That doesn’t mean we have to embrace them whole-heartedly. Is it not every woman’s goal to defy the aging process? Here are some surprising things you may not know about wrinkles.

  1. Hydrate – drinking enough water helps your skin stay soft and supple. When your skin is dry, wrinkles stand out even more because thirsty skin tends to look flat and dull which brings out fine lines and creases. Staying hydrated also removes toxins from the body, which can have a negative effect on your skin.
  2. Veggies – brightly colored fruits and vegetables like raspberries, blueberries, bell peppers and spinach contain powerful antioxidants, which help your skin to fight back against damaging free radicals. When your skin is healthy, fine lines are less apparent and skin doesn’t sag. As a rule of thumb, a heart-healthy diet is a skin-healthy diet. Look for foods that are high in vitamin C and E.
  3. Windows – did you know that being in your house and driving your car pose a risk of sun damage? UVA rays that cause the majority of wrinkling in the skin can penetrate your windows even when it’s not sunny. It’s a good idea to put on a broad spectrum sunscreen every day and if your car doesn’t have tinted windows, consider having them installed if you spent a lot of time driving.
  4. Sleep Position – if you are partial to a particular side while you sleep, you could be increasing your chances of wrinkles on that side. As you age, the connective tissue and collagen in your face isn’t as strong as it used to be. So when you sleep on the same side of your face night after night, the skin gets repeatedly squished up against the pillow, and won’t smooth out or spring back as quickly as it did when you were younger.
  5. Expressiveness – often the wrinkles to appear are those crinkles around the eye area from your smile. Regardless of age, the first wrinkles are generally related to repeated facial expressions and include laugh lines, frown lines, forehead folds and crow’s feet.
  6. Eyesight – if you find yourself with wrinkles in the eye area, it may be an indication of a different problem. You may be overcompensating for vision issues by squinting, which contracts the muscles in the forehead, between your eyebrows. Over time, you can exacerbate the appearance of these creases. Get your eyes examined. If you address the problem, you can soften the appearance of fine lines since the muscles won’t have to work as hard and can relax.

Cold, dry, harsh winter conditions can really do a number on your skin. Fortunately, you can “feed” your skin from the inside. Oily fish, nuts and leafy green vegetables are high in essential Omega-3 fatty acids and protein, both crucial nutrients needed to help repair damaged skin cells. Omega-3s heal the skin from the inside out, making the skin more resilient to internal and external threats.

Anti-Inflammatory

Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and swelling, limiting irritation, and promoting more healthy skin. In a recent study, scientists found that various skin conditions can benefit from fish oil supplementation, including eczema, dermatitis as well as psoriasis. Omega 3 fatty acids encourage the body’s natural production of the chemicals that control inflammation. In psoriasis, an autoimmune disease, your immune system tells your skin cells to turn over at an abnormally rapid rate for unknown reasons. The result is redness, inflammation, and dry, scaly patches of skin that can cover almost any part of your body. Immuno-suppressant drugs can try to slow the progression of the disease and stop your body from attacking itself. However, the issue of inflammation remains. Inflammation is what causes itching, pain, and discolors the skin. Omega-3 fatty acids can enhance the management of your condition.

Skin Restoration

Omega-3 fatty acids are emollients; natural moisturizers that revitalize dry skin. Fish oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats, helping restore fats lost in the skin, thus eliminating dryness. In another study from the University of Maryland Medical Center, 13 people with sun sensitivity known as photo dermatitis showed less sensitivity to UV rays after taking fish oil supplements. In another study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that adults who consumed a serving (3.5 ounces cooked) of omega-3 rich fish every five days, on average, over five years had fewer sun-induced lesions called actinic keratosis (AKs). These lesions, which can turn into skin cancer, often develop in older people who have sustained serious sun damage. Sunscreen is still the best defense against the sun’s harmful rays, but when used in combination with Omega-3s, it’s a powerful duo.

Stress Reduction

While the conditions outside have a direct impact on your skin, your emotions also play a role. Stress is your skin’s enemy and is a large factor in pre-maturely aging skin. Chronic stress increases the hormone cortisol, which damages the skin’s ability to retain water, causing dry, irritated skin. The resulting moisture loss also diminishes luminosity. Omega-3s, specifically EPA, have been researched regarding their anti-depression properties. Reducing stress and feeling good emotionally plays a definite part in healthier skin. In that battle against stress, Omega 3s are a valuable asset.

You know you should at least wash your face before going to bed, but how often do you just crawl under the covers without even removing the dirt and grime of the day? Here are ten tips to a better bedtime for your skin:

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