A number of factors affect the development of wrinkles. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, aging naturally causes a slowdown in collagen and elastin production. With aging also comes a loss of fat in the face, and looser and thinner layers of skin that add to the appearance of wrinkles. Environmental factors, such as sun exposure and diet, also contribute to wrinkle formation. Finally, genetics play a role in how you age. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to fight the formation of facial wrinkles.
Step 1
Wear sunscreen with an SPF, or sun protection factor, of at least 30. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreen should be part of your daily skin care regimen at an early age to prevent permanent skin damage that results in wrinkles later in life. Ultraviolet exposure accumulates over time.
Step 2
Cover your face in addition to wearing sunscreen for the ultimate protection. Wear a hat with a brim and avoid direct sunlight when the sun is at its strongest, usually between the hours of 10 and 3.
Step 3
Moisturize daily to prevent skin from drying out and developing wrinkles. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using lotions or creams that contain petrolatum for the most effective lubrication that won't irritate sensitive skin.
Step 4
Use a topical face cream that contains vitamin A derivatives to stop wrinkles once they start. According to the Mayo Clinic, retinol is found in nonprescription applications and can help to neutralize free radicals with its natural antioxidants. Tretinoin is a prescription-strength cream with vitamin A that may work more effectively to stop the progression of wrinkles.
Step 5
Take supplements that contain coenzyme Q10, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that slows the aging process and acts as an antioxidant. According to the National Institutes of Health, coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10, has shown some success in treating skin disorders when taken orally every day. CoQ10 can eliminate fine lines on the face and protect the skin against sun damage.
Tips and Warnings
- Try to keep your face neutral and avoid making habitual facial expressions. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that grooves form underneath the skin every time you move your face to make an expression. Sleep in different positions. Fine lines and creases on the face become etched in permanently when you sleep in the same position on the same pillow every night.
- Don't smoke or quit smoking to stop facial wrinkles from forming or getting worse. The act of smoking creates creases around the mouth that eventually form permanent wrinkles. The carcinogens in cigarettes also reduce blood flow to the face and allow free radicals to lodge in the skin surface, leading to unhealthy skin and wrinkles. Don't use products containing vitamin A if you are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant. The ingredients increase the risk of birth defects in the fetus.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Petrolatum lotion
- Vitamin A cream
- CoQ10 supplements
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