Wrinkles are the first and the most visible signs of ageing. They are the folds that naturally appear on your skin with time. The proteins, collagen and elastin, keep your skin healthy and elastic. However, your skin produces less of these chemicals as you age, making your skin less resistant to damage. Wrinkles are a natural part of ageing, and they pose no threat to your health, just vanity.
Skin is the largest organ in the human body. You can always talk to a healthcare expert at emeds pharmacy about your skin-related issues and their solutions.
What Are the Major Causes of Wrinkles?
- Age – this is one uncontrollable factor of wrinkles. Your skin naturally becomes fragile and less elastic with time. Natural oils decrease in production, making the skin dryer. Fat in the deeper layers of skin (hypodermis) also reduces with age. All these factors promote loose and saggy skin. They also promote pronounced lines and crevices.
- UV Light – exposure to ultraviolet light can speed up the natural ageing process. It breaks down the connective tissues composed of elastin and collagen. In the absence of supportive connective tissue, your skin loses its strength and health. Ultimately, it makes the skin sag and wrinkle prematurely.
- Smoking – nicotine has an adverse effect on collagen. It constricts the amount of blood flowing into your skin and acts as a toxin for collagen and elastin production. Smoking can artificially accelerate the ageing of your skin.
- Pronounced Facial Expressions – squinting, smiling, frowning, etc., lead to fine lines and wrinkles in the facial skin. They form grooves beneath the surface of the skin. Typically, your skin is elastic enough to bounce back. However, the skin loses its flexibility with time and can no longer spring back. Thus, said grooves end up becoming permanent fixtures on your face.
How To Keep Wrinkles Away?
If you are tired of your saggy skin and wish to get rid of it, some traditional remedies can help return it to its previous firmness.
Cucumber contains Vitamin C and Caffeic acid. Both these chemicals are antioxidants, which can help reduce wrinkles, sun damage, etc. Cucumbers also contain high moisture level, which is highly beneficial for the skin.
Extract cucumber juice with a blender and apply it to the saggy and dry parts of your skin. Rub it on for 15-30 mins and rinse off with cool water.
Alternatively, you can also combine a tablespoon of grated cucumber with plain yoghurt and apply it to the affected parts of your skin. Rinse it off with warm water.
Lemons are a good source of Vitamin C. They help increase collagen production in your skin and reducing wrinkles.
Its application is straightforward. Just extract lemon juice, or simply rub a lemon slice on the affected area of your skin. Leave it for 10-15 mins. Rinse with lukewarm water. Do this procedure 2-3 times a day and apply a moisturiser afterwards.
Aloe vera has a long medicinal history. Some say Cleopatra, the ancient symbol of beauty, used it to maintain her otherworldly appearance. It contains vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and certain enzymes beneficial for healthy skin. Aloe vera extract can treat sunburn and rejuvenate the skin.
Extract the gel-type substance from an aloe vera leaf and apply it to the skin directly. Leave it on for 15-20 mins. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this procedure several times a week.
Egg whites are mainly composed of protein. Traditionally, an egg white mask is believed to carry skin-tightening properties. It absorbs certain oils from the skin and promotes overall skin health.
Whisk two egg whites until they are frothy. Rub it deep into the skin and leave it for 20-25 mins. Rinse it off with cool water.
Another method is to whisk one egg white with one tablespoon of yoghurt and then apply it. Both ways are good at keeping wrinkles away.
Honey is among the most revered skin remedies in many cultures, including Pakistan. A mixture of ginger and honey has long kept traditional South Asians looking young. It has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It can help keep the wrinkles, acne, and oily skin away.
Mix a few drops of lemon extract and olive oil with two tablespoons of honey. Stir to attain consistency. Rub it on the skin and leave it for 15-20 mins to dry. Rinse it off with warm water.
Natural oils can help minimise wrinkles, boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, protect the skin against environmental damage, and more. Olive oil carries Vitamins A and E, which possess anti-ageing properties. Rosemary oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Similarly, avocado, coconut, almond, grapeseed, jojoba, sandalwood, etc., produce highly beneficial oil for the skin.
Warm the oil and knead it into the skin for 15-20 mins. Rub it deep into the skin in circular motions. Take a warm bath afterwards. Repeat this procedure every day before bed.
Rosewater has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Many civilisations have used it for beauty purposes for centuries. It tones the skin and promotes a healthy glow.
Apply rose water directly to the skin before going to sleep. It will tighten the pores and slow ageing signs. You can also take a bath and soak your body in rose water.
Locally known as Multani Mitti, Fuller’s Earth is an excellent absorber of oils and other impurities. In addition to enhancing the skin tone and complexion, it also softens the skin. The natives have traditionally used this compound for its numerous skin health benefits for centuries.
Mix a tablespoon of Fuller’s Earth in water to make a smooth paste. Rub this paste on your skin and let it dry for 20-25 mins. Rinse it off with warm water. You can add honey to the concoction for better results. You can also switch water with rosewater to gain double the benefits.
What Have We Learned?
Wrinkles are not harmful to your health. However, they do mar your appearance. If you are concerned about your skin condition as you grow older, make sure to follow the methods given above to maintain your health. You may wish to speak with a skilled dermatologist or emeds pharmacy healthcare expert for further guidance.
Suppose your lifestyle involves smoking, excessive drinking, frequently using UV lamps or tanning bed. In that case, it is time to make a change. You must take care of your skin, or wrinkles may be the least of your worries. Being mindful of your skin’s health will not only keep you looking young but also prevent countless skin conditions, including cancer.