There’s nothing wrong with visible fine lines. In fact, for many people they offer character and enhance their facial expressions as they age. But it’s no secret that many of us want to keep our skin feeling fresh and wrinkling kept in check.
There are a plethora of anti-aging remedies and procedures on the market that can help to minimise the appearance of those fine lines and avoid deep-set wrinkles. We spoke with Benoite Boucoiran @queen_of_injectables from Cosmos Clinic who has treated some of Australia’s most famous A-list celebrities to find out her practical skincare tips to help retain our youthful looks for longer.
1. Keep Hydrated
Before investing in expensive dermatologist-approved skincare, it’s worth getting back to basics. One of the most beneficial things you can do that is at your fingertips is keep hydrated. Drinking water has a positive effect on your skin’s physiology, in particular, the elasticity of the skin and the quality of the tissue.
If you want that plump, dewy look, drinking enough water frequently throughout the day can really help. Remember, we lose a lot of water while we sleep, so if you’re waking with a dull appearance or the presence of sleep wrinkles, drink a large glass of water.
2. Watch Your Diet
The saying “you are what you eat” couldn’t be more true when it comes to skincare. Limiting the amount of refined carbohydrates, trans fat and sugary foods in your diet is a good place to start. But to address ageing and skin health, you’ll need to include skin-loving nutrients on your plate.
Foods rich in vitamin C have been found to support collagen production, minimise pigmentation and protect against free radical damage from things like sun exposure. Omega-3 fatty acids also help to hold moisture in the skin which can reduce the appearance of wrinkling and improve the overall quality of the skin.
Other foods that can be beneficial as part of your anti-aging routine include quality protein, coenzyme Q10, vitamin A, beta-carotene, zinc and quercetin. You’ll find all these nutrients in a whole-food, clean diet rich in plant foods as well as in supplement form if necessary.
3. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep has a profound effect on not only how you feel, but also the ageing process of the skin. Research reveals women who get an insufficient amount of sleep look older, and experience greater skin wrinkling and fine lines. Sleep deprivation can also cause reduced skin elasticity, uneven pigmentation and visible sagging.
It’s not called “beauty sleep” for nothing!
4. Sleep on Your Back
While we’re on the topic of sleep, your sleeping position is important. If you sleep on your stomach or on your side, you’re unconsciously putting pressure on your face. This can result in fine sleep lines which over time will develop into deep wrinkles.
Rolling over to sleep on your back may take some getting used to, but your face will thank you for it. Practice going to sleep on your back and if you wake, readjust. You can also purchase a specially contoured pillow designed to encourage you to sleep on your back and reduce the contact with your face.
5. Swap Out Your Old Pillowcase
Replacing your tired pillow and pillowcase could be one of the best things you do for your skin health. Dirt and microorganisms can build-up within the material of your pillow and linen causing inflammation, blemishes and clogged pores. To avoid this, you want to wash your pillowcase every 4-5 nights and replace it after 6 months.
It’s also worth considering the material of your pillowcase. Sleep wrinkles can often develop particularly if you sleep on your side or tummy, or toss and turn a lot throughout the night. Gravity and friction against the fabric can cause fine lines and wrinkles to develop or worsen because as we age, our skin becomes less resistant, due to the reduced skin elasticity and collagen production.
Silk pillowcases have been found to be gentler on your skin and hair than other fabrics like cotton or synthetic materials. They help to prevent irritation and abrasion of the skin’s surface and are hypoallergenic and microbe-resistant. Bonus tip, you can turn many silk pillowcases inside-out to minimise your washing load!
5. Review Your Skincare Regime
Skin ageing, especially prematurely, is closely linked with your skincare regime and the skincare products you use. Cleansing, applying a serum and moisturising morning and night are the foundations of a good skincare routine. Anti-aging skincare products should contain retinol that helps with collagen production and plumping up the skin. Depending on your skin type and needs, you may also want to consider an eye cream and a night cream to elevate your regime and protect your skin while sleeping.
Consulting with a skin professional or dermatologist rather than stocking up on a whole lot of products may provide invaluable in your efforts to retain your youthful appearance.
6. Consider Anti-aging Cosmetic Treatments
If your wrinkles are already visible with some deep indentations, diet and lifestyle strategies may only do so much. There are a number of non-invasive cosmetic skin treatments that can help to minimise the appearance of wrinkles and work to prevent the signs of premature ageing.
Anti-wrinkle Injections made of a natural purified protein, for example, can help to soften fine lines while also stimulating collagen production. For those with deeper wrinkles, Dermal Fillers can be an effective way to fill the indentations and erase their appearance. Platelet Rich Plasma and Chemical Peels are also a good solution to rejuvenate the skin and reduce the tissue damage associated with ageing.
7. Wearing Sunscreen
Like drinking water, applying SPF is a simple way to avoid wrinkles associated with sun damage. It’s best not to rely on SPF-containing makeup. Instead, consider a broad-spectrum skincare product with SPF 30 as a minimum that will help to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
In summer, it’s important to remember to reapply every two hours and after swimming or a workout where you build up a sweat.
8. Ditch the Cigarettes
Ditching the cigarettes is not only going to be great for your heart and lung health but also your skin. While you might not have deep-set wrinkles now, smokers even in their 20’s, are found to have microscopic superficial wrinkles. This is because the blood flow to the skin is disrupted, decreasing the number of valuable nutrients like vitamin A reaching the skin. On top of that, the chemicals in tobacco damage your skin’s collagen and elastin causing visible ageing.
About the author
Growing up in France and graduating from Institut de Formation en Soins Infirmiers Les Peupliers Paris, Benny’s standards of beauty is very much about elegance and a natural look. Her role as a Cosmetic Nurse at Cosmos Clinic is helping educate and guide patients through any cosmetic journey.