay and even prevent these wrinkles.

7. Look at old family photos

Wrinkles are hereditary, and by investigating your family’s history you can often predict when you’ll start getting wrinkles, how pronounced they will be and where are they most likely to occur. Knowing that will help you care for “danger zones” in advance.

8. Face creams can slow down the appearance of wrinkles

Collagen levels in your skin determine its elasticity. As we get older, our bodies produce less collagen, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles. By using face creams that contain peptides, alpha hydroxy acids, retinoids, and vitamin C, you increase skin turnover, encouraging the production of collagen to a degree. Another way is a procedure called “Skin Tightening via Radio Frequency” that causes mild inflammation in the skin, promoting increased production of collagen. While this procedure is effective – it can be quite costly.

Bouns: 2 DIY skin tightening face masks:

1. Skin Brightening and Hydrating Mask

Choose between 3 optional bases:

• Aloe vera juice - for a soothing and healing mask
• Greek yogurt - for a purifying and cleansing mask
• Honey - for a nourishing and softening mask

Add the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of Fuller’s Earth Clay
• ½ teaspoon of lemon peel powder
• ½ teaspoon of licorice root powder
• ¼ teaspoon of vitamin C powder
• ¼ teaspoon of green tea extract powder
• 3 drops of lemon/lime essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl until combined
2. Add the essential oil. 
3. Add the rest of the liquid ingredients until the mixture is a smooth, thick paste.
4. Apply the mask and wait for approximately 15 minutes.(Don’t let the mask dry all the way)
5. Clean your face with a warm, wet washcloth.

2. Vitamin Rich Face Mask

Ingredients:

• ½ of a Banana
• 1 Apricot
• 1 tablespoon of lukewarm water

Instructions:

1. Remove the skin and the seeds from the apricot and then cut it into small pieces.
2. Cut a peeled banana into small pieces.
3. Mix the fruits with lukewarm water in a blender.
4. The texture should be creamy and fluffy.
5.  Apply the mask and wait for 20 minutes.
6. Rinse your face with cool water.