Wrinkles are inevitable signs which start to appear on our skin when we get old. Some people go to great depths of going through knives, lasers, sunscreen and face creams to lessen the wrinkles on their faces. Instead of using those expensive remedies to tackle this issue, it’s important to understand the science behind how wrinkles form on your skin. From there, you’ll be able to make the necessary adjustments in the type of skin care regiments to use, and foods to consume to help maintain a youthful appearance.
What are wrinkles?
Wrinkles are ridges, folds and creases which appear on our skin as we age. This process happens on the dermis, which is the second layer of the skin which contains structural elements (e.g. proteins) which are responsible for the elasticity and strengthening of the skin muscles. Since the dermis is made up of 80% collagen and elastin, the network of these cells begin breaking up slowly as we age. This results in the dermis becoming thinner and looser, causing the folding and depressions found on the surface of the skin. In addition to that, the oil secreting sebaceous glands enlarge and become less efficient in lubricating the skin, something which leaves wrinkled skin dry, light, and dull.
There are, however, a number of reasons which are likely to catalyze the wrinkling process. These factors include too much exposure to sunlight, smoking, being under a particular medication, dehydration, genetic makeup, excessive stress, loss of vitamin E, and sudden weight loss.
What causes wrinkles?
Apart from the normal ageing process, there are other factors which research has identified to accelerate wrinkles. They include;
Too much sunlight: direct sunlight is one of the major factors which cause wrinkles. This is because sunlight depletes the antioxidants which are necessary in the production of collagen and skin repair. When the collagen and the elastin fibers are damaged, the cell DNA is affected, causing your skin to lose its elasticity leading to folds, creases, and wrinkle build-up.
Smoking: what happens is that smoking destroys the collagen and elastin fibers, leading to low collagen production. It also narrows the blood vessels found in the skin, leading to a slower delivery of nutrients, vitamins, and oxygen, to all parts of the skin, forcing wrinkles and folds to take over.
Antioxidants: these are enzymes and nutrients produced by our bodies which are also responsible in the damaging of collagen and elastin cells. To lower this problem, you’re required to consume vegetables, fruits, oils and nuts (rich in Vitamin A, E and C), Lycopene and Beta-carotene which offer better protection of your skin and your body. [Read: Kypris Beauty Antioxidant Serum Review]
Sugar: too much sugar in the bloodstream combines with proteins in the body to form harmful molecules (advanced glycation) which damages the elastin and the collagen cells responsible in the firming and elasticity of the skin. When these cells are damaged, the end result is that your skin is likely to sag and develop more wrinkles after some time. To slow this process, you’re required to limit the amount of sugar in your diet. [Read: Glycation of the Skin, How to Prevent Aging]
Natural remedies to get rid of wrinkles
Oils: oils are natural remedies which can be used in control against wrinkles. Coconut oil is among the best skin moisturizers which contain emollient, which reduces the formation of free radicals and helps reduce wrinkles.
Olive oil is an ancient skin moisturizer which was used 5000 years back in Egypt and Greece. It has, however, been adapted as a cosmetic product and a natural moisturizer because it’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins A & E which help to reduce the formation of free radicals. [Read: The Best Essential Oils for Anti-Aging]
Grape seed oil: most mature women use grape oil as a way to reduce wrinkles. This is because the oil is full of antioxidants, such as proanthocyanidins which not only rejuvenate the epidermis, but also help to reverse the loss of growing older.
Superfoods: since your body is made up of fats, proteins and water, healthy food will be needed to ensure that it stays replenished. Almond pack skin, blueberries and tomatoes are some of the best superfoods to consider as they contain fats, vitamin E & C and the important lycopene which protects your skin against UV damage, boosts the performance of collagen and elastin cells, as well as improving the vascular system.
Banana mask: bananas are not just good for eating. They can also be used as a face mask to protect your skin against spots, wrinkles and pimples. Simply mash one banana, add a teaspoon of orange juice and plain yogurt, mix them together then apply the cream to your face (leave it for about 15 minutes then rinse with cold water). The concoction is rich in vitamin A which reduces spots and blemishes from your skin, vitamin B which prevents ageing, vitamin E which strengthens your skin and protects it against UV damage and potassium, which moisturizes your skin.
Aloe vera: this natural remedy involves applying the aloe vera gel on your skin, leaving it for about 15 minutes, before washing your skin with warm water. The vitamins and minerals found in the aloe vera gel are essential in removal of spots, sunburns and rushes. They also lower the production of free radicals and accelerate the healing process of your skin, thus, slowing down the formation of wrinkles.
Minerals: selenium is one of the best known minerals which are powerful antioxidants used in wrinkle treatment. This mineral neutralizes free radicals in your skin before causing any damage, and also restores the elasticity which may be caused by ageing.
Copper: this mineral is important because it boosts the formation of collagen and elastin in your skin. It also helps to fight diseases in your body, restore skin clarity and decrease wrinkles.
Topical vitamin C: vitamin C is highly available in your skin when you’re young. However, as you age, vitamin C lessens, causing dry, saggy and light skin. To counter this problem, it’s advisable that you consume oral supplements or affiliate with topical vitamin C everyday to boost its levels in the skin to help repair sun damage, dryness, flaking, and wrinkles from your skin. [Read: The Best Organic Vitamin C Serum]
Conclusion
Apart from these natural remedies, there are of course many other ways through which you can reduce the wrinkles in your skin. Other remedies, such as the use of castor oils, maintaining a healthy body through avoiding alcohol/tobacco, massage, and having enough sleep can also help reduce wrinkles, folds, and creases on your skin.
Yours In Beauty,
Andrea
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