Can you prevent wrinkles? Wrinkles are a part of life, but you can take steps to minimise them. We don’t always have to welcome their appearance with open arms.
As we age, factors such as loss of fat, hormone changes and reduced collagen and elastin are all in play – not to mention the repercussions of those unprotected years in the sun.
In simple terms, skin creasing is a wrinkle. While genetics and environment can increase the potential for wrinkles, lifestyle changes may help prevent wrinkles naturally.
Sunscreen
Too much time in the sun is a huge contributor to skin ageing. Avoiding exposure in the middle of the day in summer helps protect skin in multiple ways.
Most high-level sunscreens offer UVA and UVB protection. UVB rays contribute to sunburn and skin cancer; UVA rays are associated with premature ageing.
Weather apps generally include a UV Index (you may need to scroll down). Once the UV index hits 3, you should be wearing sunscreen, whatever the season.
Apply a mineral sunscreen a quarter of an hour before going out. If your skin is prone to sensitivity, a mineral sunscreen may suit your complexion.
SPF 50+ is best. If a sunscreen suits your complexion, but is not 50+, as long as protection is SPF30 or above and used regularly, it will help protect your skin.
Be sure to reapply every couple of hours. If the product hasn’t been used in a while, check the expiration. Sunscreen that is out of date needs to be binned.
Nutrients
A body out of balance can have a detrimental impact on skin. Long-term deficiencies in vitamins B and C may contribute to wrinkles, and other issues.
Do you eat enough oily fish? Fish oil helps with collagen, which decreases as we age, but plays an important role in maintaining skin elasticity.
Collagen, vitamins B, C, D and E and fish oil can all help maintain skin elasticity. Check with your GP before introducing any supplements.
Skincare routine
If skin is constantly dry, you increase the risk of wrinkles. A daily routine of gentle cleanser, soft toner and quality moisturiser can make a difference.
A moisturiser including at least one of the following ingredients will likely benefit your complexion: hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinoids and peptides.
Consider products offering an added boost, whether serum, skin oil or face mask. Personalise your routine to suit your skin, while avoiding irritation.
Pollutants
Unfortunately, the environment we live in can produce pollutants that aren’t great for the complexion – especially if you’re more of a city dweller.
Adjustments to your skincare routine may help. Certain products are now designed to help deal with environmental factors such as heavy pollutants.
An air purifier in the home can help reduce environmental pollutants, while a humidifier may help with hydration of your skin.
Motion and pressure
Facial motions can increase the likelihood of wrinkles. If the cost of a smile is a few folds in the skin, it’s worth it – but habitual frowning? No.
Been avoiding an eye test? Constant squinting can contribute to wrinkles, so you might want to book that appointment sooner rather than later.
Squashing your head into the pillow is wrinkle-friendly, so try sleeping on your back. Switch to a pillowcase that isn’t harsh on skin, like silk.
Avoid cigarettes
When it comes to the appearance of ageing, the physical motion of smoking, and the chemicals in a cigarette, adversely impact your body.
As mentioned, loss of collagen can increase the likelihood of wrinkles. Smoking affects both collagen and elastin, inhibiting their performance.
Unfortunately, giving up smoking isn’t enough for your complexion, if your partner is a smoker. Second-hand smoke still delivers chemicals.
Hydration
Smoking also causes dehydration – which isn’t great for your body in general. Make sure you drink enough water, especially in warmer months.
In a topical sense, moisturisers work to add a layer of hydration to the complexion, but if your body is dehydrated, you’re facing an uphill battle.
Constant air-conditioning in summer can dry skin, so adjust your skincare. Hate drinking water? Eat hydrating fruits such as watermelon and strawberry.
What do you do to minimise the chance of wrinkles? What’s your daily skincare routine look like? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Why do I have sagging skin?
