These days growing old gracefully is almost frowned upon. We are bombarded with images of botoxed faces and surgically enhanced looks. We feel pressured into looking younger for longer and worry over every age line and wrinkle.
To effectively avoid age lines and prevent premature wrinkles we need to understand what causes them.

Causes of Age Lines

Age lines and wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process. As we get older our skin becomes less elastic, looses collagen and becomes more fragile. As skin ages it loses its ability to rejuvenate itself. This causes age lines to appear. If age lines are ignored they will go on to become deep wrinkles.
Frowning, squinting and drinking through a straw are wrinkle creating no no’s. The way we sleep can also encourage the onset of age lines and wrinkles. One UK woman refuses to smile; preferring a sour face to risking wrinkles.
Let’s take look at the most common causes of premature aging which result in wrinkles.

Sun damage and smoking are leading causes of age lines

Exposure to the suns UV radiation results in dry, wrinkled skin. Premature aging is the price we pay for a ’healthy tan’.
Smoking takes its toll on your looks. The action of puffing on a cigarette causes lines to develop around your mouth. The smoke itself deprives the skin of vital oxygen and nutrients. Cigarette smoke contains chemicals which destroy the skins collagen and elastin. smokers develop age lines earlier. Smoker’s wrinkles are etched deeper too.

Genetic and environmental causes of age lines

Genetics influence your likeliness to developing lines and wrinkles. If your mum and grandma have lined or wrinkled faces; you will be more prone to developing age lines too.
Research points the finger at air pollution as another cause of premature aging and wrinkles.

Dehydration and drinking excess alcohol

Not drinking enough fluids leaves the body dehydrated Dehydration causes skin to dry out. Dry skin is less able to repair itself and becomes vulnerable to new wrinkles. Dry skin also makes existing wrinkles more noticeable.
Drinking excess alcohol is another cause of dehydration, premature aging and wrinkles.

Dieting

A stunning figure can take its toll on your looks. Wrinkles are often the down side to losing weight. As the weight drops off we lose fat which has plumped out our faces. Weight loss can result in Diet face.

How To Avoid Age Lines

Facial exercises

Facial exercises have been proved effective in reducing age lines. Facial exercises are a fun and free way to reduce lines and prevent wrinkles. These before and after photos speak volumes.

Battle wrinkles while you sleep

Make sure you are getting enough sleep. While you slumber you skin and body heals and repairs itself. Kim Kardashian and many other silk pillowcase fans swear that silk pillowcases are the must have for keeping wrinkles away.

Avoid the sun and stop smoking

Use sun block on your face every day. When you are out and about your face is often exposed to the sun without you realising it. Wear sunglasses to prevent squinting in the sun. Don’t expose yourself to too much sun. Cover up and regularly re-apply sun cream.
Stopping smoking gives your skin the best chance to repair itself and prevent further wrinkles developing.

Moisturise and hydrate

Moisturise every morning and night to keep your skin hydrated and supple. Budget moisturiser can be as effective as expensive brands.
Treat your skin to an oil treatment. Natural oils such as olive oil and coconut oil are packed with nutrients which make them super nourishing skin hydrators.

Diet, exercise and drinking

Ditch refined sugar and fast food. Incorporate a colourful mix of fruit and vegetables into your diet. Eat plenty of natural anti-aging foods. to protect your skin and minimise wrinkles.
Exercise improves blood circulation and gives us a natural youthful glow. Exercise also reduces the production of the stress hormone cortisol which interferes with collagen production.
Excessive drinking leads to dehydration and skin damage. The great news is that a daily glass of red wine is an effective way to prevent aging and wrinkles. Red wine contains high levels of antioxidants which soak up skin damaging free radicals.

Embrace age lines and celebrate wrinkles

Age lines are an inevitable part of the aging process. Wrinkles are reminders of your life story and remnants of past smiles. Lines add character to your face.
Natural age lines are far more attractive then frozen, botoxed faces and tight, lifted skin.
Facial exercises are the free and fun way to keep wrinkles at bay. To learn more about facial exercises click here.
Image Source: Flickr