Unfortunately for us humans, part of aging involves getting wrinkles and though we’re all for embracing old age with grace, that doesn’t mean you have to love every single wrinkle that appears on your face. With that being said, there are steps you can take with your daily skincare routine to help reduce fine lines and prevent wrinkles.
First things first, lets examine how wrinkles are formed. Our skin has three layers: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (see image). The epidermis consists of hardened skin cells that protect our body, while the dermis holds collagen and is therefore responsible for our skin’s elasticity. The innermost layer, the hypodermis, consists of mainly fats. Wrinkles form in the first two outer layers- the epidermis and the dermis. Our skin begins to thin and lost its ability to hold moisture, creating fine lines. The collagen in the dermis then begins to deteriorate, making it unable to support the skin, leading to the creases and lines we call wrinkles!
Now that you know how those pesky wrinkles end up on your face, there are steps to be taken in order to help your skin prevent losing its ability to hold moisture and therefore prevent wrinkles.
Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme, $56.00
1. HYDRATE
Everyone knows by now the importance of hydration. But that goes further than just drinking your daily water intake- your skin needs some extra attention, especially in this dry Colorado weather! Make sure to hydrate skin with a moisturizer that doesn’t only sit on top of the epidermis but seeps into the inner layers and has the technology to prevent epidermal water loss. One of our favorites moisturizer to use at night, and which is loaded with potent antioxidants like Vitamin A, C, and E and hyaluronic acid (which, as we mentioned in our previous post, is a must-have ingredient in skin care products) is Image’s Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme. This ultra-hydrating antioxidant night cream will nourish and protect skin daily for ultimate anti-aging, wrinkle prevention benefits!
Prevention Plus Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF30, $35.00
2. WEAR SPF DAILY
We know you’re probably tired of hearing about the importance of sunscreen… but we have to tell you, one more time, how important it is to use sunscreen on a daily basis, especially when the talk is preventing wrinkles. Did you know that 95% of wrinkles are due to unprotected sun exposure? With the variety of 2-in-1 products available on the market today that offer both skin perfecting coverage and sun protection, you have no excuse to skimp out on your daily SPF. We are big, BIG fans of Image’s Prevention Plus Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF30 which offers a subtle tint to cover imperfections that magically blends in all skin tones (seriously. We all wear it here at Barris, and we all have very different skin tones). Another great way to sneak in that SPF into your beauty routine is to switch your foundation for Image’s I Conceal Flawless Foundation ($59.90), which also offers a 30 factor SPF and works double-duty as a skin perfector and healing balm.
The MAX Stem Cell Serum, $93.50
3. INTRODUCE ANTIOXIDANTS & FATTY ACIDS TO YOUR DIET & SKINCARE ROUTINE
Antioxidants, like water, do wonders from inside the body and on the skin. Antioxidants like those in avocados, pomegranates, and green tea in particular, are wonderful in helping repair damages skin, while Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements help keep your skin moisturized. Looking for a product that can also give your skin the same benefits, from the inside out? We recommend using Image’s The MAX Stem Cell Serum both day and night. This serum is formulated with nutripeptides, which creates the appearance of plump, firm skin, as well as stem cell technology to promote healthy skin cells. It is literally a serum to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and other signs of aging. Other ingredients worth mentioning are 3 super antioxidants: Vitamin C, Centella Asiatica extract and Echinacea extract (both natural botanicals that firm skin), and of course, Green Tea extract to prevent DNA damage.
4. CUT DOWN ON ALCOHOL AND QUIT SMOKING
Smoking damages many parts of your body, including the skin, by slowing the flow of oxygen. Alcohol, on the other hand, can leave your body and skin dehydrated, leaving it vulnerable to the fine lines/wrinkle forming process discussed above.
6. DON’T SKIMP ON SLEEP
When you sleep, that’s the time your skin has time to recuperate from everything it went through that day. Sleeping can therefore add longevity to the collagen in your dermis and keep those fine lines and wrinkles at bay. For best results and to avoid pressure on your skin, sleep on your back.