People's skin ages over time, which can lead to wrinkles developing. The skin ages due to a combination of factors, including reducing collagen production, the loss of subcutaneous fat, and damage from free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that occur naturally in the body. However, they can also come from external sources, such as air pollution or cigarette smoke. These molecules are unstable and react quickly with other molecules. This can cause cell damage or even death. As people age, their bodies have a more challenging time repairing this damage. That is why some dermatologists suggest starting anti-ageing serum after the 30s.
As we age, the collagen in our skin begins to break down. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its structure and strength. It also helps the skin keep its elasticity and firmness. As it breaks down, the skin becomes thinner and less elastic. In addition, the layer of fat under the skin starts to diminish, which weakens its structure further and leads to sagging skin and fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. Research has found that sun exposure contributes to 80% of visible facial ageing in people aged between 40–60 years old. This is because wrinkles develop due to repeated facial expressions over time, and sun exposure makes them more likely to appear earlier.
What causes wrinkles?
The sun is the leading cause of skin ageing. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the natural ageing process of your skin, causing wrinkles and rough, blotchy skin. In fact, sun exposure is the No. 1 reason for skin ageing signs, including uneven pigmentation. Exposure to sunlight can cause age spots and wrinkles to form earlier in life than they otherwise would have. It also causes rough, leathery skin, a condition called actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis is considered precancerous, which can turn into skin cancer. The risk of developing actinic keratosis and skin cancer increases with age, and with each time, you spend a lot of time in the sun without protecting your skin from UV rays.
Smoking also contributes to wrinkles because smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin. This depletes your skin of oxygen and nutrients essential to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibres that give your skin strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — can contribute to wrinkles.
Prevention tips for wrinkles:
1. Protect yourself from the sun:
You don't need to spend hours in the sun to damage your skin. However, even a few minutes of unprotected exposure can cause dark spots and wrinkles. Therefore, most dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen every day, even when it's cloudy or you're not planning to go outside. In addition, sunscreen is essential if exposed to sunlight at work or use tanning beds.
2. Use a retinoid
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that come in many forms, including creams, gels, and serums. They help prevent collagen breakdown, which leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Retinoids are also proven to reverse sun damage and reduce acne effectively. In addition, you can try andMe's non-toxic and paraben-free anti-blemish Retinol serum. This anti-ageing face serum consists of Hyaluronic acid that unclogs the dirty pores and cleanses your skin from inside.
3. Use a moisturizer
Another way to keep your skin firm and supple is by using a moisturizer every day after you shower or wash your face. Moisturizers work by trapping water in your skin, which may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Be sure to choose one that contains SPF 30 or higher so you can protect your skin from future sun damage as well.
4. Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is essential for keeping your body healthy inside and out. Staying hydrated is crucial for healthy skin. Water helps keep your skin moist and supple. It helps flush away toxins from your body, including those that can build up in the skin and cause collagen breakdown, contributing to wrinkles and sagging skin. Additionally, dehydration can cause the skin to look drier and more wrinkled, which can be improved with proper hydration.
5. Eat a nutritious diet:
Avoid processed foods. Some processed foods, especially those containing preservatives or colouring agents, may be harmful to your skin. You may want to avoid or limit these foods. Some of the most common food allergens include wheat and dairy products, which may also contribute to inflammation in the body. Cutting back on these foods can help reduce inflammation and associated skin damage.Eat more antioxidant-rich foods. Antioxidants protect against free radicals — unstable molecules that damage cells and contribute to ageing and diseases like cancer. Antioxidant-rich foods include:
- Berries
- Peaches
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Spinach
Home remedies to treat wrinkles:
- Apply aloe vera gel regularly on your face before sleeping. Aloe vera has numerous healing properties. Also, it Is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that increases collagen production and keeps your skin hydrated.
- Bananas contain a lot of natural oils and vitamins. Mash a quarter of a banana and turn it into a smooth paste. Apply it to your skin, relax for 15 minutes, and then wash your skin smoothly with lukewarm water.
- Many superfoods, such as those in the following list, may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles:
- artichokes
- avocadoes
- chia seeds
- cinnamon
- ginger
- oatmeal
- salmon
- sweet potatoes
- Walnuts
- Apply a mix of essential oils on your skin along with a carrier oil. The natural ingredients of oils reduce wrinkles without any irritation. Some of the essential oils that can be beneficial are:
- carrot seed
- argon
- grapeseed
- jojoba
- lavender
- neroli
- pomegranate
- rose
- rosemary
- sandalwood
- ylang-ylang
- Try to eat adequate topical vitamin C-enriched foods. It can be found in natural fruits and vegetables, chilli peppers, guava, kale, and rosehips. You can also massage your face with a gel that contains vitamin C, which helps improve the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of sun damage on the skin.
- Use silk or copper-oxide pillowcases. The type of pillowcase you use may also have an impact. Because silk is hypoallergenic, it's easy on the skin. It also contains proteins that may help preserve skin cells. A copper-oxide pillowcase may reduce fine lines in the skin by using its natural properties. The copper also helps kill bacteria, which can prevent breakouts.
- You can also use toxic-free anti-blemish serums. Also, to be on the safe side, you can consult with your doctor to find out the best anti-ageing serum for your skin.
