Everyday Habits That Contribute To Wrinkles

You may think that because you wear an SPF moisturizer every single day, stay out of the sun and use anti aging skin care products daily that you’re fully protected from the ravages of wrinkling. While these healthy skincare habits give you a leg up on many of your fellow females, they’re not the only things you can do to eliminate wrinkles from your future. Take a look at these everyday activities that can contribute to fine lines and sagging skin over time, and a few ways you can combat them for younger looking skin.

Smoking

Smoking is easily the worst thing you can do for your skin; besides the chemicals packed inside each of those cigarettes, the smoke is drying to skin, and the continuous pursing of the lips as you inhale can lead to early wrinkles and lip lines. Keep your skin healthy and kick the habit.

Sipping

There are several ways sipping drinks can contribute to lip lines and wrinkles. If you can, avoid using a drinking straw in your beverage. The sucking and puckering of the lips has a similar effect to that of smoking, though obviously drinking through a straw doesn’t have the same carcinogenic effects. The repeated sucking motion can lead to fine lines.

For hot drinks, you can easily avoid this lip-pursing by ensuring that your beverage has cooled enough for you to drink it normally. When you can, avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, both of which can dehydrate your skin.

Frowning

Not only does frowning cause lines around your mouth, but the repetitive motion can also encourage wrinkles in your forehead and “frown lines” between your eyes. To erase existing frown lines, add an anti-wrinkle cream to your morning routine.

Squinting

If you’re regularly squinting in the sunlight, you may be susceptible to crows’ feet and wrinkles around your eyes. Invest in a pair of sunglasses that prevent UV rays, wear a wide-brimmed hat when you expect to be in the sun, and utilize an eye cream for wrinkles that have already started forming.

Sleep Habits

Cultivating poor sleep habits can lead to skin problems. Staying up too late frequently can cause bags or dark circles under the eyes, and can hinder your skin’s ability to heal itself. This means collagen and elastin aren’t able to repair themselves as they should, so skin has a harder time “bouncing back.” Try to get at least eight hours of shut-eye per night. Even better, apply an eye wrinkle cream before turning out the light.

In addition, ensure your sleeping position isn’t contributing to wrinkles. Sleeping on your back ensures that your pillow won’t leave creases in your skin. If you have trouble sleeping on your back, replace your pillowcase with one made of satin, which is easier on the skin when you sleep on your side or stomach.

Ingredients To Look For (And Avoid) In Natural Anti-Aging Creams

So you’ve decided it is time to start using anti aging skin care products. Good for you, being so proactive about your skin. But here’s where it starts to get overwhelming: now that you’ve decided anti wrinkle cream should be a part of your future, how on earth do you go about finding the right natural anti aging products?

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the ingredients you should look for — and avoid — when you’re searching for your perfect natural beauty products. With the proper products and daily applications, you’ll be on the path to aging gracefully.

Look for: Vitamins

Vitamins C and E are excellent for your complexion and overall health. When used in the same product, these vitamins work together to form a wrinkle reducer. On their own, they still provide great benefits, though. Vitamin E helps promote the skin’s ability to rebuild and heal itself, and helps skin to maintain its protective barriers. Vitamin C on its own encourages collagen production for healthy, firm skin.

Avoid: Parabens

Parabens are a type of preservative, but unfortunately they produce the same result in the body as estrogen does, which can be harmful for your skin in the long run. Instead, choose products that only use natural preservatives.

Look for: Retinol

Retinols are a type of vitamin A compound and antioxidant that help the body slough off old, dead cells. They also promote cell regeneration and collagen production. This allows your skin to remain fresh and healthy-looking. It also helps prevent damage from free radicals in your environment.

Avoid: Alcohol

Alcohol can be extremely drying to your skin. Many anti aging skin care products aim to keep skin plump and hydrated, but alcohol in the formula allows the product to evaporate more quickly. This means you need to reapply more frequently. It also ensures you’ll purchase more of the product over time.

Look for: Antioxidants

Antioxidants, in their natural form, can typically be found in fruits and vegetables; they help defend against free radical damage, similarly to retinols. They can also help prevent sun damage, by protecting against collagen breakdown and damage. This prevents skin from sagging and wrinkles from forming.

Avoid: Detergents

Many hair and skincare products contain sulfates, which are a type of detergent. They allow cleansers and shampoos to produce a lathering effect. In addition, they contribute to the skin’s dryness, and can cause irritation.

Look for: Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids can actually make you more prone to UV damage, but before you write them off, consider this: they promote skin cell regeneration while naturally exfoliating, so skin appears even and unlined. By sloughing off the dead cells, Alpha Hydroxy Acids help moisturizing ingredients penetrate the epidermis, so you end up with better results than you would without them.