Low Cost Techniques to Prevent Wrinkles and Delay Skin Ageing

1 - Beware of the sun

Most people know that UV-rays from the sun contribute to wrinkles and skin aging, as well as increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunburn is caused mainly by UVB while skin aging, wrinkles and skin cancer mainly by UVA.

Most sunscreens, especially those with SPF higher than 15, are very good at protecting against UVB and therefore at preventing sunburn, but offer little or no protection against UVA and therefore do not help prevent wrinkles or reduce the risk of skin cancer.

When shopping for sun protection make sure that it has SPF 15 or higher and that it offers protection against both UVA and UVB.

2 - Don't smoke

Smoking damages skin almost as much as sunlight by generating a flood of free radicals. Certain antioxidants may provide partial protection from smoking-related skin damage.

3 - Don't drink alcohol in the evening

Alcohol increases the leakiness of capillaries (small blood vessels), so more water moves from bloodstream into soft tissues. Combined with horizontal position of the body during sleep, this results in facial puffiness, skin stretching and faster wrinkle formation. Moderate drinking at least three hours before going to bed should not cause this problem in most people.

4 - Don't wash your skin too often with tap water

Washing strips skin of oil and moisture. Besides, tap water contains chlorine, which causes oxidative damage. Excessively long and/or frequent showers overexpose your skin to chlorine. Also the higher the temperature of the water, the greater the damage from chlorine in the water.

5 - Sleep on your back

Courtesy of Maxwell's Apothecary