If we want less wrinkles, we need to start as early in life as possible. What do we need to do? There are a number of important things, but probably the most important is to avoid overexposure to the sun.
Sunlight is composed of invisible and visible light. Ultraviolet light, which is present even on a cloudy day, causes increased production and activity of tiny molecules natural present in the skin’s cells. Those molecules are called free radicals.
When free radical molecules get excited, they start to damage the cellular membranes and the fibers responsible for the skin’s elasticity. For a while, there are enough antioxidants in the cells to prevent damage, but as time goes by, the skin’s antioxidant content becomes depleted. The free radicals have their way and tiny amounts of molecular damage begin. Eventually, the damage adds up and becomes visible. We start to see fine lines.
So, if we want less wrinkles, we need to use caution when we are in the sun. Wearing a hat with a wide brim is a good. Using sunglasses is also helpful. Wearing a sun-block containing zinc oxide is a safe and effective choice, but other sun-screening compounds are not that effective.
Other things can cause free radical damage, too. People that smoke have more wrinkling early on in life, because cigarette smoke is a toxin. Free radicals respond to environmental toxins in the same way that they respond to UV light from the sun. People that live in areas with a lot of air pollution tend to have more wrinkling, too.
But, we can’t live in a closet or a bubble. It’s good to get outside, even if there are some risks. If we can improve the skin’s antioxidant content, then we will have less wrinkles, as time goes by. The question is how to do that.
Eating more anti-oxidant rich foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains is one way. Taking a good daily multi-vitamin that includes beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C and other antioxidants is a good choice, too. But, antioxidants can be applied directly.
Everyone should use a good moisturizer every day after showering. Tap water and cleansers strip the skin of its naturally protective oils. We can replenish those oils while increasing the skin’s antioxidant content at the same time.
If you want less wrinkles today and tomorrow, you need to look for a moisturizer that contains grape seed oil, kelp extracts, coenzyme Q10, natural vitamin E, the protein keratin and other all-natural ingredients. You do not want to use a moisturizer that contains petroleum-based oils. Those include mineral oil, petrolatum and paraffin.
Petroleum-based oils cause greasiness and clog the pores. They are not compatible with the skin’s natural oils, so they are not actually moisturizing. Cosmetic companies include them simply because they are cheap.
Grape seed oil is highly compatible with human skin. It is quickly and readily absorbed. It is particularly effective for repairing the delicate area around the eyes. There are other ways to have less wrinkles, but the value of a good moisturizer cannot be overstated.
