48) HOW TO REDUCE OR PREVENT WRINKLES.

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Do you notice crease lines have suddenly formed on your forehead or the corners of your eyes or that your skin has become darker by two tones? This did not happen overnight. Over the years, we have been exposing our skin to factors that contribute or accelerate the ageing process. Personally, I want to delay the onset of wrinkles as early as possible. I would not want my face to end up looking like an elephant's hide before I turn 60!

Sunlight

We have sunlight the whole year round and it gets especially hot and humid beginning from the month of March to July . Therefore, we have to protect our skin from too much heat exposure as the sun can cause premature ageing.

• If you have to stay out in the sun, wear sunblock and a wide brimmed hat or carry an umbrella to protect your face.
• Wear clothing that covers exposed areas of your body. 
• Avoid going out between 12 noon and 5 pm in the evening when the sun is at it's hottest.
• Any sunlight exposure before 10 am is beneficial for your skin as it needs sunlight to process vitamin D.

Air Conditioning

We tend to stay indoors with the air conditioning on full blast. From the car to the workplace and back home and when we go to bed. We are constantly exposed to dry air every day. No doubt, we feel cool and comfortable but our skin will end up being very dry. 

• Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to re-hydrate your internal organs. Water will help to optimize detoxifying functions such as removing toxins and  fight free radical build up in the body. This may prevent them from attacking or mutating our cells.
• Regularly apply body lotion onto your arms and legs. This will lock in the moisture and prevents further dryness. 

I always keep a small bottle of body lotion in my handbag when I travel. I also keep a big bottle in the bathroom so that I can apply lotion on my entire body straight after a shower Before I sleep, I will apply lotion on my hands, arms, legs and feet. When I am in the  living room watching television or after meals I will reapply the lotion, because after washing up, hands will feel dry due to the use of dish washing products and soap.

Smoking

Smoking deprives our blood of oxygen that is vital for metabolism and healthy cells. When the cell has insufficient oxygen, it will shrink and our skin will easily sag and wrinkle. Smoking not only affect our cells but it can cause collagen and calcium loss. Collagen are the building blocks under our skin which keep it firm, supple and young and calcium is required for healthy bones. Constantly pursing your lips to take a puff will also cause wrinkles to form around the mouth.

• The only solution is to quit smoking.

Eat foods that has high antioxidant properties  

Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system and protect your digestive system and liver from toxins and free radical build up.

Read, "How to detox safely".

Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses when you go out in the sun not only protects the delicate skin around the eyes but it also prevent you from squinting which will also cause wrinkles.

Sleep Position(Read Sleeping Position)

Sleeping on your back will keep the wrinkles at bay as opposed to sleeping on your side or stomach.

Controlling your facial expressions

My youngest son would lift his eyebrows in an expressive manner when he speaks. This has cause lines to form and he is only 18 years old. The more animated your facial expressions are, the more creases will form and over time, the creases will deepen to become permanent wrinkles. 

• Try not to frown
• Don't raise your eyebrows
• Don't squint

All the above steps may not totally stop signs of  wrinkles but to slow it down or become pronounced.

However, don't stop smiling or laughing.  A genuine smile may cause crow's feet around your eyes, but in the long run, feeling happy is more important for your health than to worry about a few lines on your face. Moreover, if you have been diligently applying moisturizer to your face, fine lines will not be an issue. I confidently say this because I have a living proof in my mother who is over 70 years old and she is a faithful user of facial lotion from the time she turned 30. She can easily pass off as a woman in her fifties. I kid you not. Here's a picture of my mom.

My next topic for discussion is, "How to look younger?".

You may also like to read:
21) HOW TO DETOX SAFELY.
24) HOW LAUGHING IS HEALTHY.
25) IS IT HEALTHY TO VENT?
44) SLEEPING POSITIONS

47) WHY DO WE GET WRINKLES?

MY ART CORNER

Thanks for looking and taking the time to read my blog. I welcome your feedback or sharing in relation to   today's topic.


Until my next post, "Here's to your health!".