There they are. Wrinkles.

The sign we are aging.

Are you really going to consider the knife, lasers or chemical peels?

And, frankly… do they really help your appearance… only to return.

Perhaps you’ll allow good ‘ole Mother Nature to lend a hand.

She provides a number of things our skin may require. And many of them are hiding in plain site throughout our kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

When skin ages it loses its collagen. It’s the skin’s main tightening protein responsible for creating a smooth taut surface.

As it diminishes you are susceptible to the fine lines, sagging and hollowness that appear on the face. Unfortunately, the effects of aging on the dermal layer are significant.

While genes do play a role in the aging process, the actions you take can control many of the processes.

 1. Oils – Full of Antioxidants:

Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and can prevent the formation of free radicals that are one of the primary causes of early aging. It’s a natural skin-softening moisturizer and contains emollient which helps reduce wrinkles that have already developed.

Massage into your skin each night before bed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while you sleep.

Olive oil was first used over 5,000 years ago when it was extracted from the olive tree. Egyptians quickly adapted olive oil as a cosmetic product. It’s used more as a moisturizer because it’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and E that also help to fight the skin-damaging free radicals.

Take a tablespoon of olive oil and massage it gently into the skin twice a day. It also works to protect against sun damage and after exposure.

2. Superfoods:

Your skin is a combination of proteins, water and fats so it needs a nourishing and consistent food supply for replenishment.

Almonds pack skin-plumping and hydrating fats along with vitamin E, while a powerful antioxidant helps deter UV damage.

Blueberries have a very concentrated combination of antioxidants and collagen-protecting vitamin C.

Tomatoes are also packed with vitamin C, but they have the important component lycopene that protects skin from sun damage and improves the vascular system. That’s the stuff that will give you a natural glow through increased blood circulation.

3. Try a Banana Mask:

This healthy fruit good for more than just eating. Bananas also can be used as a creamy face mask.

Mash up one banana with a teaspoon of orange juice and a teaspoon of plain yogurt. Then, smooth onto your face and allow to remain for 15 to 20 minutes.

Vitamin A found in the banana mask will help to fade dark spots and blemishes.

Vitamin B will help prevent aging.

Potassium will help to moisturize and hydrate skin cells.

Vitamin E will help fight free radical damage and bolster the skin’s resistance to UV damage.

4. Topical Vitamin C:

In our youth, skin has an abundance of Vitamin C.

However, as skin ages it diminishes.

Nonetheless, it is still needed and plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy, resilient skin, according to the National Institutes of Health.

By replenishing your skin’s Vitamin C levels through exfoliating with topical vitamin C every morning or using a Vitamin C Serum, you can repair sun damage such as discoloration and fine lines.

 

5. Egg White Mask:

Mix together one egg white with a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and half a teaspoon of honey to reap the antiseptic and antibacterial benefits of honey along with the astringents in lemon juice used to fight off bacteria.

Those with oily skin will benefit from the powerful ingredients in egg whites as helps to tighten, tone and shrink pores — by reducing excess sebum.

6. Lemon Juice Honey Dab:

A simple remedy to reduce the appearance of wrinkles just before you head out the door is known as the “Honey Dab.”

Apply a thin layer of lemon juice mixed with honey on your face for 10 minutes to tighten skin.

Rinse, feel fresh and smell nice.

The honey contains humectant which preserves moisture in skin cells, while the lemon helps boost collagen production. Sweet!

7. Cucumber Yogurt Blend:

Puree half a cucumber with mint leaves.

Then, mix in half a cup of Greek yogurt and refrigerate.

Now, you can apply a cool, natural hydrating face mask.

Just one cucumber contains B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

It helps tighten, lighten, hydrate and tone the skin while, at the same time helps protect it from dryness, peeling and cracking.

The vitamins also will help to guard against inflammation and neutralize free radicals.

8. Aloe Vera:

The clear gel inside an aloe vera plant is full of vitamins and minerals. It has wound-healing and soothing effects when applied to the skin — especially after a day in the sum.

Having an aloe vera plant in your garden is convenient and less expensive than buying the gel by itself because the leaves regrow after they’re cut or removed from the base.

Sunburns are one of the quickest ways to damage and wrinkle skin, so applying gel can ease the healing process with its anti-inflammatory properties.

9. Massage:

Give yourself a massage with a do-it-yourself acupressure treatment.

Use your index and middle finger on one hand to massage 20 rotations between your brows.

Apply light pressure to each temple for 10 seconds and then to the jaw joint for another 10 seconds while clenching your teeth gently.

This light face massage will smooth skin and relax the muscles from making unnecessary micro-movements that cause wrinkles from tension and stress.

10. Get Some Sleep:

When it comes to your skin, sleep may be the closest thing there is to a fountain of youth.

While you snooze, your body goes into “repair mode” and helps all kinds physiological functions recover — including your skin.

The key is to get enough shut-eye — 7 to 9 quality hours each night.

If you’re getting fewer than 6 hours, it’s likely affecting your appearance most noticeable in your skin being pale, ashen or, in some cases inflamed.

Consistently getting a good night’s sleep will:

• • Result in fewer wrinkles
  • Increase a glowing complexion
  • Create brighter, less puffy eyes
  • Establish a healthier, happier appearance