First it’s a little frown line (aka a ‘frinkle’), next thing
you know, a whole colony of wrinkles are camped out around your eyes. Well
don’t you fret, help is at hand.
When we’re young, our skin does a great job of stretching
and holding in moisture because the dermis (the middle layer of the skin)
contains fibres called elastin, which give it an elastic quality that keeps the
skin looking and feeling smooth. At the same time, collagen – a protein in the
dermis – ensures that skin is plump. But sadly, as we get older, the dermis
loses both elastin and collagen, resulting in thinner skin that struggles to
get enough moisture to the epidermis (the visible, surface layer of skin). Add
to this the fact that the fat in the subcutaneous layer (which gives skin a
plump appearance) also begins to disappear, and you get a sagging epidermis –
which results in wrinkles as we know them.
4 frinkle factors
Steps
While wrinkles are a part of the natural ageing process,
there are a number of things that contribute to their formation at a specific
age:
1. Genetics
Look at how your mother has aged. Chances are you’ll age in
a similar manner.
2. Sun
exposure
A key environmental cause of ageing that is preventable. And
remember, sun beds not only cause wrinkles, but skin cancer too!
3. Smooking
Nicotine depletes oxygen and nutrients in the skin while
breaking down collagen in the dermis.
4. Facial
expressions
The areas of the face that contract as you form different
facial expressions (around eyes, mouth, and across the forehead) are those
areas where wrinkles are most likely to form.
While there are highly effective dermatologist-offered
options such as Botox, peels and lasers, time and budget can be restrictive. In
these cases, there are some at-home remedies that are remarkably powerful,
offering fantastic, visible results. Here are the top at-home ways to say ‘So
long, suckers!’ to those wrinkles…
Retinol
Neutrogena Ageless
Intensives Deep Wrinkle Moisture Night
Retinol smoothes the skin by speeding up cell turnover and
collagen production. This ingredient is one of the most effective anti-ageing
ingredients on the market. It takes at least six weeks to see the effects on
your skin, though.
Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Moisture Night is
an intense blend of retinol and hyaluronic acid that smoothes and plumps skin.
Peptides
Peptides smooth the skin and encourage collagen growth, and
can be used in conjunction with retinol for more powerful results. Peptides
during the day and retinol at night is a winning formula.
Derma Fix Tetra Peptides Collagen Conformer accelerates the
restructuring of the dermis, resulting in an immediate tightening effect.
Sunscreen
Clinique Super
City Block Oil-Free Face Protector SPF 40
Nothing ages skin quicker than the sun. a minimum of SPF 25
used every day, in any weather, is advisable for South Africa’s climate. Double
your protection by using foundation with a built-in SPF.
Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Face Protector SPF 40 offers
lightweight protection and is suitable for use around the eye area.
Sleep on your back
By sleeping on your stomach, you’re essentially creating
wrinkles by crushing your face into a pillow! Flip over for quick results.
Antioxidants
Perricone
Acyl-Glutathione 30ml
These little helpers protect skin from free radicals during
the day. Layer them underneath your moisturiser or sunscreen for maximum
effect. Antioxcidants also repair your skin while you sleep, though some – like
vitamin C – can be irritating if used at the same time as retinol.
Perricone Acyl-Glutathione 30ml addresses all the signs of
ageing and completely restores the skin.
