Facial wrinkles start to show up naturally as you get older, due to your skin's loss of elasticity and collagen. Lifestyle factors like sun exposure and smoking can also contribute to fine lines, and not taking proper care of your skin can make wrinkles look worse. Protect yourself from environmental aggressors and exposure to toxins, and use moisturizing products designed to nourish your aging skin, as well as help improve the look of wrinkles. While you may not be able to get completely smooth skin, you can enhance the face you have.
Step 1
Cleanse your face in the morning with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser that contains no soap. Soap-based cleansers strip your skin of moisture, which can make wrinkles look more pronounced. Wet your hands and face and gently massage the cleanser into your skin, then rinse it off.
Step 2
Pat your face dry and immediately apply a moisturizer that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. This product will plump up your cells and make your skin appear more smooth, as well as protect it from the damaging effects of sun exposure. Use a moisturizer with sunscreen even if it is a cloudy day or you do not plan on being outdoors. Place a drop or two on your finger and smooth it all over your face.
Step 3
Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses if you do spend time outside to keep direct sunlight from reaching your face. Ultraviolet rays degrade your skin's collagen and make it sag and wrinkled. Do not spend any more time in the sun than necessary, and try to avoid it during peak, midday hours.
Step 4
Quit smoking cigarettes. Even if you have smoked all your life, you can still enhance the look and feel of your skin by quitting. Talk to your doctor if you feel you need help with this step.
Step 5
Wash your face again at the end of the day, dry it off, and then put on a topical retinoid cream, which helps to smooth your skin's texture, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and may even encourage more collagen to form. You can find over-the-counter products that contain retinol, or ask your dermatologist for a prescription-strength retinoid cream. Smooth the product all over your face. Let it absorb for five to 10 minutes before continuing.
Step 6
Smooth on a nighttime moisturizer to keep skin nourished and help prevent dryness and flaking, which topical retinoids may cause. Avoid any products that contain additional anti-aging ingredients, as these may result in excess irritation if you use them in conjunction with the retinoid cream.
Things You'll Need
- Mild, non-soap cleanser
- Moisturizer with SPF 30
- Broad-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Topical retinoid cream
- Nighttime moisturizer
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