Wrinkle cream might just be the best thing since sliced bread, but what if we never had to use them? Take a look at our tips on how to stay wrinkle-free for as long as possible.
Stop the Cigarettes
Just in case that’s not enough, the thousands of chemicals in cigs also “damage collagen and elastin, which are fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity,” according to Richard D. Hurt, M.D., director of the Nicotine Dependence Center, in an article for Mayo Clinic.
You might not notice skin damage from smoking right away, but over a period of time, premature wrinkles become more and more obvious. There’s no way to undo this damage, so slowing down on the smoke is the best way to go.
Need a reason to try yoga or catch some more zzz’s? Here it is: learning to breathe deeply and relax will greatly reduce your chance of getting wrinkles early on in life.
Researchers have yet to discover the exact relationship between chronic stress and premature aging, but studies seem to suggest it’s connected to the wearing down of our chromosomes (which happens naturally with age).
Sure, slowing down is easier said than done, but besides a healthier lifestyle, learning to relax could save your skin.
Lather up on SPF
We’ve heard it all before: a potent SPF is absolutely essential all year round. But skin cancer aside, spending a little too much time in the sun will also invite some unwanted lines long before you deserve them.
In a nutshell, prolonged sun exposure causes collagen in your skin to break down more rapidly. A naturally firm face ends up losing a lot of its elasticity making it look just plain old. Sun exposure is almost impossible to avoid, so be sure to use a moisturizer with SPF 30 in order to keep your face looking as young and fresh as it is.
Sleep on Your Back
If a deep slumber means waking up in awkward positions covered in “sleep lines,” it might be time to start sleeping on your back. The American Academy of Dermatology says sleep lines that end up in the same spot repeatedly will eventually stop fading away and turn into wrinkles.
That said; don’t let this information keep you up at night. Getting a restful night’s sleep is equally as important as avoiding sleep lines because sleep gives the body a chance to restore and build up elasticizing collagen.
images: Owen Beiny/WENN.com
