Our skin has two layers: the epidermis (outer layer) and the dermis (below the epidermis). Wrinkles happen in the dermis. The dermis is made up of collagen and other proteins. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen. The collagen is what makes our skin elastic and smooth. Less collagen results in saggy skin with wrinkles. Lots of factors contribute to this process.
5. Don’t Smoke
We all know how bad it is for you. There are a million reasons not to smoke, and wrinkled skin is as good of a reason to quit as any. Even though it’s hard to quit, you can do it.
4. Stay Hydrated
Good skin starts from within. Stay hydrated with water, coconut water, and green tea (which is full of antioxidants). Not only is moisturizing from within important, but water rids your body of toxins.
3. Eat Lots Of AntiOxidants
Free radicals (unstable molecules that damage our skin – i.e. pollution & toxins) hate antioxidants. Vitamins A, C, & E, and beta carotene are all antioxidants. Here are some sources of antioxidants:
- Blueberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Walnuts
- Artichokes
- Cranberries
- Beans (red, kidney, pinto)
- Prunes
- Kiwis
- Well….pretty much every fruit & vegetable. So eat your fruits & veggies!
2. Get Plenty of Sleep
While we are sleeping, our bodies produce HGH (human growth hormone). This hormone is what induces growth and cell reproduction (including skin cells). When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies produce cortisol, a stress hormone. Cortisol slows growth, tissue maintenance, and results in dry skin. The more sleep you get, the more HGH you produce. As we age, we produce less HGH. So we have to “work” (ummm….. I mean sleep!) a little harder to get that magical stuff.
1. Gelatin
Wrinkles form when our bodies start making less collagen. Gelatin is made from cooked collagen (from pigs and cows). So taking a dietary supplement of natural collagen is a magic fix! The gelatin fills in the fine lines and erases wrinkles. Since this is an animal by-product, you want to be sure to get a good quality from grass-fed, responsibly-farmed animals. And even cooler, you can make your own gelatin! Yep, gelatin is in homemade bone broth.