The natural aging process causes everyone to develop wrinkles, especially on parts of our body that are exposed to the sun, like the face, neck, hands, and forearms.
For most, wrinkles develop between the ages of 40 and 50 as the skin loses moisture and thickness. Genetics also play a big role in the development of wrinkles. But sun exposure appears to be the biggest cause, especially in people with fair skin. Wrinkles may also be caused in part by smoking and a diet that isn’t balanced.
Over-the-counter (OTC) skin creams containing vitamin-A derived retinoids, antioxidants, and a protein called collagen can reduce fine wrinkles and even out skin texture and color. So before you seek medical treatment, you might want to try home remedies, some of which are scientifically proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles.
Follow these tips and tricks to get youthful skin.
Apply raw aloe vera gel – Anti-Ageing Tips
The benefits of aloe vera for skin are numerous. It is an effective natural remedy for pimples and acne, and reduces excessive oiliness of skin. Malic acid present in aloe vera gel improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles and fine lines, which are the most evident signs of skin ageing. Zinc present in the gel increases the youthfulness of skin by shrinking the pores whereas mucopolysaccharides help in retaining moisture and improves formation of collagen the protein that forms the basis of cell structure and maintains skin elasticity. Cut off a leaf from the plant and scrape out the gel. Apply the gel onto clean face, massage for 5-10 minutes in a gentle, circular motion. Let it stay for 20 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
Apply avocado pulp – Anti-Ageing Tips
The creamy flesh of this fruit helps in increasing the suppleness and youthfulness of your skin by increasing elasticity. It is loaded with nutrients such as vitamins B, C, E and K, selenium, potassium, zinc, folate and beta carotene that have very good benefits for the skin.
Scrape out the pulp from one avocado and mash it to form a smooth paste. Apply it on a clean face and let it stay for 30 minutes. Then wash it off with water. Avocado acts as a nourishing moisturiser for excessive dry skin that also helps in repairing damaged cells and promotes the regeneration of new cells. The antioxidants and amino acids present in this exotic fruit flushes out toxins from skin and prevents skin ageing.
Stop harmful habits – Anti-Ageing Tips
Smoking and drinking will never help you look younger. Numerous studies have shown that smoking is one of the main causes of premature skin ageing. If you smoke regularly and drink lots of alcohol on a regular basis, you will suffer from dehydration, premature wrinkles, loss of collagen, elasticity, and redness of the skin.
Cut down on salt – Anti-Ageing Tips
One simple tip to prevent skin ageing is to cut back on salty foods. Although you cant avoid salt altogether, foods high in sodium can suck moisture out of skin, leaving it dry and dull.
Don’t wash your face too much – Anti-Ageing Tips
Of course, its important to keep your skin clean, but dont overdo it. Wash no more than twice a day. Over-washing dries your skin, making it age prematurely. What you wash your face with is also important. Alkaline bar soaps strip your skin of its natural oils and can cause irritation. That is why a non-soap cleanser is a much gentler option.
Moisturise – Anti-Ageing Tips
A very common beauty mistake women make these days is to not pay enough importance to moisturisation. They are so concerned with anti-ageing products that they often overlook the power of a simple moisturiser. Moist skin looks better because lines and creases are far less noticeable. Moisturise twice a day once in the morning before you step out and once before you go to sleep to treat ageing.
Drink plenty of water – Anti-Ageing Tips
One way to prevent ageing of skin is to drink as much water as you can. Weve been told that eight glasses a day is what we should be drinking. But in reality, there is no magic number. Water needs are very individual and can vary according to your body weight, activity level, health status and the temperature outside. Download the iDrated phone app, which will determine exactly how much you should be drinking according to your age and weight.
Take Superfood
Foods rich in health-benefitting nutrients are often referred to as “superfoods.” There are many superfoods that appear to prevent wrinkles and boost overall health.
ScientistsTrusted Source who looked at the diets of older Dutch men and women found that those men with healthy eating habits had fewer wrinkles. In the same study, women who ate more fruit had fewer wrinkles than those who ate more meat and junk foods.
Many superfoods, such as those in the following list, may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles:
- artichokes
- avocadoes
- chia seeds
- cinnamon
- egg whites
- ginger
- miso
- oatmeal
- salmon
- sardines
- sweet potatoes
- tomatoes
- walnuts
Protect your skin from the sun
Sun protection is the best way to prevent skin ageing. You must use sunscreen every single day of the year, not just when it’s sunny. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply at least every two hours. If you have sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin and require a sunscreen that dries to a matte finish, use a formula with zinc oxide. For normal to dry skin, use a chemical-free, all-mineral formula.
ANTI-AGEING FAQs
Q How can I prevent wrinkles?
A Listed below are a few natural ways with which you can prevent the onset of early lines and wrinkles:
1. Keep your skin hydrated: Drink plenty of water, coconut water, and green tea, which is full of antioxidants. It is important to keep your skin moisturized from within and water rids your body of toxins.
2. Say no to cigarettes: Smoking can speed up the normal ageing process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. The nicotine in cigarettes causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin. This impairs blood flow to your skin. With less blood flow, your skin doesn’t get as much oxygen and important nutrients, such as vitamin A.
3. Get a good night’s sleep: When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces a stress hormone known as cortisol. This hormone slows growth, tissue maintenance, and results in dry skin. Hence, it’s important to get 6-8 hours of sleep every night to rejuvenate your skin tissues.
4. Use protection when out in the sun: Sun protection is the best way to prevent early skin-ageing. Use your sunscreen everyday, preferably a non-toxic one to protect your skin.
Q What are the causes of premature skin ageing?
A These daily habits might be the cause of premature skin ageing:
1. Going to bed without removing your makeup.
2. Stressing too much.
3. Eating a diet devoid of vitamins and minerals.
4. Lack of sleep.
5. Going out in the sun without any protection.
Q How can I get rid of bags under my eyes?
A Here are a few ways you can reduce under-eye bags:
1. Use two slices of raw potato on your eyes and leave it like that for 15-20 minutes. You will reduce noticeable reduction.
2. Place cotton pads dipped in chilled milk on your eyelids for 20-30 minutes. This therapy helps your eyes to retain water and also cools them off.
3. Dip cotton pads in a mixture of chilled water and Vitamin E oil and place them on the eyes for 20 minutes. This good help to reduce swelling around the eyes.
4. Chill two spoons in the freezer place one over each eye. Repeat this process every morning to see significant changes.
5. Place chilled, steeped chamomile or green tea bag over each eye for 15-20 minutes and then relax. The natural properties of these herbal teas will help bring puffy eyes back to their original size.
Q How do I tighten sagging skin in chin and neck area?
A As we age our skin starts losing its elasticity, and this causes it to become loose and appear saggy. Skin that is hydrated is generally more plump and firm and less likely to sag or wrinkle. So make sure you drink enough water. Chewing sugarless gum can help tighten and tone sagging neck muscles and skin. Lift your head back so that your chin is pointing toward the ceiling with your lips closed. You’ll feel your neck and facial muscles being stretched. Repeat this 12 times every day.Q
Q Which vitamins are good for skin?
A Here are the four vitamins which are good for your skin:
1. Vitamin D: It facilitates skin cell growth, repair, and metabolism. It optimizes the skin’s immune system and helps destroy free radicals that cause premature ageing.
2. Vitamin A or retinol: This vitamin is important for cell growth, and often used as a topical anti-ageing treatment.
3. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid: It is an antioxidant that helps tissue grow and repair itself.
4. Vitamin E: It helps the body regulate retinol levels, which is essential for healthy skin.
