Raise your hand if you aren’t worried about getting wrinkles as you age…. That’s what I thought. Increasing lines and loss of suppleness are inevitable as the years go by, but there are ways to treat your skin now to protect your skin, as well as techniques to help the wrinkles that may already be forming.
Why We Get Wrinkles
As we age, the collagen and elastin in our skin starts to break down1. Collagen and elastin are both proteins that help provide suppleness and elasticity in the skin2/3. As this breakdown occurs, and our cell turnover slows down, we start to notice fine lines that eventually turn into wrinkles1. That being said, it is important we protect and aide our skin in order to help it retain that suppleness and increase cell turnover.
Protecting Your Skin
Water: We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again… water is vital to creating healthy skin. A well hydrated body allows for the skin to stay hydrated and helps combat a lackluster appearance.
Sun Protection: Again, we’ve talked about this before, but don’t even think about going outside without lathering on some sunscreen first. If you are having trouble finding or deciding on many of the sunscreens out there, check out our Sun Protection(link) post for some tips.
Moisturize: Even if you have oily skin, it is important to moisturize daily. Harsh cleansers can strip our skin of the oils needed to properly maintain skin. If you have normal to oily skin, one application of moisturizer per day should be enough. However, if your skin is dry, try applying moisturizer twice a day – in the morning and at night. And be kind to your skin by choosing natural, organic moisturizers that are light and able to be applied under sunscreen for day-wear1.
Watch What You Eat: A regular diet full of french fries and burgers is certainly delicious, but it isn’t going to help you on the path to healthy skin. If you want your skin to stay supple and glow, make sure you are getting a diet rich in antioxidants (like fruits and vegetables). Processed food won’t help you maintain the body you want, or the skin you want, so just pass them by.
Help for Wrinkles
If your skin is already starting to show signs of distress, one tried and true method that Bess and I use is rosehip seed oil. It is said to help with anti-aging and skin rejuvenation. The high levels of vitamin C and fatty acids help to protect and repair the skin. We both use it around our eyes at night to combat fine lines and keep the delicate skin under our eyes moisturized. Rosehip seed oil can also be used on minor scarring and age spots, and may help lighten the affected area4. The only caution about this essential oil is to be careful on application. Do not apply this oil to acne prone parts of your skin, because the high levels of fatty acids will promote breakouts.
I think that the main fact to remember through all of this is that we will age. We will get wrinkles. It is inevitable and a part of life. However, aging gracefully is a true art, and the more knowledge we have, the better we will look and feel as the years pass by.
Sources
1Suszynski, Mary. Aging Skin: Why We Get Wrinkles. (Accessed August 28, 2011) http://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/aging-skin/skin-and-the-aging-process.aspx
2Wise Geek. What is Collagen. (Accessed August 28, 2011)
3Wise Geek. What is Elastin. (Accessed August 28, 2011)
4Dermamaxime. Rosehip has many cosmetic benefits and also makes the skin more elastic. (Accessed August 28, 2011) http://www.dermaxime.com/rosehip.htm
