What Are Wrinkles?
Around the age of 30, our skin gradually starts to lose some of its natural support structure. The production of oils and proteins slows down, and fine lines begin to appear. These lines, often called wrinkles, are simply the result of the skin folding due to the natural decline in our skin proteins collagen and elastin, which are crucial for skin structure and elasticity. Therefore, it is essential to know how to get rid of wrinkles naturally as we age.
Our skin has three layers:
1. The epidermis (outermost)
2. The dermis (middle), and
3. The hypodermis (innermost)
Wrinkle formation is mostly thought to be linked with changes in the dermal layer of the skin and changes in the dermal–epidermal junction. As we age, these layers get affected, lose moisture, and become less elastic, not allowing the skin to stretch and return to its normal form.
A few natural home remedies for wrinkles are very effective in getting rid of them. On the other hand, lifestyle choices like the ones below lead to reduced collagen production and cause wrinkles.
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- Stress, and
- Sun exposure
Types of Wrinkles
1. Dynamic Wrinkles:
The contraction of muscles that are connected to the skin results in dynamic wrinkles. For example, when you smile or move your facial muscles, the skin on top is folded and relaxed.
These frequent movements cause dynamic wrinkles, which are mostly found between the eyebrows, on the forehead, and on the cheeks close to the outer corners of the eyes, also known as “crow’s feet.”
Dynamic wrinkles return to a normal state when the muscles are rested, but as we age, they become static wrinkles.
2. Static Wrinkles:
Long-term dynamic wrinkles and damage to the skin from the sun, smoking, or an unhealthy diet can result in static wrinkles. Unlike dynamic wrinkles, which are only visible during facial expressions, static wrinkles do not go away even when you rest your muscles.
3. Wrinkles Fold:
The further you age, your skin becomes less elastic. Skin folds from static wrinkles for an extended period turn into wrinkle folds. As your skin begins to sag at your jawline and affects the area between your cheek and chin, the lines between your nose and cheeks may deepen.
Stages of Wrinkles
1. Early ageing
- The majority of individuals have their initial symptoms in their mid-twenties. Most definitely in their 30s, many observe lines around their nose and mouth. At first, they might not be too troublesome, but they usually get deeper and more noticeable over time.
- Wrinkles are mostly in their early stages and are brought on by poor sleep quality, stress, and sun exposure, which causes reduced blood flow and harms the nutrition of skin cells.
- In one study, it has been concluded that poor diet and lifestyle choices are the reasons for aging faster and the causes of wrinkles at an earlier age.
2. Mid-Ageing
- It starts to produce fewer skin cells, collagen, and elastin in our 40s and 50s.
- Facial features like the jawline and cheekbones become less pronounced as a result of the skin losing volume.
- In our middle age period, collagen starts to decrease slowly as we age. It also weakens skin’s structure, reduces elastin fibers, and makes our skin dehydrated, which leads to the formation of fine lines.
3. Later years
- In our 60s, fine lines become more noticeable as our skin loses elasticity and moisture.
- Wrinkles and lines become deeper grooves and more numerous.
- In later years, our skin layer becomes thinner, and due to hormonal changes, collagen production drops, which results in sagging skin and deeper wrinkles. It is believed that at the ages of 50 and 60, our skin tends to lose moisture and elasticity. The loss of hydration makes skin drier and textured.
Natural Remedies for Wrinkles
Here are a few natural remedies to smoothen the skin and get rid of face wrinkles.
Use of Masks
1. Yogurt Mask:
Probiotics found in yogurt help prevent wrinkles. A study has concluded that probiotics have anti-aging properties, which prevent age-related issues and can also prevent wrinkles. Yogurt is a wonderful natural home remedy for wrinkles, as it hydrates and smoothens the skin.
Directions:
- Take ½ cup of natural yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey, and whisk it together to make a smooth, thick paste.
- Apply the paste on your face and leave it for 15 mins. Wash it with warm water.
2. Aloe Vera Mask:
Aloe vera is very well known for its many therapeutic benefits. It has a higher concentration of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant; it promotes collagen and keeps the skin cool and hydrated. Studies have proven that collagen supplements enhance skin elasticity and maintain skin hydration.
Directions:
- Cut the fresh leaf and slit it open, scrape out the gel
- Apply it on your face for 5-10 minutes and rinse it with water.
3. Avocado Mask:
Avocados are full of vitamins and antioxidants, which keep skin hydrated and help to build collagen. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which make skin smooth and less prone to wrinkles. According to the study, avocado consumption increases skin elasticity and firmness.
Directions:
- Take half an avocado and make a puree of it.
- Apply the puree; rinse after 20 minutes.
4. Papaya mask:
Papaya is full of enzymes that can tighten your skin’s top layer and lessen wrinkles.
Direction:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of papaya pulp with 1 tablespoon of oats.
- Apply the mixture and leave it on for 10 mins, then scrub it off with water.
Use of Natural Oils
1. Coconut Oil:
For giving the skin its elasticity back, coconut oil is very effective. It moisturizes skin. It provides sun protection as well. And also, coconut oil naturally illuminates the skin.
Directions: Apply it on the skin in a circular motion all over the face & body, like a gentle massage, before a bath.
2. Olive Oil:
Olive oil contains squalene and vitamin E, which help boost collagen in the skin. It also serves as a moisturizer.
Directions: Apply it on skin and massage it gently around wrinkles once every week.
Target areas: neck for lymphatic drainage for better blood circulation, jawline, chin, forehead, under-eye area, cheeks, lips, temple, and scalp. The use of facial tools such as gua sha stones or jade rollers can enhance the effectiveness of the facial massage.
By Maintaining A Proper Diet
Eat, sleep, and move for smoother skin. Add food to the routine, which provides vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are proven to have anti-aging properties and boost collagen production.
This assortment includes fruits such as oranges and pineapples. Antioxidants and other skin-benefiting foods like garlic, green tea, almonds, and seeds are also beneficial for maintaining smooth, healthy skin.
Eat fish such as salmon and fresh tuna, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which nourish the skin and help get rid of wrinkles.
“Embrace nourishment as your remedy, and let your treatment be found in food.”
By Facial Exercise
Face yoga is also one of the effective ways to get rid of wrinkles. You can achieve a smoother and firmer look by tightening the muscles under your skin with some exercise.
A study has concluded that facial exercise has an effect on skin and muscle strengthening. The facial exercise correlates with skincare and wrinkles. Exercising regularly will help stimulate the muscles, improve blood circulation, and prevent the formation of wrinkles.
Exercise for Wrinkles Around Eyes (Crow’s Feet Exercise)
By strengthening the muscles around the eyes, the eye focus exercise helps minimize wrinkles such as crow’s feet, resulting in a smoother, firmer skin surface. Here’s how to perform daily eye exercises:
Direction:
- Place your fingers gently on the outer corners of your eyes and lightly pull the skin toward your temples.
- While looking upwards, squeeze & release your lower eyelids 20 times— you should feel the muscles around your eyes tightening.
- Refer to the images above for a visual guide.
- Repeat this exercise twice a day for best results
This simple exercise helps tone the muscles around the eyes and may gradually reduce the appearance of crow’s feet.
Cheek Uplifter Exercise
The cheek-lifting facial exercise helps tone and lift sagging cheeks by strengthening the underlying muscles. It improves blood flow, adds definition, and gives your face a naturally youthful appearance.
Direction:
- Squeeze your lips together and smile as wide as you can. Feel your cheek muscles engage.
- Place your fingers gently on the edges of your lips just below your cheeks, and lift your cheeks slightly upwards to enhance the stretch.
- Hold the position for about 10 seconds, keeping the tension in your cheeks.
- Relax your face and return to normal.
- Repeat the exercise 10 times for a full round.
- Refer to the images above for a visual guide on how to perform this exercise.
Fish Face Exercise
By strengthening and tightening the cheek muscles, the Fish Face exercise could improve face firmness and lessen the depth of fine lines. This cheek facial exercise helps to reduce wrinkles, double chins, and folds in the nasal area. See the images below for guidance.
Direction:
- Sit comfortably, relax your shoulders, and maintain a straight posture to allow your facial muscles to engage properly.
- Pucker your lips and suck your cheeks inward, forming a “fish face.” Your lips should look like a pout, and your cheek muscles should feel tight.
- Try to hold the fish face for about 5–10 seconds. You should feel a stretch in your cheek and jaw muscles.
- Optional: if you’re comfortable, try smiling slightly while holding the fish face—it adds a little extra workout for your cheek muscles.
- Release the pose and bring your face back to a relaxed state.
- Perform this exercise 5–10 times, once or twice a day for best results.
- Refer to the images above for a visual guide.
Seasonal Skincare
Caring for your skin through the changing seasons means knowing how the weather affects it. Adapting the skin care routine according to the seasons will help to show the effect of the remedy faster.
During Summer:
Summer means hot weather and sun exposure, which leads to excessive sweating and dehydration, and wrinkles become more visible due to dry skin.
Care Tips:
- Apply cucumber slices on the face; it will give a cooling effect and will keep the skin hydrated and moistened as it possesses soothing properties.
- Aloe vera is excellent for calming sunburn and moisturizing the skin, so use aloe vera masks more in the hot season.
- Sun protection is important as it reduces wrinkles. Use sunscreen whenever you step out of the door with a minimum of SPF 30.
During Autumn
During autumn, the temperature begins to drop. It is a season of both cool and dry air. Skin may lose the moisture quickly, which leads to the formation of fine lines.
Care Tips:
- Use an avocado mask, as it is full of antioxidants; it will moisturize the skin and enhance elasticity, which can reduce the wrinkles.
- Olive oil is excellent for hydration. It can be applied on skin, and it is also full of healthy fats.
During Winter:
During winter, the skin may become drier because of cold, dry air. Cold and dry air can cause deep wrinkles as it dehydrates skin.
Care Tips:
- Coconut oil is ideal for winter as it moisturizes the skin deeply, keeps it hydrated, and prevents dry and wrinkled skin.
- Use a papaya-honey mask, as it will tighten and moisten the skin. Furthermore, it is full of enzymes, which will help to reduce wrinkles.
Things to Avoid for Preventing Wrinkles:
- Don’t smoke or overconsume alcohol, as they age skin faster.
- Hydration is the foundation of youthful skin—aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep your skin plump and radiant.
- On sunny days, apply sunscreen to your face, neck, and other areas.
Conclusion:
Wrinkles are inevitable because it is a natural process, but genetics can play a role in determining when and how they develop. Natural home remedies for wrinkles can offer a way to prevent early wrinkles, provide hydration, skin elasticity, and nourishment, but their results may vary by use.
Sun protection, proper diet, and applying natural remedies like yogurt, aloe vera face masks, and facial massaging with natural oils like coconut oil and olive oil can help minimize fine lines but cannot completely get rid of wrinkles. These treatments are helpful, but if the problem persists, see a dermatologist. Remember, the best option is to keep your skin healthy and protect it as is.
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself, with or without wrinkles.” – Coco Chanel
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can home remedies completely cure wrinkles?
Home remedies may not totally cure wrinkles, but they can help reduce them. Using it consistently may help to prevent wrinkles. Natural remedies can moisturize and nourish the skin, giving it a young look.
- Can I apply a vitamin E capsule directly on my skin?
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects skin. It helps to reduce fine lines by removing the damaged skin. It is safe and very effective if applied directly. However, we recommend applying it after conducting a skin test.
- How long does it take to show the effect of home remedies to get rid of wrinkles?
The results may vary based on the method of treatment and the individual’s skin type. Usually, with regular use, you can expect to see results within a few weeks, but more apparent outcomes may take 2–3 months.
- How frequently should I treat wrinkles at home?
Using the remedy twice a week, or one can also use it daily depending on the remedy. It can help you to experience effects with time. But continuity is important.
- Is it safe to use home remedies for treating wrinkles?
Although the majority of natural therapies are harmless, still certain components may irritate skin or trigger allergic responses. Therefore, it’s important to test the products by applying a patch to the skin and stop using them if you experience any irritation.