Wrinkling and aging go hand in hand for most people. As you get older, your skin becomes less pliant and elastic, and you'll begin to see lines and creases where your skin was previously smooth. Though wrinkling cannot always be avoided, making changes in your lifestyle can prevent premature skin aging and could reduce its extent.
Step 1
Stop smoking if you indulge in nicotine products. According to MayoClinic.com, you are more likely to develop wrinkling if you smoke, both due to the effects of nicotine, and as a result of the way you purse your lips while you smoke. Consult your doctor for recommendations about how to safely quit.
Step 2
Protect yourself from the sun to avoid premature wrinkles as well as skin cancer. Exposure to UV rays can cause your skin to wrinkle, discolor and dry out. Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses may help you avoid "crow's feet," the wrinkles at the corners of your eyes that develop partly from constant squinting.
Step 3
Follow a healthy diet that includes whole grains, low-fat dairy products as well as fruits and vegetables to avoid wrinkling.
A study published in a 2001 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" reports that people who eat more saturated fats, including sweets and fatty cuts of meat, tend to develop more wrinkles. Those who followed a diet rich in unsaturated fats, legumes, zinc and fresh produce did not show as much skin wrinkling.
Step 4
Drink water to help prevent fine lines and wrinkling. Water makes your skin cells plump up, whereas dehydration makes them shrivel, which leads to wrinkling.
Step 5
Hold off the normal effects of aging as long as you can through exercise. Exercise of all kinds helps keep your muscles and skin toned. Facial exercises can help tone common problem areas, such as the forehead. The South African-based company Ageless offers a variety of facial exercises, see Resources.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
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