As we all know, healthy skin has an even and smooth epidermis/external layer that acts as a protective barrier against the environmental agents and water. While, Wrinkled skin has a creased, freckled and ridged appearance. The elements such as Collagen (facilitates firmness to the skin), Elastin (facilitates elasticity and rebounding to the skin) and Glycosaminoglycans (provides the skin with necessary hydration) are all at appropriate levels in a healthy skin. So how does a healthy skin develop freckles or wrinkles? The underlying reasons could be multiple combination of factors such as ‘intrinsic aging’ and ‘extrinsic aging’.
Intrinsic aging occurs as a result of natural and inevitable factors. After the 20’s, the production of collagen in the skin reduces by 1% every year. Also, the minimized functioning of oil and sweat glands cause less production of Elastin and Glycosaminoglycans. Thus, as people get older, the skin loses its elasticity. And it becomes thin, dry, fragile with more susceptibility to external damages. Also, ‘genetics’ play an important role in determining the age of the skin or the ability to produce collagen and elastin required for resistance against the wrinkles. These can make the skin appear old, wrinkly and creased.
Extrinsic aging can occur due to the external factors such as sun exposure (photo-aging), regular tobacco or alcohol consumption, pollutants, busy lifestyle, inadequate diet, improper sleep, dehydration, use of harsh chemical-based cosmetics, certain medications and pre-stages of cancer. These factors in lone or in unison can make the skin appear rough, uneven, thin, brown and wrinkled. As one notices these wrinkles and freckles, it is always better to opt for natural remedies, rather than cosmetic creams/gels composed of harsh chemicals and expensive Botox treatments and painful surgical procedures!
There are many effective home remedies approved by experts, that offer efficient measures to prevent wrinkles:
Oils:
Application of various carrier and essential oils in specific combinations have proven to be effective in preventing and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Coconut oil, derived from the coconut fruit of the coconut tree (Cocos Nucifera) belonging to the palm family genre (Aceraceae) has many medicinal properties beneficial for the skin. This oil has abundance of antioxidants, which inhibits the development of free radicals, that are one of the key reasons of premature aging. It is naturally occurring skin-softener and emollient, which helps prevent as well as reduce existing wrinkles.
Massaging lukewarm coconut oil onto the skin as a singular ingredient routinely before bedtime gives firmness to the skin and natural face-lift, thus offering an effective therapy in reducing wrinkles. However, to attain maximum results, use of VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil) is recommended. As VCO is extracted by natural or manual methods, without causing any adulteration to the oil such as addition of chemicals, artificial flavours or bleaching agents
Olive Oil
It is extracted from the Olives and is native to the Mediterranean continent. The oil has nutritional value in abundance and many therapeutic properties beneficial for the skin and hair. Olive oil increases the oxygen flow to the skin, as oxygen flow facilitates the production of collagen. Lack of collagen, makes the skin look saggy and dull, causing it to wrinkle. The oil is also an excellent source of antioxidants, that work against the free radicals, preventing the process of early aging. As it contains lot of Vitamins (such as A, D, E & K) and has moisturising properties, it is a natural skin softener, packed with many skin improving agents.
Skin experts recommend the use of extra-Virgin/cold-pressed Olive oil to get maximum results. Massaging few drops of the oil onto the skin before bedtime is a great natural therapy to make the skin supple and cure wrinkles. Also, research studies have claimed that application of Olive oil to the skin after exposure to the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun, can significantly reduce the formation of cancer promoting cells. It also helps to prevent the elastin fibres from getting damaged. Thus, Olive Oil is a great all in one solution to fight off wrinkled skin.
Argan Oil
popularly termed as ‘Liquid Gold’ has miraculous properties, that provide numerous benefits for the skin as well as hairs. Argan oil is exclusively native to Morocco and extracted from the kernels of the argan tree. Moroccan women have been long using this oil for its several skin-healing properties. Argan oil contains lot of monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and Vitamin E, thus giving it moisturising and hydrating properties. The composition of these ingredients enables to prevent the damage caused due to oxidation and resultant formation of free radicals.
This could be either due to prolonged exposure to Ultra Violet (UV) radiations or lack of collagen production associated with aging. As per research studies, oral consumption and topical application of Argan oil have led to improvements in skin elasticity at considerable levels. Either massaging few drops of pure Argan oil or taking it in the form of supplements is an effective anti-aging therapy in treating wrinkles, so as to make the skin look youthful. However, individuals with nut allergy can have certain side-effects and should first do a patch test before applying it onto the skin. Also, oral form can cause many contrast effects, thus making it unsafe for consumption.
Many other essential oils such as Lemon, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Pomegranate, Lavender, Carrot seed, Ylang ylang, Rosemary, Frankincense and Rosehip too have many skin-benefiting properties that help in reducing wrinkles. However, essential oils should be diluted with other carrier oils (such as Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Avocado oil etc) and should not be directly applied onto the skin. The NAHA (National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy) recommends the use of essential oils in the following ways:
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3 to 6 drops of the above-mentioned essential oils in an ounce of Carrier Oil for Sensitive Skin.
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6 to 15 drops of the above-mentioned essential oils in an ounce of Carrier Oil for Normal Skin.
However, a patch test should be done 24 hours before application and if any irritation occurs, it could be a sign of allergic reaction and the use should be discontinued.
Banana mask:
Banana fruit is a rich source of potassium and fiber. Apart from the edible benefits, banana masks are known for its innumerable home remedies related to skin-problems. Bananas have abundance of antioxidants, phytochemicals, Vitamins (A, B6 and C), Potassium that help in improving the overall skin health. Silica, one of the key ingredients found in Bananas, helps in producing Collagen. Thus, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and saggy skin caused due to aging. Potassium found in Bananas keep the skin moisturized and phytochemicals also help in preventing photo-aging and age-spots caused due to sun exposure.
Skin experts recommend applying Banana mask by mashing the ripe bananas to create a paste. The paste can be applied directly onto the skin, allowing it to leave for 15-20 minutes and then washing it off with luke-warm water. However, a patch test has to be done prior to its application onto the face. If it causes any irritation/allergic reaction, use should be discontinued.
Copper-oxide/ silk pillow covers:
Sleeping on pillow-covers infused with micro-scopic copper particles facilitate the production of collagen, improving skin elasticity and making the skin look smooth by reducing wrinkles/fine lines. Since the Ancient Egyptian era, copper has been known and used for its skin-healing and anti-microbial properties. Even, NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has tested and approved the benefits of copper technology in skin healing.
Silk pillow-cases are also gentle and mild on the skin, as it does not cause friction. Thus, preventing the dermis from any abrasion. The fabric does not trap/absorb moisture and helps to retain moisture in the skin. Thus, helping to prevent creases and wrinkles from forming.
Aloe vera:
Aloe vera is a cactus, containing pulp in its leaves, which has many miraculous dermatological properties. The pulp can be applied topically as well as consumed orally in gel/tablet form. As per the research studies, Aloe Vera contain Sterols. Sterols are the molecules that facilitate hyaluronic acid and collagen production, that help in maintaining the skin elasticity and moisture. Also, it contains 18 amino acids and Vitamins (B1, B3, B6 and C) that work against the free radicals. Thus, enabling to reduce the fine lines and wrinkles.
There are many Aloe vera gels/oral supplements available in the market. However, if there are Aloe Vera plantations around, fresh pulp can be extracted from the leaves and applied onto the skin. The extracted pulp/gel should be applied on a clean face, leaving it for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinsing it off with cold water. This routine can be repeated once everyday to get maximum results.
However, before applying the gel directly onto the face, a patch test should be done. If there is any irritation or allergic reaction, the use should be discontinued.
Application of Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is essentially derived either through diet/supplements. The fruits rich in citic acid are a good source of Vitamin C. Skin experts have emphasized, on how it is a vital nutrient in repairing damaged skin and production of enzymes. Vitamin C contains anti-oxidants, that help prevent photo-aging. Also, it helps in the production of Collagen, enabling to thicken the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles.
Derma experts claim that topical application of Vitamin C onto the skin is 20 times as effective than oral consumption. Apart from Vitamin C rich diet, one can apply the good quality Vitamin C serums onto the skin as daily regime and it can work wonders to reduce the appearance of wrinkled skin.
Egg white:
Eggs, are generally effective for overall health. Egg whites, a thick transparent liquid found inside the shell of an egg is particularly effective in treating wrinkles. It is a rich source of proteins and Vitamins (B, E) and helps in the production of Collagen. It can help in reducing the appearance of fine lines to a certain extent. For applying it on the skin, egg whites can be whipped in a bowl and then applied onto the skin. The layer can be allowed to sit on the skin for 15 minutes and then rinsed off with warm water. However, a patch test is recommended before applying it onto the face.
Honey:
Honey is packed with many skin-friendly agents. Honey is a natural moisturiser, rich in anti-oxidants. Due to the presence of enzymes, Honey deeply conditions and softens the skin. It also helps in reducing and preventing wrinkles due to its anti-oxidising properties. Applying honey as a face-mask regularly on the skin can help in preventing aged skin, giving a radiant and youthful look. However, to attain effective results, the key lies in using raw organic Honey free from chemical processing/heating.
Carrot mask:
Carrots are rich source of Vitamin A, C and anti-oxidants. Apart from daily consumption, topical application of mashed carrot paste helps in improving the skin texture. Thus, regularly applying Carrot mask onto the face can help in facilitating collagen production and minimizing wrinkles/fine lines.
Pro-Biotics:
Since ages, consumption of Pro-biotics (such as Yogurt) has been known for promoting a healthy eco-system, by maintain good bacteria and yeast (microflora). Thus, it prevents the toxins from getting re-absorbed in the blood, facilitating better absorption of other essential nutrients (Vitamins and Minerals), that help maintain healthy skin. The topical application of Pro-biotics also helps in retaining moisture. And, presence of Lactic acid helps in minimizing the wrinkled appearance giving the skin a firmer look.
Fruits and Veggies:
Nothing can promote a healthy skin, then a proper diet rich in vegetables and fruits, which contain essential nutrients (vitamins and minerals). As per the research studies, older people with healthy eating habits had lesser wrinkles over the ones who ate meat and junk food. Foods containing more sugar, processed carbohydrates and meat can damage the collagen in the skin, giving rise to wrinkles.
Water:
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is key to a healthy skin. It not only washes out the toxins that causes wrinkles, but also maintains the moisture and elasticity in the skin. Lack of water, can cause dehydration making the skin look dull and dry. Inadequate consumption of water, can cause damage to the cells, thus making the skin more susceptible to the formation of creases/wrinkles. Two litre of water consumption is recommended by the experts to maintain healthy skin.
Try all these natural remedies to get a youthful, healthy skin and say Goodbye to Wrinkles!!
Sirisha B