Reducing Wrinkles Naturally with Diet, Herbs and Skin Care

Why Wrinkles?

Wrinkles and thinner, less supple skin are some of the inevitable effects of the aging process. Because of years of exposure to UV rays from the sun and to toxins in the environment, skin cells become overloaded with waste, blood circulation is inhibited, and an increasing amount of cell damaging free radicals are produced. This, in addition to decreased nutrient stores and the body’s diminishing ability to efficiently absorb some vitamins and minerals, and the body has less nourishing nutrients and protective antioxidants to combat this process. The result — thinner, drier, less elastic skin and the formation of wrinkles.

While aging will happen it is possible to have some control over your body. Addressing your diet, detoxing and nourishing with herbs, practicing good skin care habits, and making healthy lifestyle choices are four important methods for reducing wrinkles naturally. Consider these tips to improve the well-being of your skin and slow the effects of aging.

Diet and Nutrition

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The first and most important factor for healthy skin is diet. To help reduce and prevent the formation of wrinkles make sure you are eating a nutrient-rich, high-fiber, low-fat diet. This means eating raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains on a daily basis. There is no one food that will stop wrinkles, but rather a variety of these foods will provide a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for the skin to thrive. These foods will also supply fiber, which will help to routinely eliminate toxins from the body.

Consume fish and vegetable protein regularly and leave red meats and heavy dairy products for occasional consumption. Essential fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish, nuts, beans, seeds, and vegetable oils, are very important for helping the skin retain moisture and suppleness. You may even consider supplementing with a nutritional oil such as flax seed or black currant seed oil.

Drink eight glasses of clean water a day. Plenty of water is important for hydrating the skin and for flushing out toxins.

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Herbal Teas

Drinking herbal teas can be helpful for reducing wrinkles as well. Oatstraw, horsetail, and nettles are all valuable herbs for providing important nutrients. Drinking infusions made from these plants regularly will supply bioavailable doses of important nutrients for the skin, such as vitamin C, silica, and carotenes. Dandelion, burdock root, and bogbean are good cleansing herbs. Regular use of these herbs will help support the body’s natural detoxification processes, constantly eliminating toxins and preventing an accumulation in cells.

To make an herbal tea steep two teaspoons of dried herbs in one cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Drink up to three cups a day. Try blending oatstraw with horsetail, nettles with dandelion, and bogbean with burdock root. Alternate between the different herbal infusions for best results.

Healthy Skin Care for Wrinkles

Good skin care habits include cleansing, toning and moisturizing your skin regularly. Using natural products, either store-bought or homemade will ensure that you are providing your skin with nourishment and beneficial compounds without any harsh chemicals. Try any of the following homemade anti-wrinkle masks once a week. For each recipe blend ingredients together (try using a blender for better consistency) and then apply to the face and neck for fifteen minutes before washing off.

• 1 ripe avocado

• 1 teaspoon wheat germ oil

• 1 ripe banana

• 1 whipped egg white

• 1/4 cup papaya[

  

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• 1/4 cup strawberries

• 1 tablespoon honey

Making Healthy Choices for Your Skin

To reduce wrinkles naturally eat a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and consider using beneficial herbal teas and natural, homemade facial masks to support your skin. It is also essential to make healthy lifestyle choices, avoiding the factors that increase free radical production.

• Stay away from cigarette smoke as much as possible, and if you smoke, consider quitting.
• Try to eliminate alcohol and caffeine from your diet as much as possible.
• Protect your skin from the sun — wear a natural sunblock with a high SPF when out in the sun for more then fifteen minutes at a time.
• Minimize your use of cosmetics and make sure you are choosing products with the least amount of chemicals. Do not leave make-up on your face when you go to sleep.

By making the well-being of your skin a priority, reducing wrinkles naturally will be as inevitable as the formation of lines and wrinkles if you ignore skin health. Eat well, enjoy the healing benefits of both herbs and natural foods, and age gracefully.

References and Image Credits

Balch, Phyllis A. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing.” Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).

Page, Linda. “Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone.” Eleventh Edition (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).

photo by Sara Alfred

photo by Reiner Schubert

photo by Luz A Villa

Disclaimer

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