5 Sure Shot, Proven Ways To Prevent Wrinkles, Delay Signs of Ageing (Image Credits: iStock)
While ageing is a part of life and there is no shame in getting wrinkles, you can try to prevent the early signs and get smooth, supple, and soft skin even in your 40s and 50s by just taking a little extra care.
According to experts, wrinkles—the facial lines—can be endearing and add character to your face, only adding grace. However, it is also important to not have them prematurely.
What causes wrinkles?
According to experts, as you age, your skin begins to lose elasticity due to low production of collagen—which accounts for 30 per cent of your body’s protein. It provides structure, support, or strength to your skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. And so, less collagen makes your skin thinner and lets it retain less moisture. When your skin does not have as much moisture or volume as it used to, wrinkles may stand out more.
Doctors also say that repeated exposure to the sun, pollution, and certain lifestyle habits like smoking worsen or accelerate the development of wrinkles.
Can you prevent wrinkles?
According to doctors, your genetics play a big role in how your skin ages. However, they do appear in some stages in your life, but you need to take good care from a younger age. Here are a few lifestyle and prevention techniques you can adopt to help keep your skin looking healthy as you age.
Protect from harsh ultraviolet sun rays.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is important to limit your exposure to direct sun rays, which can be extremely harmful in the long run. Doctors say to do that, use sunscreen at all times to prevent skin damage, which can cause age spots, early wrinkles, photo ageing, and even skin cancer.
Experts recommend applying a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 50 daily if you are staying indoors, as ultraviolet rays can penetrate clouds and windows. Also, for extra protection when you go outside, you must:
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Wear a wide-brimmed hat
- Wear light-coloured clothes that reflect the sun
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection
Use retinoids
Retinoids—a family of chemical compounds related to vitamin A—are used in skincare and medicine for various reasons. Among the most common ones is retinol—a type of retinoid that increases collagen production and helps plump up and rejuvenate your skin.
Retinols also help lighten hyperpigmentation, which can lead to premature ageing and wrinkles.
There are six types of retinoids, each with a slightly different degree of potency, available as over-the-counter creams, gels, or even prescription medicines. You can start with them as small amounts to test your skin’s tolerance to the product and then gradually use them every other day to avoid peeling.
Hydrate
It is very important to always drink lots of water—in any weather or situation—to keep your body hydrated. Water and fluids are loaded with electrolytes, which keep your skin moisturised from the inside out.
It also helps improve the skin barrier function.
Include vitamin E in your diet
Vitamin E is an extremely potent antioxidant that offers various benefits for your skin, including moisturising, protecting against UV damage, and promoting wound healing. Studies say adding a high amount of red meat and unhealthy snacks can add more facial wrinkles, so doctors suggest adding more vitamin E-rich foods, like fruit, to your diet.
These are anti-inflammatory and help improve skin elasticity or firmness while protecting against damage and premature ageing. Some foods and drinks with lots of vitamin E include green tea, olive oil, and nuts like almonds, pomegranates, salmon, pumpkin, and carrots.
Stop smoking
Smoking is among the biggest risk factors for wrinkle formation. According to doctors, it also promotes skin cancer as cigarette smoke accelerates premature ageing - especially when exposed to the sun without proper protection.
Smoking also reduces the levels of vitamin D, thereby slowing tissue repair.
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