Try these simple tips to reduce wrinkles naturally

Using natural, anti-aging skin care is important to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturising, hydrating, exfoliating and feeding your skin with antioxidants are the basics for healthy, ageless skin.

But a skincare routine isn’t the only thing you need to do to keep your skin smooth and radiant.

If you want to delay wrinkles for as long as possible (and who doesn’t), these simple habits will make a big difference! Try them for a week or so and see what happens.

The sun is one of the biggest reasons your skin ages prematurely!  

Use a high SPF sunscreen and cover up as much as possible when outside, especially during the middle of the day.

Smoking, drinking alcohol regularly and going to bed with your makeup on aren’t doing your skin any favours! Having a wine or two once or twice a week and occasionally going to bed in your makeup isn’t that bad – but smoking is the #1 cause of wrinkles!

I know you’ve heard this before, but research shows that a good night’s sleep really affects the appearance of your skin. In a study of over 60 women, some good sleepers and some not so good, the results showed that poor sleepers had an average of 50% more fine lines and wrinkles, and up to 75% more brown spots!

“Sleep deprived women show signs of premature skin aging and a decrease in their skin’s ability to recover after sun exposure.”  

– Dr. Baron, Director of the Skin Study Centre

Tip—if you get a bad night’s sleep, “catching up” with a nap the next day won’t help your skin. Shoot for 7-9 hours every night and try to alternate sleeping on your back or side to avoid “sleep lines” from the same position.

Collagen is the protein in your skin that gives it strength and structure.

It’s the breakdown of collagen later in life that leads to sagging and wrinkles.

The good news is that you can also boost collagen naturally with your diet. The best options for collagen-producing agents include bone broth (one of the best), dark green veggies, meat (make sure it’s organic and well-sourced,) egg whites, beans and cheese.

It’s also important to get enough vitamin C – top sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, capsicum, guava, dark green leafy veggies (especially kale), kiwifruit, broccoli and berries.

Omega-3 fatty acids help your skin hold onto moisture which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help to keep your skin calm and smooth. Try fatty fish (like salmon), walnuts, flaxseed, olive oil and chia seeds which are all rich in omega-3’s.

Stress is horrible for your skin – just ask any bride!

Studies show that your skin and the rest of your body are definitely linked when it comes to stress. Researchers who examined the skin of over 5,000 participants found that those with high stress levels experienced a lot more inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, breakouts, itchy scaly skin and rashes.

Stress causes the skin to release hormones that cause inflammation and irritate the nerves, causing allergic reactions. It can also disrupt natural barrier function which causes dry skin and increases your risk of wrinkles by reducing the production of moisturising lipids and slowing skin repair.

Try to reduce stress with yoga, meditation, daily walks, journaling, art therapy, time with loved one – whatever works for you.

To summarise, simple wrinkle reducing habits are:

  • Use a good quality, high SPF sunscreen

  • Avoid smoking and reduce your alcohol intake

  • Aim for 7-9 hours sleep each night

  • Boost natural collagen production by increasing your daily intake of collagen producing foods

  • Add stress relief and self care into your daily routine, every day!

Diana Milnes