Using the right skincare products from your nightstand or medicine cabinet can make a significant difference in your complexion and prevent signs of aging, such as wrinkles.
“Your skin is a living organ that changes over time,” says Jessica Wu, MD, a Los Angeles dermatologist and author of Feed Your Face. “Adjusting your skin care to accommodate these changes will help your skin stay healthy and looking its best.”
Below are some recommendations and skincare items that can help safeguard your skin against the effects of aging.
1. Use a Gentler Face Wash
When you cleanse your skin, use a gentle touch and formula. “Skin tends to get less oily and more sensitive,” Dr. Wu says. “So even if you still get adult acne breakouts, you may want to use a more gentle face wash instead of a drying acne wash.”
Consider trying MD Complete Anti-Aging Restoring Cleanser & Makeup Remover, a gentle facial cleanser that employs essential fatty acids to provide significant moisture and green tea to combat harm caused by free radicals, which are substances that target cells.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises that when cleansing, one should use a gentle, circular motion to avoid irritation and aging of already sensitive skin. Aggressive scrubbing should be avoided.
2. Start Using Retinoids
As time passes, the skin may experience a decrease in collagen, which is the protein accountable for maintaining its smooth and firm appearance. This reduction can lead to the formation of wrinkles. Specialists unanimously advise utilizing a retinoid, the high-potency variant of vitamin A, as the most effective means of protection.
According to Wu, I begin suggesting retinoids for anti-aging in patients in their thirties. Wu advises gradually introducing the medication by applying it two to three times a week, and gradually increasing the frequency to nightly as the skin becomes accustomed to it.
Online and in-store, there are gentler variations of retinoid skin creams that can be purchased without a prescription, such as RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. However, Wu advises against combining retinoids with benzoyl peroxide, a medication utilized to address acne, as benzoyl peroxide has the potential to diminish the effectiveness of certain retinoids by oxidizing them.
3. Upgrade Your SPF Routine
Using sunscreen regularly with an SPF of 30 or higher is an effective method to maintain the health of your skin and avoid age spots and discoloration. However, not all sunscreens deliver the same results in terms of preserving skin flexibility.
According to Wu, it is recommended to switch to a sunscreen cream with higher moisturizing properties and to stay away from sprays and gels containing alcohol that can cause dryness in your skin. Additionally, it is advisable to seek sunscreens with antioxidants to safeguard the collagen present in your skin.
For example, Neutrogena’s Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 contains a blend of antioxidants that includes pure vitamin E.
4. Use a Richer Face Cream
As you age, oil glands may become less active, so it is advised by the AAD to properly moisturize in order to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Switching your regular face cream for a richer one is a simple way to retain water on the skin, which will enhance the appearance of deep crevices. Additionally, make sure to apply the formula on your neck and upper torso to treat those areas.
5. Watch What You Eat
The result of what you consume plays a significant role in how your body functions externally. It is crucial to consume foods that provide nourishment to the skin over time. It is advisable to refrain from consuming dehydrating substances such as alcohol. Additionally, foods with high sugar and white carbohydrate content can expedite the aging process by breaking down glucose. Instead, it is preferable to incorporate more protein-rich foods like fish, lean meats, beans, and legumes into your diet to promote the development of robust collagen. Wu suggests including foods that contain high levels of vitamin C to maintain a youthful appearance of the skin.
According to Wu, eating cooked tomatoes, which are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant, has been proven to combat sunburn and sun damage. If you have experienced numerous sunburns during your younger years and are now observing spots and sun damage, it is advisable to increase your tomato consumption. It is important to note that while lycopene cannot eliminate existing spots, it can aid in averting additional damage.
6. Stay out of the sun where possible
One should consider limiting sun exposure whenever feasible.
Over a period of time, changes occur in the skin as a result of exposure to UV light, which includes the occurrence of wrinkles, variations in pigmentation, changes in skin elasticity, and modifications in skin texture.
According to a study published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology in 2013, it was found that 80% of the signs of ageing on the face were attributed to UV light.
7. Use a daily moisturiser
By moisturising on a daily basis, you can assist in keeping your skin well-hydrated, as well as enhancing its elasticity and smoothness.
Certain moisturisers that contain nutrients with anti-ageing properties, such as vitamins C and E, have the ability to aid in the production of collagen in your skin. Collagen is a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining the firmness of your face.
In 2012, a review was published in the journal Dermato Endocrinology indicating that the utilization of a moisturizer enriched with vitamins C and E can initiate collagen production.
Additionally, the study indicated that the presence of vitamin A in moisturizers boosts the skin’s ability to generate collagen and elastic fibers.
8. Boost your vitamin E intake
It is believed by experts that vitamin E, which is a strong antioxidant, can assist in combating the harm caused by sunlight, pollution, and other free radicals associated with the process of ageing.
Ensure to incorporate vitamin E-rich foods into your daily diet, such as nuts and seeds, wheat germ, and olive oil.
9. Massage your face
Facial massage enhances the skin’s appearance by promoting blood and lymph flow, as well as relaxing the muscles.
In 2016, Japanese researchers studied the effects of face massages on 12 women aged between 30 and 54.
Upon investigation, it was found that the massage effectively diminished the visibility of laughter lines, as well as age-related indicators around the eyelids and cheeks.
10. Avoid smoking
Although further research is necessary, multiple studies indicate that cigarette smoke has the potential to accelerate the aging process of the skin.
The reason behind this is believed to be the breakdown of collagen and elastin, two vital skin components, by an enzyme found in cigarettes.
A study conducted at St Thomas Hospital in London’s Twin Research Unit found that siblings who smoked had a higher likelihood of having more wrinkles and skin that is 40% thinner compared to their non-smoking siblings.
11. Get enough sleep
According to a study conducted at Yale University in the US, insufficient sleep results in the overproduction of cortisol, a hormone responsible for breaking down skin cells.
If you are able to obtain the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night, your body’s production of human growth hormones (HGH) will increase, thereby aiding in maintaining thicker, more elastic and less wrinkled skin.
12. Eat more cold-water fish
Fish like salmon, which thrive in cold water, do not contain abundant protein that aids in the nourishment of the skin.
Additionally, it contains omega-3, which aids in maintaining hydrated skin and potentially lowering the appearance of wrinkles.
13. Eat more soy
According to a study conducted by the European Journal of Nutrition, the use of soy-based supplements for approximately six months may lead to improved skin structure and firmness.
To establish validity, further research involving humans is necessary.
Best home remedies for wrinkles
If you happen to have a few wrinkles or numerous wrinkles, it is likely that you would desire to diminish their visibility.
Before going to the pharmacy to purchase creams and serums, check your kitchen and experiment with one or multiple of these home remedies.
Olive Oil
One way to tighten up your skin is by regularly applying a small quantity of olive oil to your wrinkles.
Alternatively, you can also use coconut oil, which will assist in maintaining the softness and youthful appearance of your skin.
Ginger tea
To prevent the breakdown of elastin in your skin, consider consuming a cup of hot ginger tea once or twice daily.
Having less elastin will result in more wrinkles because elastin and collagen work in collaboration to provide shape and firmness to your skin.
Aloe Vera juice
Why not consider having an Aloe Vera juice or smoothie since it can be beneficial for both treating and prolonging the appearance of wrinkles?
The increased presence of collagen in your skin, facilitated by Aloe Vera, plays a role in preventing skin sagging.
Lemon juice face mask
To give your skin a boost, create your own facial mask by combining one tablespoon each of lemon juice, yoghurt, and vitamin E oil.
In order to reduce the appearance of dark circles around your eyes and smooth out wrinkles, you should leave it on and let it work for twenty minutes.
Avocado face mask
Avocados, being rich in vitamin E, aid in rejuvenating your skin and potentially enhancing its firmness.
To achieve the same meaning while rephrasing the given text, here is a step-by-step approach: 1. Mash the pulp of an avocado thoroughly. 2. Apply the mashed avocado to your face. 3. Leave it on for a duration of twenty minutes. 4. After twenty minutes, wash off the avocado from your face.
Mint and cucumber face mask
In order to enhance the shine of your face and diminish the visibility of wrinkles, create a facial mask by combining mint leaves, cucumber, and an egg white.
With just one application, you’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.