As we age, our skin becomes dryer and thinner and it begins to lose its suppleness and elasticity – all of which contribute to the formation of wrinkles. Those lines and creases are an inevitable part of getting older. While men can get away with haggard and sexy, women are left feeling less than attractive…
However, instead of considering expensive laser treatments or invasive surgery that are so commonplace in Hollywood, there are some simple steps that you can take to protect against aging skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
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These 5 anti-aging tips can help you reduce the look of wrinkles and achieve healthy glowing skin.
Anti-aging tip 1: Stay hydrated
We all know you need to drink lots of water every day, and more so if you consume a lot of salt or caffeinated beverages or if you lead a very active lifestyle.
Research has also suggested that staying hydrated can benefit the skin. One study, in particular, from the University of Missouri-Columbia showed that 500 ml (about two cups) increases blood flow to the skin. Blood flow is like gasoline in a car – it fuels the engine and keeps things running. So in terms of our skin, the more blood flow, the more glowing your skin can look.
Anti-aging tip 2: Take an antioxidant formula
Antioxidants help to protect your skin from free radical induced damage which ultimately leads to wrinkles. Noni juice, mangosteen juice and acai berry juice are all good sources of antioxidants that you can drink daily.
In addition, consider taking a supplement which contains a combination of antioxidant dense nutrients. Check the ingredients label and look for one that contains some or all of the following: Vitamins A, C, E and D; EGCG, MSM, polyphenols, pycnogenol, and selenium.
Anti-aging tip 3: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
The Mayo Clinic reports that we develop wrinkles as we age because the skin becomes more fragile and produces fewer oils which keep it moist. To combat this, it’s best to keep the skin moisturized.
Be sure to moisturize your skin after cleansing for optimal results, when your skin is still damp. This will help to temporarily plump up your skin, provide moisture and delay the onset of wrinkles.
You can optimize the reduction of wrinkles by purchasing a moisturizer or serum with anti-aging ingredients such as sodium Hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) and grapeseed extract. Dimethylethanolamine, or DMAE, is another powerful wrinkle-fighting ingredient, although DMAE creams can be expensive. You can make your own by buying liquid or powder DMAE at your health food store and adding it your moisturizing cream.
Anti-aging tip 4: Exfoliate
Exfoliating your skin eliminates any dead or old cells, allowing for new ones to be produced. It can be incorporated into your daily routine but also remember to moisturize right after to lock in that freshness. Exfoliating can also open clogged pores which get weighed down by pollution, sweat and our own body’s oils. A fresh face will be less prone to wrinkles.
Exfoliating easily can be done at home with ingredients in your pantry right now. Try a scrub using oatmeal, water and baking soda. Mix these ingredients together and rub them in a circular motion on your face to help remove the old and bring in the new.
Anti-aging tip 5: Eat a healthy, whole-foods based diet
Your skin is a reflection of your internal health. Consuming junk food and processed foods will result in increased inflammation, as well as excess toxins and free radicals – all of which can contribute to wrinkles.
Our whole body requires nutrients and vitamins in order to function at its best. This is no different for your skin and so fueling your body with the right foods can equally benefit aging skin as well.
Avoiding sugars and eating a balanced diet, high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts and legumes is ideal. This will nourish your body and your skin. Cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines are also beneficial because they contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce the appearance of fine lines by keeping the skin elastic and supple.
Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your face daily – you don’t want to un-do all the healthy anti-aging measures you’re taking.
Related Reading:
Essential skin nutrients for a healthy glow
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Stress, the environment and the passage of time can take its toll on our skin. Although research is still considered limited, a number of early studies do point to nutrition as the key to avoiding wrinkles and maintaining youthful skin. If you want to look younger you might want to keep the old adage, “you are what you eat” in mind. Read more here.
More than wrinkles – why you are aging too fast
If you’ve taken a look at yourself in the mirror lately and wondered “who is this aging person looking back at me”, you’re not alone. With aging come a number of different changes to your body that may make you feel and look older than you really are. Read more here.
