Fighting Wrinkles at 40

As you near your 40s, you are going to start noticing wrinkles on your face. Even if you have been as careful as possible with your skin, using only the best organic products, this is the time when wrinkles normally appear. The good news about wrinkles is that you can limit their appearance with the right products and skin care tactics.

What Causes Wrinkles

As we age, the cells in our epidermis, or the top skin layer, become thin. They also begin to let more moisture escape from the skin, leading to dryness, which can cause wrinkles. The dermis, or second layer, also thins. As it does, it produces less collagen, a material that keeps the skin elastic. This causes the skin to sag and wrinkle. The bottom layer of the skin also contributes to wrinkles. This layer is made up of fat cells, and these fat cells get smaller as we age. Normally, these fat cells will fill in any damage in the other skin layers, but when they begin to shrink, they cannot do this, so wrinkles become even more noticeable.

Two Types of Wrinkles

There are two main types of wrinkles on your skin. Some are produced by the movement of the skin, while others are present even when the skin is resting. The wrinkles that occur when the skin is at rest are the ones that can be fought.

Fighting the Sun

The sun is one of your worst enemies as you work to fight wrinkles. The "crow's feet" that many people develop around their eyes are a direct result of overexposure to sun, and these can be minimized with proper sun protection. Apply sunscreen to your face, getting as close to the eye as is safe, and wear sunglasses to prevent squinting. Wear sunscreen daily on all exposed skin, whether or not the weather is warm. Remember, the sun can damage your skin when it is below the freezing point just as easily as it can when you are spending a warm day on the beach.

Keep Moisturized

Many wrinkles are caused by dry skin, and skin gets drier as we age. To help fight these wrinkles, always apply a moisturizer after cleansing your skin. Use organic moisturizers with wrinkle-fighting ingredients to maximize your results.

Add Alpha Hydroxy Acids to Your Life

Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or AHAs, are one of the most popular organic skin care products used to fight wrinkles. These acids, which come from sugar cane, acidic fruits, and sour milk, all of which are organic, natural ingredients, are believed to reduce fine lines that are present when the skin is at rest. Many products containing AHAs are available that can be used to exfoliate and moisturize the skin. They work by removing much of the dead skin cell and oil build up in these fine lines, and they also are believed to thicken the skin by increasing the substances found in the dermis.

Overall Healthy Living Fights Wrinkles

Believe it or not, your exercise routine and diet have a direct effect on the wrinkles you will have as you get older. When you exercise, your body takes in more oxygen and releases more toxins. Exercise also increase circulation, which makes your skin much more healthy.

Additionally, the food that you eat contributes to your overall health. Increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly those that are high in vitamin C, can help postpone the appearance of wrinkles. Taking a supplement that has other antioxidants like vitamins A, B, and E will also help fight wrinkles. Avoid too much refined sugar, because it attacks collagen and leads to more wrinkles. Also, avoid an over consumption of alcohol, as this can cause your face to swell, stretching the skin. This will cause wrinkles when the skin returns to normal.

Wrinkles may be a natural part of the aging process, but as you enter your 40s, you do not have to give up the fight altogether. With quality organic products, a healthy lifestyle, and good sun protection, you can keep your youthful skin looking youthful for several more years.