Learning how to reverse the signs of aging is a highly coveted goal for anyone who's ever looked in the mirror and noticed their first fine line. But there's only one wrinkle in this plan: Aging is inevitable.
Thankfully, you can learn how to prevent wrinkles, making the fountain of youth seem like an attainable goal rather than a faraway fantasy. To help you get started, we tapped the insights of the skin experts for their best anti-aging secrets.
Get ready to drink up this information.
is it possible to prevent wrinkles?
First, you need to know what causes wrinkles in the first place. "It is primarily the result of skin aging superimposed with muscle activity," explains Dr. Alain Michon, Medical Director at the Ottawa Skin Clinic.
While aging is inevitable, some form of wrinkle prevention is possible. You can help stop time in its tracks withwhatMalini Rowler MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology, calls the "Trifecta of Youth."
This includes religiously following these three skincare keys: sun protection, using a retinoic acid and neurotoxins aka botox. Dr. Rowler explains that even a small amount of the latter can prevent fine and deep wrinkles.
Does moisturizing prevent wrinkles?
While there are certainly benefits to moisturizing — it leaves the skin soft, supple and plump— it doesn't prevent wrinkles. Instead, it leaves wrinkles less noticeable through hydrating and nourishing the skin, explains Dr.Michon.
NYC-based dermatologist,Dr. Joshua Zeichner, agrees: "Topical treatments like moisturizers can help hydrate the outer skin layer to plump the skin and minimize the appearance of wrinkles."
When should you start preventing wrinkles?
The sooner you start taking care of your skin, the better. "To keep your skin looking firm, you may want to start incorporating anti-aging products into your daily routine at an early age to help your skin in the long run," says Dr. Michon.
Avoiding too much sun exposure is a lifelong habit you should have started when you were young. Things like botox, on the other hand, typically shouldn't be started until someone is in their mid-20s, according to Dr. Rowler.
What foods prevent wrinkles?
The saying is true: You are what you eat. When radiant, younger-looking skin is what you’re craving, these are the foods you should stock up on:**
Chia seeds:"Omega 3 fatty acids help contribute to the skin barrier function," says NYC-based dermatologist,Dr. Hadley King. "Eating these healthy fats helps to support the skin barrier." She also recommends other nuts and seeds that are rich in omega 3s.**
Berries: Here's something sweet about them: The antioxidants in berries fight against the free radicals your skin doesn't want (pollution, alcohol, ultraviolet radiation), explains Dr. Rowler. Find similar benefits withgreen tea and garlic.**
Tomatoes:Whether you consider tomatoes a fruit or a vegetable, one thing is true: They result in better skin. "Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and increasing dietary levels of lycopene," says Dr. King. "This helps to ensure the presence of this potent antioxidant in the skin where it can protect from sun damage and make the skin smoother."**
Want the skinny on what foods to avoid?Eileen Donoghue, Co-Founder of Sond Skin, emphasizes the importance of minimal sugar in your diet. "High consumptions of sugar can lead to inflammation which results in the collagen binding that leads to our skin appearing stiff."**
How can I stop my face from aging?
It’s the age-old question: How can I stop my face from aging? But this beauty quandary doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply start with the advice you’ve been given since you were a kid: Wear your sunscreen.
"The single best way to minimize skin aging is to wear sunscreen on a daily basis. UV light exposure has been shown to lead to both premature aging, as well as skin cancers," says Dr. Zeichner. "The 30 seconds a day that it takes to apply sunscreen can take years off of your face in the end."
Next is avoiding the lifestyle habits that contribute to aging skin. According to Donaghue, this includessmoking, excessive dietary sugar intake, alcohol and even making repetitive facial expressions.** "These all are factors that will influence how quickly someone will develop wrinkles," she says.
If you wanted to go the treatment route, there’s no shame in this—and no shortage of options. "This typically starts withneuromodulator injections to address fine lines and wrinkles caused by the movements of the muscles of facial expression, according to Dr. King. She adds that dermal filler injections can be used to help replace lost volume and collagen.
You can increase your daily collagen intake withVital Proteins®. Help promote a youthful appearance with best-selling products, like Collagen Peptides and Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen®.**
At-home beauty gadgets are another option. "There are also devices that use lasers, ultrasound or radio frequency to resurface or tighten the skin and stimulate collagen," says Dr. King.
