Stay Moisturized
Keeping your skin moisturized can help reduce the appearance of early fine lines and wrinkles.5 Apply a facial moisturizer daily for hydrated, brighter, and more youthful-appearing skin.4 To target wrinkles specifically, consider looking for an option that contains plumping ingredients, like hyaluronic acid.
Eat a Nutritious Diet
Research shows that regularly eating healthy foods like plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help support skin
anti-aging efforts. In contrast, diets that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can speed up the process of skin aging.64Specifically, evidence suggests that incorporating foods with the following nutrients and vitamins can help slow the visual appearance of skin aging and protect from further damage:- Omega-3 fatty acids- Vitamin E- Vitamin C
Avoid Repetitive Facial Expressions
Squinting your eyes, pursing your lips, or frowning repetitively causes the muscles underneath the skin to contract, leading to permanent wrinkles and fine lines.To minimize squinting and help prevent crow's
feet wrinkles around the eyes, wear sunglasses outdoors and update your eyeglasses prescription, if applicable.
Exercise Regularly
Studies suggest moderate exercise can promote youthful skin by boosting circulation and supporting the immune system.For most healthy adults, experts recommend:At least 150 minutes weekly of cardio exercise (such as brisk walking, running, or cycling)Strength training at least two days a week.
Cleanse Gently and Regularly
Cleansing your skin twice daily (and after excessive sweating) is good practice for your general skin health. Doing it gently is key for wrinkle prevention.4 Harshly scrubbing the skin can lead to irritation that may contribute to accelerated visible aging in the form of wrinkles.Wet your face with lukewarm water and gently apply cleanser in circular motions with your fingertips. When finished, rinse with lukewarm water and lightly pat your face
dry with a soft, clean washcloth.
Use Products Mindfully
Do the following to avoid product-related skin irritation that can make the signs of aging—like wrinkles—more noticeable:- Use products as directed: This helps avoid overusing active ingredients.- Limit the number of products you use at a time: Too many different types of products can lead to irritation.- Give products at least six weeks to work: Though a moisturizer can plump the appearance of fine lines immediately, other products can take up to three months for results to show.- Stop using skin care products that sting or burn: Discontinue unless otherwise directed by a dermatologist (specialist in skin, hair, and nail conditions).
Consider Anti-Aging Ingredients
Experts suggest trying a skin care product containing
retinol and
hyaluronic acid to promote anti-aging, wrinkle prevention, and skin hydration.1415 They have these effects:Retinol: A form of vitamin A that prompts skin cell turnover and boosts collagen, preventing and reducing mild fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin tone16Hyaluronic acid: Hydrates and plumps fine lines by attracting water from within the skin's middle layer and pushing it to the skin's surface17
Prioritize Sleep
Research suggests that not getting enough quality sleep may increase fine lines. That's likely because sleep deprivation triggers inflammation that impacts collagen production and skin barrier function. Adequate sleep allows your skin to restore and renew itself, maintaining skin elasticity and repairing damage.
Adjust Your Sleeping Position
Repeatedly sleeping on your side and stomach compresses the skin in a way that can speed up the formation of fine lines. The friction and weight of pressing your skin against a pillow may promote collagen breakdown in the skin, eventually leading to more pronounced wrinkles.Try to sleep on your back as you
fall asleep to prevent applying unwanted pressure to your face.
Limit Alcohol
Alcohol is dehydrating to the body and causes inflammation, which can lead to skin damage, premature facial aging, and accentuate visible wrinkles.4Results from a global study of adult
women from different ethnic backgrounds found that drinking more than eight alcoholic drinks per week was linked with an increase in fine lines on the upper part of the face and around the corners of the mouth
Stop Smoking
Smoking can speed up the aging process in the body and skin. Wrinkles and dull complexion issues increase based on how much and for how long you've smoked.At least one study linked smoking to more wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows. Smoking also appeared to contribute to additional lines around the
mouth and lips and under-eye bags.
