Natural And Gentle Home Remedies For Wrinkles
Increasingly more women are turning to olive oil, facial massages, vaseline, and other home remedies for wrinkles. These natural anti-aging treatments may not be as effective as Botox or fillers, but they're gentler on the skin. Conventional skin care products, on the other hand, may contain fragrances, parabens, and other harsh ingredients. On top of that, they are not regulated by the FDA and may harm your skin in the long run.
There's no need to use lots of different products or the most expensive products to reverse the signs of aging. On the contrary, you should downsize your beauty regimen, says Penn Medicine. Experts recommend medical-grade anti-aging products, as they are often safer and more effective than those sold in department stores. However, if you only have mild wrinkling, you might want to try home remedies first.
Aloe vera, for example, may reduce facial wrinkles and hydrate your skin, suggests a 2015 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology. Researchers say that it increases collagen and hyaluronic acid production, which in turn may slow down aging. Jojoba oil, argan oil, avocado, and other home remedies for wrinkles may work, too. Also, note that your diet and lifestyle habits can make all the difference.
Natural oils can slow down aging
Argan oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and other natural oils can do wonders for your skin. Although they're not as effective as topical retinoids, they can protect your skin against oxidative damage and reduce wrinkles. "In addition to functioning as emollients, lavender, rosehip, jojoba, [and other] oils have antioxidants, which help the body combat environmental toxins," dermatologist Adarsh Vijay Mudgil told Well+Good.
Jojoba oil, for instance, may help repair the skin barrier and slow the aging process. It also boasts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, notes a review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. When used topically, it may help in treating skin infections, acne, and seborrheic dermatitis. Grape seed oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, and almond oil have anti-aging properties, too (via Verywell Health).
Oxidative stress accelerates the aging process, leading to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Natural oils, especially the ones listed above, are rich in phytosterols, vitamin E, and other antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. These compounds may also strengthen the skin barrier and protect against photodamage, which in turn may help prevent and reduce wrinkles (via Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity). Note that some oils can be applied directly to the skin, while others must be diluted before use.
Avocado protects against oxidative damage
Avocados are not just for guacamole. These creamy fruits nourish your skin while reducing wrinkles and fine lines, says dietitian and nutritionist Jessica Gust (via Elle). Rich in vitamins C and E, avocado protects your skin from oxidative stress and may delay aging. It's also an excellent source of lutein, an antioxidant that helps maintain skin elasticity.
The polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols in avocados may reduce skin inflammation and mitigate the effects of ultraviolet radiation, according to clinical evidence published in the Archives of Dermatological Research. Moreover, this fruit provides more than 2.7 grams of monounsaturated fat per ounce, plus large amounts of mega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Monounsaturated fats increase skin elasticity and may diminish the appearance of wrinkles (per the British Journal of Nutrition).
Make a habit out of eating this fruit to nourish your skin from the inside out. You can also mix half of an avocado with raw honey and yogurt and then apply it on your face and neck, suggests registered dietitian Maureen Eyerman (via Elle). Add oats to the mix for a gentle exfoliating effect. Leave the avocado mask on your face for 15 to 20 minutes to fully reap its benefits.
Massage your face for a more youthful appearance
When was the last time you got a facial massage? If you can't remember, it's time to do it more often. As it turns out, it might be one of the best home remedies for wrinkles. This centuries-old therapy can reduce puffiness, make your skin firmer, and increase blood flow. "More blood to the skin means more oxygen to the skin, and that blood flow also brings more nutrients," says skin care expert Sarah Chapman (via Vogue). Regular facial massages also stimulate collagen production, leading to a more youthful appearance.
Clinical evidence supports these claims. For example, a 2017 study featured in PLoS One found that facial massages can improve the appearance of wrinkles in just eight weeks. Subjects used a massage device along with an anti-aging cream. The massage amplified the cream's efficacy while reducing neck sagging and facial wrinkles. Another study reports that massaging the skin with a roller can increase blood flow to the target area (via Complementary Therapies in Medicine). The effects are immediate.
Chapman recommends using a jade roller or gua sha massage tool as part of your daily beauty routine. These devices stimulate circulation and may increase skin firmness. You can also massage the skin with your palms and fingers. "Pinching techniques are great to enhance circulation and bring life to the skin — you'll literally glow," medical aesthetician Candace Marino told HuffPost. She suggests using this technique for five to 10 minutes a day.