Wrinkled Skin

Facial lines are causes by the collagen fibers in the skin’s dermis, or lower layer, losing their tone.  Collagen moves, changes, and must retain its flexibility in its unique arrangement of fibers.  These fibers bend and move so we can chew, smile, yawn, and talk.  These movements pull the skin into different shapes.

            The skin has a great tolerance for returning to its original state, but as the years pass, the collagen fibers begin to wear and lose their exact arrangement.  There is a breakdown of the collagen, which begins to harden, becomes less elastic, and loses its flexibility.  The stretching and aging first appear as fine lines around the eyes and mouth where there is the most movement.

            Some believe that the underlying fatty tissue of the skin begins to shrink more rapidly after 45.  There is therefore an excess of skin, giving the appearance of aging skin.  The English and Irish as well as people with fair complexions usually have thinner skin, which ages more quickly.  Frequent weight gain and loss (the yo-yo effect) can accelerate the stretching of the skin.  It’s a fact that smokers have more wrinkles that non-smokers, because smoking slows the circulation of the blood to the skin.

            So, what can you do to minimize wrinkling?

 

  •      Follow a good, clean natural skin-care regimen.  Moisturizers lubricate the skin and reduce the stress of the skin when facial expressions are made.  Moisturizers also have the ability to puff up the skin somewhat, making the skin look less lined.

 

  •      Take good care of yourself.  That includes exercise, good nutrition, and being happy.

 

  •      Sleeping face up really helps, so that skin doesn’t set so distorted.  Spending eight hours a day with your face pressed hard against the pillow may accelerate aging.

 

  •      Watch your facial mannerisms.  While smile lines are attractive, frown lines are not.  I get a lot of questions about lines on the forehead.  We all have them, but the serious worrying type have much deeper lines on their foreheads; if you don’t know what facial expressions you engage in, put a mirror on your desk at work and watch yourself in the mirror when you talk on the phone.

 

  •     Use a blend of any of the following essential oils diluted in almond oil: lavender, neroli, rose, frankincense, patchouli, rosemary, sandalwood, cypress, fennel, or myrrh.

 

  •      Focus on getting your body in shape.  There is nothing more beautiful than a woman who looks like she takes impeccable care of herself.

 

  •      Notice your beautiful attributes whether they be your smile, your laugh, etc.

 

  •      Accept and love yourself and the fact God has allowed you to continue life on the planet.

 

  •      Celebrate your continued existence.  Remember, life is a gift.