Key Takeaways
- Using sheer makeup with SPF prevents heavy product settling into wrinkles and provides daily sun protection in a single step.
- Exfoliating twice a week removes dead skin cells, stimulates new skin growth, and softens the appearance of existing fine lines.
- Wearing updated eyeglass prescriptions and sunglasses reduces squinting, one of the primary muscle movements responsible for crow's feet.
- Sleeping on your back and using a satin pillowcase prevents pressure-related wrinkle formation that occurs when the face is pressed into a pillow.
- Quitting smoking rapidly improves skin tone and reduces the eye and mouth wrinkles caused by squinting and the repeated puckering motion of smoking.
Wrinkles are just one of the visible signs of aging, but they are the one that we most commonly associate with looking older. And while laser resurfacing, dermal fillers, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments are excellent options for fighting the appearance of wrinkles, there are also steps you can take at home to lessen their appearance.
1. Use sheer makeup. Heavy, cakey makeup tends to settle into wrinkles, making them look more obvious. Using a sheer foundation will give you coverage without that effect (and make sure youre using makeup with an SPF- sun damage is the first cause of wrinkles to begin with).
2. Exfoliate. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from your face, stimulating new skin growth and softening the look of existing wrinkles. Exfoliation can be as simple as using a facial scrub from your favorite skincare brand two times a week.
3. Watch your glasses. Crows feet are most commonly caused by squinting, so be sure your eyeglasses or contacts have an up-to-date prescription and that youre not squinting when youre reading, or due to nearsightedness. If youre outdoors a lot, wear sunglasses to prevent you from squinting against the sun.
4. Sleep on your back. Sleeping with your face pressed into the pillow will eventually cause wrinkles to form due to the pressure. Sleeping on your back will prevent that. Satin pillow cases have also been shown to be less wrinkle-forming than other fabrics.
5. Dont yo-yo diet. Rapid weight gain and weight loss will stretch out the skin, making it lose its firmness, which in turn can cause wrinkles. Lose weight at a reasonable pace, and keep it off. This will keep your skin firm and taut.
6. Facial massage with coconut oil. Facial massage will relieve tension and boost elasticity of the skin, and coconut oil is a safe and natural moisturizer. Gently massage the oil into the spots where wrinkles are appearing every night before bedtime.
7. Quit smoking. Smoking can destroy the appearance of your skin: it causes yellowing and deep wrinkles around the eyes and mouth (due to squinting against the smoke and the sucking motion of the lips). When you quit smoking, you will notice very quick improvements in the appearance of wrinkles on your face, as well as improvement in your skin tone.
If you have any questions about skin care in Northern Virginia or would like to schedule a free skin care consultation, please call our offices at (703) 574-2588
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most effective natural ways to reduce the appearance of wrinkles?
Seven effective strategies are: using sheer makeup with SPF to avoid settling into wrinkles, exfoliating twice a week to stimulate new skin growth, keeping eyeglasses updated to reduce squinting, sleeping on your back with a satin pillowcase, avoiding yo-yo dieting that stretches skin, massaging coconut oil into wrinkled areas nightly, and quitting smoking.
How does sleeping position affect wrinkle formation?
Sleeping with your face pressed against a pillow creates repeated pressure that can cause wrinkles to form over time. Sleeping on your back eliminates this pressure and allows the face to rest naturally throughout the night. Satin pillowcases are also less wrinkle-forming than cotton or linen fabrics due to their smooth surface.
Why does yo-yo dieting cause wrinkles?
Rapid cycles of weight gain and weight loss repeatedly stretch and relax the skin, causing it to lose its natural elasticity and firmness over time. This loss of firmness can lead to the development and deepening of wrinkles. Losing weight at a gradual, sustainable pace and keeping it off preserves skin tightness and tone.
Can quitting smoking really improve the appearance of wrinkles?
Yes, and quite quickly. Smoking causes yellowing of the skin and creates deep wrinkles around the eyes from squinting against smoke and around the mouth from the repeated puckering motion of inhaling. When you quit smoking, improvements in skin tone and the appearance of these specific wrinkles become noticeable relatively soon.
What is the benefit of facial massage with coconut oil for wrinkles?
Gentle facial massage stimulates blood circulation, relieves muscle tension, and helps boost the skin's natural elasticity. Coconut oil is a safe, natural moisturizer that provides hydration to areas prone to wrinkles. Massaging it into problem areas nightly before bed allows the skin to absorb the moisture and benefit from the circulation-boosting effects.