7 Scientifically-Proven Ways To Reduce Wrinkles

Wrinkles, like death and taxes, are an unwanted certainty for just about everyone on the planet.

Yet despite the inevitability of wrinkles and fine lines, there are some things you can do to reduce and/or delay the appearance of these wrinkles.

And the good news is many of these things can be done very inexpensively and many from the comfort of your own home.

Before we get to the things you can do, let’s take a brief second to explain just what exactly wrinkles are…

Wrinkles are simply creases in the skin that occur when collagen and elastin break down over time due to age, use, UV exposure and smoking.

Collagen and elastin are connective tissue found within your skin.  As these two are weakened, your skin loses strength and flexibility…

And once that happens, skin begins to sag thus causing wrinkles to form.

While some of this process is natural and determined by genetics and age, it is possible to delay this effect quite a while if you follow a few steps.

Most of these wrinkle-busting ideas have to do with rebuilding and strengthening collagen and elastin.

The longer you protect these, the better off you’ll be in keeping wrinkles at bay!

So without further ado, here are 7 proven things you can do to ward off the effects of wrinkling.

1.  Use sunscreen everyday and try to stay out of the sun

Over the last few years, there’s been a  ton of studies done showing the damaging effects of sunlight on the skin.

UV radiation penetrates deep into the skin and really breaks down collagen.

For proof of this you can see yourself, take a look at anyone who’s spent too much time in the sun or tanning beds when they were young.

These people tend to have extremely wrinkled and weathered skin.

Keep in mind that this tip is far and away the most important thing you can do to protect your skin from premature aging and wrinkles.

If you ask any dermatologist or doctor about this, they’ll tell you the exact same thing.

It’s that important!

2.  Use a wrinkle cream containing retinol as soon as possible

We’re a little biased on this one, but there’s been decades of clinical studies that show retinol is a miracle ingredient when it comes to the skin.

In addition to stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, retinol also increases cell turnover, fades pigmentation, shrinks pores and retexturizes the skin.

It’s simply one of the best products you can use for your face.

So when should you start using a retinol cream?

Most dermatologists will tell you as soon as you start to see any signs of aging, which usually starts in the late 20s to early 30s.

3.  Start exfoliating on a regular basis

This is a well-kept secret to beautiful skin that’s starting to get out…

Exfoliation is a process that helps remove dead skin cells on top of your skin and allows newer, fresher cells to replace them.

This skin cell turnover is extremely important to your skin and unfortunately begins to slow as we age.

That’s why it’s absolutely critical to exfoliate and get your skin creating new collagen and elastin as quickly as possible.

Exfoliators for your face and body are available online, at department stores, drugstores, beauty salons, and just about anywhere skin care products are sold.

4.  Stop smoking immediately (if you haven’t already)

By now, you probably shouldn’t need any more reasons to stop smoking (you know, with the whole lung cancer and death side effects).

But just in case you still haven’t got the message, know that smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your skin.

In addition to all the horrible things it does to your body, it also breaks down collagen.  Which is why smokers tend to have some of the worst wrinkles (and skin) of anyone you’ll ever meet.

Let’s keep this simple– just stay away from smoking!

5.  Try to avoid or reduce your sugar intake

There’s been a lot of research lately that equates heavy sugar intake with premature aging and wrinkly skin.

Although too technical to go into detail about, know that sugar causes a process called glycation that creates AGEs (advanced glycation end products) in your body.

These AGEs have been associated with degrading collagen and causing premature aging.

Although it’s difficult nowadays to completely eliminate sugar, your body (and skin) will thank you if you do.

6.  Try upping your Vitamin C levels

This one comes from a study published in the American Journal of Nutrition that discovered that women over the age of 40 with the highest amounts of vitamin C in their diets were less likely to develop wrinkles (than those with the lowest levels).

It’s now known that vitamin C is an important building block to creating and repairing collagen.

So if you want less wrinkles, try to eat more foods with vitamin C in them and consider the use of vitamin c supplements.

7.  Stimulate lymph glands by getting massages and exercising more

While there haven’t been a ton of studies on this, empirical evidence seems to suggest that exercise and massage is very good for your skin.

Whether it’s increasing blood flow, strengthening the heart and circulatory system or stimulating the lymph glands, exercise is extremely beneficial for your skin and body.

For maximum benefit, try to incorporate both cardiovascular training (walking, treadmill, running, etc) and strength training (weights, resistance, etc).

Ok  you’re ready to start fighting wrinkles, now it’s time to get started…

Obviously, the more of these 7 steps you can follow the better.

But even adding one or two will help immensely in warding off wrinkles and minimizing the ones you may already have.

Start by using sunscreen every day and exfoliating at least once in the morning.

Then add a retinol wrinkle cream at night and add a little more vitamin C to your diet.

Finally, be sure to exercise more and eat less sugar.

Before you know it, your skin will be looking more radiant and beautiful with less wrinkling and fine lines.