As our skin gradually ages, the occurrence of wrinkles starts to feel imminent. If you’ve been looking at your skin under a microscope lately, worrying about developing wrinkles — this article is for you.
There are many ways to avoid developing wrinkles. Some are so simple you might be doing them already.
Here are 5 easy ways to avoid wrinkles and fine lines.
#1 Start using a prescription-strength retinoid
The secret to aging gracefully is devoting your skincare to increasing collagen production and increasing skin cell turnover.
Luckily, retinoids can do both. (This is why retinoids are a staple in an anti-aging regimen.)
As we age, (starting at 25 believe it or not) the collagen in our skin starts to deplete. Collagen is what gives our skin structure, strength, and elasticity. It’s essential to youthful and healthy-looking skin.
Without good levels of collagen, the skin starts to thin and sag. This can cause wrinkles to deepen.
Topical retinoids like tretinoin help increase and restore collagen production in the skin.
Simply put, skin cell turnover rate is the rate at which your skin creates new skin cells. As we age, this process slows down.
A slow skin cell turnover can cause acne, hyperpigmentation, and increase visible signs of aging skin.
To avoid wrinkles and fine lines, start prescription retinoids like tretinoin.
#2 Use a daily SPF 30+
When it comes to wrinkles, the sun is not your friend.
Sun damage is said to be the leading cause of wrinkles and visible signs of aging skin. The sun can prematurely age your skin if you’re not using proper sun protection.
Studies show, using a daily SPF can slow down skin aging.
If you are looking to preserve your skin’s overall health, invest in a good daily sunscreen. Add an SPF of at least 30 to your daily routine to avoid wrinkles.
#3 Moisturize like it’s your job
Moisturizing your skin is the unsung hero of preventative aging routines. Keeping your skin cells hydrated can reduce visible wrinkles or cracks in your skin.
If you’re seeing little fine lines on your skin — it’s possible that your skin is just thirsty.
As our skin ages, it naturally becomes drier. Replacing that lacking hydration is essential for overall skin health.
This is especially important if you’re using retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids. Without proper moisturization, these products tend to dry out the skin.
Using chemically exfoliating products without properly moisturizing and protecting your skin can result in an impaired skin barrier function. Which can age your skin prematurely.
To avoid wrinkles, use nourishing moisturizers with ceramides, niacinamide, and peptides every day.
#4 Focus on antioxidants inside and out
Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. Not only does oxidative stress contribute to aging skin, but it also increases the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Making sure you’re providing your body with adequate levels of antioxidants is essential. You can do this by using topical antioxidants and eating a diet rich in antioxidants.
In the matter of wrinkle prevention, using a topical antioxidant serum every day is powerful stuff.
Topical antioxidant benefits:
- Increases collagen
- Increases skin cell turnover rate
- Reduces inflammation
- Brightens skin tone
- Reduces hyperpigmentation
- Protects from sun damage
Antioxidants are a must when it comes to keeping your skin healthy and beautiful.
Topical antioxidants for avoiding wrinkles:
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
- Retinol (vitamin a)
- Resveratrol
- CoenzymeQ10
- Niacinamide
Antioxidant-rich foods:
- Berries: blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, goji berries
- Veggies: kale, broccoli, spinach, artichokes, avocados, collard greens
- Treats: dark chocolate, red wine, green tea
- Nuts and seeds: walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, sunflower seeds
#5 Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a building block for healthy cell membranes. When eating a diet rich in omegas, these fatty acids help to buffer the skin cells from the sun and protect against oxidative stress.
The healthy lipid content of omega-3s is great at bolstering the skin barrier function (essential to skin health and reducing signs of aging.)
Omega-3 fatty acids help support the structure of your skin and reduce the visible signs of aging.
Supplementing omega-3 or eating omega-rich foods can help prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
Using facial oils that are high in omega fatty acids is very beneficial for skin health and wrinkle prevention. (Even if you have oily skin, these oils are still great.)
Foods rich in omega 3:
- Fatty fish such as mackerel, cod, salmon, tuna, herring, and sardines
- Nuts such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, hemp seeds
Skin-friendly topical oils rich in omega fatty acids
- Grapeseed oil
- Rosehip oil
- Jojoba
- Sweet almond oil
Article Summary
There are so many great ways to prevent wrinkles. Some are so beneficial that they’ll support your overall wellbeing. Hydration, sun protection, antioxidants, and omegas are essential to your health. They also support aging gracefully. You may also use supplements from companies such as StrutYours.com that carry anti-aging creams which have extensive scientific studies and positive results.
Lauren Johnson
Lauren is a content writer and strategist at strutyours.com. Strut Health is an online health clinic offering cost-effective treatment for everyday health problems. We aim to treat and destigmatize taboo health conditions so our patients can walk tall again.