It's basic knowledge that moisturizing, hydrating, and using antioxidants is essential for healthy, radiant skin. You probably also know that using natural, rejuvenating skincare products is the way to go for ageless skin.
But these aren't the only things you should be doing. There are other habits you can develop to delay wrinkles for as long as possible.
Seven habits to reduce the appearance of wrinkles naturally
1. Back to basics
Some things have been said so often; they now sound like clichés. We even take them for granted. Don't smoke, don't drink excessively, protect yourself from the sun with clothes and sunscreen, wash off your makeup before you go to bed. However, these things work. And they don't take too much effort, so why not try them?
2. Sleep
In a 2015 study, researchers observed 60 women (both poor and good quality sleepers). They evaluated their skin using a variety of sun exposure tests, photos, and lab tests. They tallied the scores from each of these tests to come up with an overall "skin aging" score. This score included measurements of reduced elasticity, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, fine lines, and sagging.
Those women with a higher score had an older appearance. The results showed that good sleepers scored an average of 2.2, while poor sleepers had an average rating of 4.4. Also, after five nights of poor sleep, participants had up to three-quarters more brown spots and up to double the number of fine lines and wrinkles.
NOTE: Catching up with missed sleep by napping the next day won't help your skin. You need 7-9 hours every night.
3. Sleeping on your back
Evidence suggests that sleeping facedown or face-sideways in your pillow over many years can cause wrinkling of the skin.
In 2004, researchers found that the sleeping position (of participants in their study) caused lines in the same area of the face.
HOW DOES THIS WORK?
When you're asleep, your pillow can tug at your skin, which eventually reduces elasticity. The skin sags into lines. The solution? Sleeping on your back.
Alternatively, look for unique kinds of pillows that are formulated to prevent pillow-induced wrinkles.
4. Boost your collagen levels naturally
Collagen is the protein component in your skin that gives it strength and firmness. The breakdown of collagen as we age leads to sagging and wrinkles.
By switching up your diet, you can boost collagen naturally. Some of the best sources for collagen-producing agents include dark green veggies, bone broth, beans, meat, egg whites, and cheese.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help the skin retain moisture, which in turn reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Foods containing Omega-3 include flaxseed, fatty fish, olive oil, walnuts, and chia seeds.
Studies show that when the skin lacks these acids, it becomes dry and irritated.
6. Consume more vitamin C
A study done in 2007 of over 4,000 women found that those who had consumed more vitamin C had lesser dryness and wrinkles.
Those participants with higher intakes of carbs and fat were more likely to have wrinkles. Therefore, having a healthy diet overall is recommended for smooth and young-looking skin.
The best sources of vitamin C include peppers, broccoli, guava fruits, citrus fruits, dark green leafy veggies, kiwi, and berries.
7. Daily stress relief
Stress is horrible for your overall health, but it wrecks your skin significantly.
In 2015, researchers examined the skin of 5,000 participants. Those suffering from high levels of stress had significantly more itchy, scaly, and rashy skin as compared to those experiencing low stress.
STRESS WREAKS HAVOC ON THE BODY
Recent research has confirmed human skin both as an immediate perceiver of stress and as a recipient of stress responses.
Stress disrupts barrier function (which can dry skin and increase risk of wrinkles), triggers the skin to release hormones that encourage inflammation, irritates the nerves, decreases the production of moisturizing lipids, and slows healing of wounds.
We can't avoid stress entirely, but we can manage it. Incorporate stress-relief into your daily routine by doing something you enjoy, like walks, yoga, meditation, journaling, time with a friend.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
