by Cindy Wagner

Created on: July 07, 2008

Preventing Facial Wrinkles

Many people wish their faces did not betray their age since they often feel younger than they look. A good number of people see noticeable changes in the firmness and elasticity of their skin when they are in their late thirties. Blood circulation slows, the epidermis begins to thin and metabolism starts to slow down. The repair of skin cells also slows as collagen production decreases and skin loses its firmness and elasticity. Expression lines appear on the face joined by patches of discoloration caused by sun exposure.

The onset of facial wrinkling prompts many people to seek out the newest skin care products designed for wrinkle prevention and skin renewal. Oftentimes, the best alternative to an expensive skin product is right in your own kitchen, saving you money. Having used olive oil for several years now, its cumulative benefits are obvious, with facial skin appearing much younger than its true age. It is also appealing to use something natural rather than an expensive, synthetic facial cream.

Applying olive oil to a slightly damp face and neck will seal moisture in and leave skin supple and soft. If the smell of olive oil is unappealing, you can simply add some of your favorite essential oil. If you plan to be in the sun, apply sunscreen for daytime use, and apply the olive oil at bedtime.

The aging process of facial skin is often sped up by certain lifestyle choices; the use of tanning beds, smoking, excessive drinking, sedentary lifestyles, stress, and yo-yo dieting can all have serious effects on how our skin ages. Smokers will have more wrinkling and changes in skin tone as they age as healthy, youthful looking skin depends upon strong collagen production; smoking interferes with this process and causes changes in skin elasticity. The best offense is, not to ever start smoking, but stopping will begin the process of healing and
renewal necessary for healthier, younger skin.

Photoaged skin is dry, deeply creased and often has varying levels of pigmentation either darker or whiter than the surrounding skin. The degree of photo aging depends entirely on the amount of sunlight received. Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and clothing can all serve as protective sunscreens and prevent the altered pigmentation and wrinkling. Since sun damage adds up over time, the total amount of sun damage is what you will see in the mirror but you can drastically decrease photoaging by wearing sunscreen.

The use of a magnifying mirror can help you see early skin changes, purchase a mirror with a level ten magnification and always use in natural light. Many people will see signs of wrinkling far earlier than necessary, the cumulative effect of sun exposure, smoking, stress or sedentary lifestyle. Spotting these early signs of damage and embarking on a regimen of healthier food choices, regular exercise, olive oil treatment and a positive lifestyle will help combat and reverse many of these early signs of aging.

For more information on skin health visit:
American Academy of Dermatologists at
www.aad.org

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