12 Ways to Naturally Ward Off Wrinkles

Posted by Louise Griew

Unless we find the fountain of youth, our skin has no choice but to give in to lost elastin and decreased collagen...in other words, develop wrinkles. Yep, we will all have them eventually (if we don’t already). While it’s tempting to try out some of the many cosmetic enhancements that can prevent wrinkles from forming or reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles, there are many things we can do to prevent them in the first place. Here are 12 ways to naturally ward off wrinkles.

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    Stay out of the sun

    You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again – UV rays from the sun are the leading cause of damage to our skin. Exposure to the sun accounts for the vast majority of visible premature aging, including wrinkles, deep lines and saggy skin, so it is vital to protect your face and body with broad-spectrum sunscreen, and when possible try to stay out of the sun. Oh and don’t forget to wear a broad-brimmed hat and find some shade.
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    Cut back on caffeine

    Caffeine is a diuretic meaning it increases your urine output which causes dehydration. A lack of water in the body directly affects the skin, as cells can’t hold onto water as well triggering them to shrink. This makes the face look tired and sallow and increases the chances of both fine and deep lines forming. Consuming caffeine also reduces our body’s ability to absorb certain minerals and vitamins so you’re not getting the full benefit of those healthy foods and supplements you’re taking for your skin.
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    Be gentle with your skin

    Don’t rub, tug or pull your skin unnecessarily. Always remove makeup gently and pat skin dry. Pulling and tugging on the skin can break down elastin and over time, cause saggy, wrinkly areas of the face, especially where the skin tends to be thinner like around the eyes.
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    Face massage

    Who doesn’t love a massage? Gently rubbing your face (in the right way) is really relaxing, boosts blood flow and increases muscle tone. Improve your glow when you apply your face oil: using the first and middle fingers on both hands, place them at the middle of your chin and gently sweep upwards and outwards to your temples. Do the same thing starting at the centre above your lips. Then sweep downwards from your forehead. Press the pads of your thumbs right next to your nose and firmly run thumbs under cheekbones out towards your temples.
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    Exercise

    There is a link between exercise and delayed aging. Muscles release myokines into the bloodstream during exercise, which can cause positive changes in skin tissue. The increased circulation also helps plump skin, preventing sagging and wrinkles. So get your body moving at least three times a week, if not every day, to hold onto your youthful glow.
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    Get your vision tested

    Frowning, squinting and furrowing your brow could be a sign that you are overcompensating for vision problems. Repeated facial expressions lead to wrinkling of the skin and squinting is no exception, so go get an eye test and get yourself some glasses if you need them.
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    Wear sunglasses

    Likewise squinting while outside in the sun or while driving can encourage crow’s feet and elevens (the two vertical lines between your brows) to form, so invest in comfortable sunnies that you love and make sure they block 99 to 100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays or have a standard UV 400 protection.
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    Stay hydrated

    It’s easy to tell if your skin is dehydrated because it’ll look crepey, flaky and feel tight. A lack of moisture in the body can cause skin cells to become flaccid, leading to dull, lifeless skin and ultimately, wrinkles. Drinking plenty of water not only plumps up your skin but helps move toxins through the body quickly and effectively, ensuring that your skin doesn’t have to do as much work. At least eight glasses of water a day will keep skin looking supple and youthful and ward off wrinkles.
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    Beauty sleep

    They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing! Interrupted sleep or a lack of sleep prevents the release of hormones that help keep your system balanced. Poor sleep can cause inflammation which damages your skin on a cellular level. Some experts even recommend investing in a silk pillowcase and training yourself to sleep on your back to ensure no major skin creasing occurs.
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    Diet rich in omega fatty-acids

    As we age, our skin’s outer barrier can’t retain as much moisture and becomes thinner and weaker. The skin finds it harder and harder to repair itself and suddenly…wrinkles! Omega fatty-acids, like the kind found in flaxseed, leafy greens, nut oils, tuna and salmon reinforce cell membranes and help to combat inflammation all doing its part to prevent lines and sagging skin.
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    Stop smoking

    Not only does smoking starve your skin of nutrient-rich oxygen and suck the radiance and glow right out of your complexion, but the chemicals found in cigarettes actually destroy the collagen and elastin that keeps our skin supple and taut. Smoking is like getting in the express lane to premature aging.
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    Decrease alcohol consumption

    Dry, dehydrated skin is susceptible to premature aging. Alcohol is super dehydrating making deep lines and loss of firmness a real threat --so that’s strike one. Alcohol consumption also makes the skin red, inflamed and flushed because it causes small blood vessels to enlarge-- strike two. Essential vitamins cannot be absorbed adequately when alcohol is in the system and as women have thinner skin than men, the damaging effects of alcohol show more on our faces than theirs --strike three. When drinking, be sure to have one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you have--that's on top of the eight glasses of water you should be drinking per day.
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