How to Reduce Wrinkles

Lauren Hutton once said that, 'Wrinkles are our medals of the passage of life.' They have often been associated as a mark of wisdom that comes with age. However, in a world where everyone is in a race to look young and beautiful, there are only a handful of people who would agree with the American actress.

In the present time, wrinkles are not just a result of aging. Exposure to strong sunrays, pollution, and a stressful lifestyle have led to their occurrence at a much younger age in many people. How to reduce them? This is one of the most pertinent questions amongst those (mainly women) who cross the age of 35.

As a person becomes old, the skin cells lose the capacity to divide at their normal rate. This results in the skin getting thinner. The fat cells below the skin that give it a taut look start degenerating. The underlying network of collagen fibers and elastin that provide the scaffolding and elasticity to the skin also become loose.

As a result, the skin becomes saggy and folds into wrinkles. The oil glands also fail to provide enough oil. The skin becomes dry and loses its suppleness. Other than age, excessive exposure to sunlight and pollution, smoking, genetic disposition, occupational and recreational habits, as well as poor skin care also contribute to wrinkling of the skin.

Using an injection of botox has been quite popular in reducing wrinkles. In this treatment, a purified version of botulinum toxin A is injected in the skin just below the wrinkle, which makes the skin smooth on the top and diminishes the wrinkle.

Fillers like collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other synthetic substances are also used by doctors to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Laser is also very popular in reducing wrinkles on the face. In this form of treatment, a small, almost unnoticeable wound is created in the skin using energy from a laser. As the skin cells divide to cover the wound, they replace the wrinkle with a smoother layer of skin.

Various chemical peels are also used in beauty treatment centers to burn the superficial layers of the skin. As the skin recuperates, the face is covered with a young and fresh looking skin. Besides all these treatments, there are a number of anti-aging creams and anti-wrinkle face creams that can be used for skin firming as well.

The following home remedies are of great help:

• Massage face with coconut oil before going to bed.

• Rub a core of pineapple on the face. Leave it for 5 - 10 minutes. Then wash it off.
• Applying a mixture of honey, olive oil, and cream is an effective home remedy for reducing facial wrinkles.

• Mix two tablespoons vodka, two teaspoons honey, and a tablespoon of fennel seeds. Leave this mixture for three days. Strain it and use the liquid as a toner.

• Steep a few chamomile flowers in water. Cool it and use it. This homemade remedy works well for reducing forehead wrinkles.
• Applying a paste of turmeric with sugarcane juice is another good option. It also acts as an anti-aging agent.

Proper diet goes a long way in natural skin care. Vitamin C is a great ally of wrinkle-free skin. Including fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C, like oranges, peaches, papaya, strawberries, cauliflower, broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, etc., help in producing collagen that keeps the skin firm and young looking.

Seafood like salmon contain protein and omega-3 fatty acid, both of which ensure good skin health. Eating fish, in general, promotes good skin.

Astaxanthin present in salmon and lobsters is a strong antioxidant that protects and rejuvenates the skin. Increased water intake keeps the skin hydrated and healthy. For wrinkle-free skin, reduce sugar in the diet. Sugar hardens collagen that weighs down on the skin and causes it to wrinkle.

Adding cinnamon to sweetened beverages keeps the blood sugar level in check. Also cut down on caffeine as it dehydrates the skin and causes it to wrinkle faster. Add soy-based food products to your diet, as these food products are rich in substances that keep the skin firm and healthy.

All the tips in this story about how to reduce wrinkles point in one direction, that is 'leading a healthy lifestyle'. Our skin and hair are good indicators of our health. There are a large number of anti-wrinkle skin care products that can ensure a young and smooth skin. However, a healthy lifestyle will help one look young and beautiful naturally.