by Allison Hope

Created on: December 15, 2008   Last Updated: February 19, 2011

Investing a little time on facial care is very important if you want to have smooth, wrinkle free skin. It is much easier to prevent wrinkles than to get rid of them, although there are some good products aimed at specifically reducing wrinkles and making them less noticeable. Below are some steps that can help to protect, repair and rejuvenate the skin.

Basics Skin Care

Skin will benefit from introducing a basic skincare routine. Twice daily, morning and evening, cleanse, tone and moisturise your skin. Daily moisturiser should have an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15, to protect your skin from the very aging effects of the sun.

At night use a wrinkle treatment cream with Retin A or other ingredients specifically aimed at helping to reverse sun damage (the cause of the majority of lines we associate with normal aging).

Weekly Facials

The following is a quick and easy facial you can carry out at home, that won't cost the earth.

1) Apply cleanser to your skin in small circular movements

2) Remove with damp cotton pads

3) Exfoliate the skin

4) Gently steam the face

5) Apply appropriate face mask or use a homemade egg white mask

6) Remove with damp cotton pads, and splash with plenty of warm water.

7) Massage the face in gentle upward and outward movements with Vitamin E oil, or a home made blend of oils

8) Remove with damp pads soaked in alcohol free toner

9) Warm some moisturiser in the palms of your hands and pat gently over face and neck

10) Glow!

Replenish Moisture from the Inside

Drink at least 4 glasses of water a day, and a couple of glasses of fruit juice. Water cleanses the body and helps to hydrate the skin. Melon, oranges, grapes and other juicy fruits are also beneficial for healthy, glowing skin.

Nourishing Foods

Salmon is particularly good for skin because it contains EFA's (Essential Fatty Acids) which help to plump up skin cells and keep them healthy. Oily fish such as Mackerel, Sardines and Herring also contain EFA's. Avocado's, leafy greens, chicken, pulses, flaxseeds and legumes are also beneficial to feed the skin.

Activities

A brisk walk or half hour of exercise every day will keep the circulation healthy, which will directly benefit the skin and every other organ in the body. Aim to get out of breath, but not gasping (you should still be able to talk), doing whatever activities you enjoy most. Being healthy has lots of anti aging benefits and exercise releases our "feel good" endorphins.

Beauty Sleep

Try to get 8 hours sleep a night. The body regenerates, repairs and rebuilds while we sleep, so it is essential we get enough rest. If sleeping less than 8 hours a night, cat-napping (little bouts of sleep), or resting for short periods will help. Getting enough sleep, allows the mind to sort through problems, resulting in less anxiety and stress (so less frown lines).

Following these steps will enable the skin to repair, renew and rejuvenate. Protecting the skin from the elements every day, will prevent the skin aging prematurely. Putting moisture back into the skin will help to plump up the skin, softening existing lines and wrinkles and preventing new ones forming. Getting rid of wrinkles takes more than applying some "magic" cream, it's more about giving the body the conditions it needs to replenish and rejuvenate and one of the rewards of making these adjustments is a smooth, youthful looking skin.

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