Wrinkles are the result of a loss of collagen and elastin fibers, which causes a decrease in skin elasticity. This loss occurs over time, but can be exacerbated by sun damage and exposure to free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to elastin and collagen when they try to bond with skin cells, says Dr. Nicholas Perricone in an article called "All About Antioxidants--The Expert Way to Fight Free Radicals." Antioxidants, such as those found in fruits and vegetables, fight free radicals and help restore collagen and elastin. Exercise is also an effective way to keep your skin healthy and smooth lines.
Step 1
Apply a natural face cream every morning after using a facial cleanser. Choose a cream made with natural ingredients, including antioxidants such as acai berry and vitamins C and E.
Step 2
Protect yourself from UV rays by wearing sunscreen, staying out of the sun and shielding your face with a hat, visor or parasol. Wear sunglasses help protect the skin around your eyes.
Step 3
Exercise regularly. Relaxing forms of exercise like yoga are beneficial for smoothing lines, says Annet King, director of training and education at skincare company Dermalogica in "Psychology Today." Take yoga classes or try DVDs.
Step 4
Up your fruit and vegetable intake. Eat a minimum of eight servings each day. Drink 1 cup of juice from 100 percent fruits and vegetables to meet one serving. Count 1 cup of diced fruit, one small apple, eight strawberries, 1 cup of vegetables, 12 baby carrots or one large tomato as one serving each.
Step 5
Use the antioxidant-rich facial cream every night. Wash your face with a natural facial cleanser and apply toner before putting on the facial cream.
Step 6
Apply an eye cream to reduce wrinkles around the eyes. Use an eye cream that is 100 percent natural and includes vitamin E. Try an eye cream that include peptides, which are proteins that naturally reduce wrinkles. Dab the eye cream on gently with the tip of your ring finger--do not pull or drag the skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Do cardiovascular exercise to increase blood circulation. Dr. Helen Flamenbaum says that exercise is good for every organ, including the skin, in an article for "Psychology Today," called "Improve Your Skin With Exercise." Exercise hard enough to elevate your heart rate and get your lungs working to get your cardiovascular system going. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests five days a week of cardio for a total of 150 minutes per week, minimum. Try brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming laps, water aerobics, playing tennis or playing basketball.
Things You'll Need
- Face cream
- Eye cream
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