HANDLING SPOTS LEFT BEHIND FROM ACNE (HYPERPIGMENTATION)

Handling hyperpigmentation

Spots left behind from acne (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)

Introduction to hyperpigmentation

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, often described as dark spots or red spots that are left after acne lesions heal is a common difficulty that acne sufferers with non-Caucasion skin share.^1-3 Hyperpigmentation is common among people of African, Asian, and Latino descent, as well as other forms of "ethnic" skin.⁴ Various forms of acne therapy are often mistakenly blamed for the creation of these marks, but it is the skin's inflammatory process which creates them. These marks can take months, and in rare cases years, to fade.⁵ Although they are often referred to as "scars," they are not permanent. Nonetheless, they cause many people intense distress. Often, people with hyperpigmentation describe this issue as more concerning than the acne itself.

How to prevent hyperpigmentation

Picking at acne lesions is perhaps the worst culprit when it comes to these marks. Absolutely do not pick at acne lesions. Properly pop a pimple, and then leave the lesion alone. Also, while it may seem intuitive to scrub marks away, harsh scrubbing will only prolong their duration and should be avoided. Next, wearing a sunscreen is a huge help in getting these marks to fade as fast as possible.^1,4,6 But the best way to prevent the marks is to treat the acne itself, thus preventing future acne lesions and any hyperpigmentation that they might leave behind.⁷ Acne is treated the same regardless of skin color and responds extremely well to proper topical treatment. When acne is severe, widespread, and deeply scarring, Accutane (isotretinoin) is also an option.

• How to treat hyperpigmentation

  • Retinoids: Tretinoin (Retin-A)
    
    . This topical treatment can help fade marks.⁸ Azelaic acid (Azelex®) may prove even better because it may have a hypopigmentary (lightening) effect by inhibiting melanin (skin pigment).^2-3,9
    • Retin-A
• Azelaic Acid
• • 3.89/5 - 217 reviews
• Hydroquinone: (Bleach Eze®). This is the only lightening treatment approved by the FDA. It is normally used at 4%. In higher concentrations it can cause "spotted halos" around marks. It may have other negative effects as well. The addition of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to a topical hydroquinone treatment may help minimize the oxidation of hydroquinone.^2-3 Also, the efficacy of hydroquinone may be increased by the addition of a retinoid and mid-potent steroid.¹⁰ Be certain to work closely with your physician or dermatologist if you decide to use hydroquinone.
• Peels: Salicylic acid peels, Jessner's® peels, TCA peels, and mandelic acid peels are all mentioned in medical literature as treatments for hyperpigmentation. These peels must be administered by professionals.^1-3,9
  • TCA Peel
• Dry ice cryotherapy: Doctors will sometimes use application of dry ice to help the mark fade.
• Lasers: If topical treatment does not suffice, doctors may sometimes elect to try laser therapy. Laser therapy tends to produce statistically effective results on par with topical treatment.^11-12
  • 
    
• In one article doctors also describe regular topical application of lactic, kojic, and glycolic acid as helpful.³
  • Lactic Acid Peel
    
• Glycolic Acid Peel
• In the same article, a doctor spoke about how he uses a combination of hydroquinone/retinoid/corticosteroid to apply directly to dark spots.³
• Nicotinamide is mentioned once in the literature as a helpful treatment for inflammation.
• Microdermabrasion: Performed at salons and estheticians' offices, microdermabrasion helps remove the upper layers of skin cells. However, abrading the skin can cause irritation and perpetuate the acne cycle, and should be avoided in acne-prone individuals.^2-3

MUST APPLIED TIPS ON HOW TO END ACNE IN WHITE AND BLACK SKIN

White skin

• Acne very common in white skin
• More incidence of nodules and cysts
• Tendency toward dryer skin
• Less chance of hyperpigmentation

Overview

Acne is an extremely common skin disorder in Caucasian adolescents and adults. According to Cutis, a peer-reviewed clinical journal for dermatologists, "During visits by white patients, the...most common [diagnosis] recorded [was] acne."¹ Upwards of 95% of Caucasian people experience acne at some point in their lives.

What is different about white skin

People with lighter skin tend to have a higher incidence of nodules and cysts, the more severe types of acne lesions. Caucasian people also tend toward dryer skin, making drying and peeling medications more of a challenge. White people must also contend with more noticeable lesions when they do break out. The acute redness and inflammation that directly surround an acne lesion stand in stark contrast to light skin tones. However, when it comes to the red spots that acne leaves behind, white people tend to have less of a struggle. While white people do experience post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation—a fancy term for these marks—they experience them less often than their darker-skinned counterparts.^2-5 Also, these marks tend to fade more quickly on lighter skin. However, Caucasian skin, just like any other ethnicity, can scar.

How to treat acne in white skin

No matter the ethnicity, acne develops and is treated the same way, and with proper medication is easily treatable.⁶ Options include topical treatment as well as Accutane (isotretinoin).

Black skin and acne

Treating acne in black skin

Black skin

• Acne very common in both adolescents and adults of African decent
• Tendency for hyperpigmentation
• Very few studies

Overview

Acne is the most common skin disorder in black adolescents and black adults and is often the primary reason for a visit to a doctor or dermatologist.^1-3 According to the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, "Acne vulgaris is an extremely common dermatological problem in Africans and people of African descent worldwide."⁴ Despite this prevalence, relatively few studies have been conducted on people with black skin.

What is different about black skin

People with black skin tend to have inflammatory acne, the most common type of acne. This is actually good news because inflammatory acne is easier to treat than non-inflammatory acne. Black people also tend to have fewer nodules and cysts, the more severe types of acne lesions. Despite the fact that black people tend to have less severe lesions, there is a higher chance of keloid scarring, especially on the chest and back, making effective acne prevention paramount.
Next, all non-Caucasian skin types tend to have a higher incidence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a fancy term for marks left after acne goes away. This is such a big issue that dermatologists often remark on how their black patients consider these marks worse than the acne itself.^2,5-8 See the hyperpigmentation section below to learn more about how to contend with these dark spots that acne leaves behind.
People of African heritage do not tend to suffer with rosacea.⁹

Pomade acne - a special case

Sometimes the greasy emollients which make up black hair care products can come into contact with the skin and aggravate acne. If you use these products and tend to break out along your hairline or in places where your particular hair style comes into contact with your skin, this may be the culprit.²

How to treat acne in black skin

Luckily, inflammatory acne develops and is treated the same way regardless of skin color, and with the right regimen is easy to clear. There are several options including topical treatment as well as Accutane (isotretinoin). According to the International Journal of Dermatology, "benzoyl peroxide is particularly effective for the inflammatory component." Benzoyl peroxide is a mild drying and peeling agent, but people with black skin tend to have less flakiness and scaling of the skin and tolerate it well.^10-11 There is a highly effective topical regimen here on sghealth.com which works extremely well on darker skin types.

How to Use Body Makeup to Enhance (Nearly) Everything

You use makeup on your face to enhance your skin, make your cheekbones look a little bit higher and add a dewy glow where there’s none—why not use it on your body too? Here, we’ll show you how to do just that, along with the makeup products that will give you the best results. We’ve even gone as far as matching you with the skin care products to give you long-term results.

1. To Cover Up Body Blemishes
Most of us have skin imperfections—scars, stretch marks and spider veins—we prefer to keep hidden until they’ve fully faded. While there are things you can do and products you can apply to help speed up the process, body makeup can help make these skin imperfections look less pronounced—instantly.
Dermablend Quick Fix Body, a waterproof body concealer that provides full coverage for up to 16 hours.
How-To: To ensure an even application, use a brush or sponge instead of your fingers to apply the product. Blend the edges until you can’t tell where the product ends and the rest of your skin begins. Set it with Dermablend Loose Setting Powder.
2. Make Your Arms, Legs and Tummy Look More Toned
Of course, nothing beats push-ups, sit-ups and loading up on healthy, low-calorie meals, but if you need to see results sooner, contouring will give you the appearance of a slimmer, more toned body without hitting the gym.
Dermablend Quick Fix Body that’s two shades darker than your skin tone (For fair skin tones try Medium, for light skin tones try Honey, for medium skin tones try Bronze and for deep skin tones try Golden.)
How-To:

• Toned Arms: Apply a line right underneath biceps and a smaller line on top of triceps.
• Trimmer Abs: Apply along the sides of torso.
• Slimmer Thighs: Apply down along the outside of the thighs.
• Toned Legs: Swipe along the calf muscle

Finish all applications with Dermablend Loose Setting Powder in Original.

Pro Tip: For best results, couple with products designed to tighten, firm and lift the appearance of sagging skin, like SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate. This product features 2% hydrolyzed rice protein to tighten and firm skin, giving it a more toned appearance.
3. To Even Skin Tone
Pasty legs, uneven pigmentation and tan lines in the weirdest places? Tinted body lotions work like tinted moisturizers: They provide sheer coverage as they hydrate your skin. They also conceal minor imperfections and even out skin tone without the weight of traditional makeup.
 Dermablend Leg & Body Cover, a lightweight, medium-coverage liquid that glides easily on your body, leaving a natural and comfortable finish that’s never cakey.
How-To: Apply Leg & Body Cover with fingertips or brush directly over the area you wish to cover. Feather outwards to blend into surrounding skin. Allow foundation to dry before applying additional layers if more coverage is needed. Apply a generous amount of Setting Powder, allow to set for two minutes, then brush off excess powder.
Pro Tip: For a smoother finish, exfoliate your skin thoroughly with SkinCeuticals Body Retexturing Treatment before applying body makeup.
4. To Give Your Neck and Décolletage a Youthful Glow
Don’t let your neck give away your age. The easiest way to illuminate and give your skin a nice, youthful sheen is by applying highlighter on strategic high points of your body.
Dermablend Quick Fix Illuminator—Pearl
How-To: Much like applying highlighter to your face, apply this to the high points of your body, including shoulders, collarbone and cleavage.
Pro Tip: For long-term results, use with SkinCeuticals Neck, Chest and Hand Repair, a lightweight lotion designed to brighten and restore the youthful appearance of your neck, chest and hands.
5. To Make Tattoos Disappear—Sans Laser
Still got the name of your ex-boyfriend inked on your body? While laser is still the best way to erase all traces of previous indiscretions, some body concealers offer maximum, long-lasting coverage to cover up tattoos and other hard-to-conceal skin flaws.
Dermablend Quick Fix Body provides full-body, smudge-proof and transfer-resistant coverage for up to 16 hours. The cream formula and stick applicator makes applying a natural finish simple and precise.
How-To: Apply directly over tattoo or area of concern. Pat with fingertips and blend out, or feather edges to avoid any demarcation lines. Allow foundation to dry completely before applying additional layers if more coverage is desired. Pat on a generous amount of Setting Powder over covered areas. Set for two minutes, then lightly brush off excess powder.
Pro Tip: Remove body makeup in a flash with Dermablend Long Wear Makeup Remover. Apply a generous amount on fingertips and gently massage over skin in a circular motion. Either rinse or tissue off. Leaves no residue and skin feels conditioned

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9 BEST FACE CLEANSERS FOR YOUR ACNE-PRONE SKIN

9 Best Face Cleansers for Acne-Prone Skin

Acne isn’t just a problem for teens. Those pesky zits and pimples can pop up at any age. Whether it’s your diet, environment or stress that’s to blame, you don’t have to suffer helplessly. “I tell my acne patients to look for acne facial cleansers that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide,” says board-certified dermatologist Cynthia Bailey, M.D., president and CEO of Advanced Skin Care and Dermatology Physicians, Inc. and Founder of DrBaileySkinCare.com. “Acne cleansers with these ingredients will gradually unclog pores, reduce the size of existing blackheads and slow or stop the formation of new ones,” she says. “Benzoyl peroxide is also the best ingredient for treating the acne-causing bacteria called p. acnes. In fact, study after study continues to show that benzoyl peroxide is more effective than prescription topical antibiotics at treating p. acnes.”
Dr. Bailey also points out that using an acne cleanser twice daily (both morning and evening) is the easiest and most convenient way to deliver acne-fighting ingredients to your delicate facial skin. These cleansers then penetrate your pores and remove makeup and other skin care products, dead cells, oil and bacteria that accumulate throughout the day—all of which can make your acne worse.
To properly apply your acne cleanser, “wet your face with warm water first, then lather your cleanser over all of your facial skin,” Dr. Bailey advises. “Depending on your skin type, you can use your fingers, an exfoliating cloth or a sonic skin-cleansing brush system. Rinse well with warm water to remove the lather entirely. Some of the important acne cleanser ingredients will stay behind, but the cleanser’s foaming agents as well as built-up oil, dead cells, products and bacteria will be rinsed off of your skin.”
Aside from a facial cleanser, Dr. Bailey also recommends using a skin toner or astringent to remove even more oil and deliver additional acne-fighting ingredients. And if your acne is really severe, seek advice from your dermatologist on additional topical products, medicines, moisturizers and sunscreen to apply on top of these cleansers.
With that in mind, here are the nine top-rated acne-fighting cleansers I have took time to worked on.
1. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
A soap-free foaming cleanser, this gel clears pores without drying out your skin. It contains mint extract to soothe inflammation, quillaja saponaria to remove toxins and lavender extract to minimize the appearance of pores and balance pH levels.
2. SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
An exfoliator gentle enough to use every day, even on acne-prone skin, this scrub uses diatomaceous earth microbeads to clear pores without irritating skin. It contains aloe vera, which soothes and softens skin, and citrus oils, which purify and brighten your complexion.
3. Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel
Perfect for normal to oily skin types, this foaming gel cleanser cleans deep into pores to remove dirt, oil and other acne-causing impurities. The oat amino acids and alfalfa extract fight existing blemishes and clear out excess sebum, while aloe vera soothes inflammation and cools redness.
4. Eminence Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser
Certified natural, organic and vegan as well as cruelty- and paraben-free, this cleanser purifies your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. It uses tea tree oil to neutralize bacteria, preventing breakouts, while willow bark slows the production of oil.
5. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
This soap-, alcohol- and oil-free cleanser gently purifies the skin without drying your skin. It also helps prevent future breakouts by keeping excess oil in check.
6. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
Perfect for all skin types for both men and women of any age, this gentle, clarifying face wash will leave you with smooth, blemish-free skin. Full of antioxidants derived from chamomile and centella asiatica, it helps heal skin damage and prevent further UV damage.
7. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant
Restore your skins natural glow while eliminating blemishes with this salicylic acid exfoliating cleanser. It soothes inflammation and reduces redness as it promotes faster cell regeneration and shields against free-radical damage.
8. Yon-Ka Gel Nettoyant Cleansing Gel
Invigorate your skin while purifying it of dirt, oil and makeup. Both red algae and lavender help reduce redness and inflammation, and vitamin A promotes healthy cell growth for younger-looking skin. After use, your skin is left feeling clean and refreshed.
9. Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel for Face and Body

This cleanser removes dirt, oil and other impurities without disturbing your skin’s pH levels. It also refines pore size to help reduce excess sebum production. Thermal spring water calms irritation and soothes inflammation.

3 Steps You Just Can’t Skip for a Spotless Complexion

Too much fun in the sun can do a number of things to your skin, and with fall upon us, you may already be seeing spots—dark spots, that is. Sun exposure leads to increased melanin production, resulting in brown spots commonly seen on the cheeks, forehead and around the eyes. Uneven skin tone can also make your complexion look dull and tired. You can either head to the dermatologist’s office for a treatment, or you can take matters into your own hands.

STEP 1: CORRECT PIGMENTATION PROBLEMS
If you’ve started seeing brown spots on your face, don’t panic—you are not alone. In fact, about one-third of women over the age of 40 reportedly have it. Whether it’s because of too much sun exposure, hormones or both, these stubborn spots can be difficult to treat. The good news is that some cases can still be corrected. To correct these spots, consider adding a dark spot corrector to your routine. But beware, some pigment-reducing solutions, whether they are dermatological procedures or specialized pharmaceutical products, can weaken or irritate the skin. Make sure you reach for a potent formula that your skin can easily tolerate.
We recommend: Pigmentclar Dark Spot Serum
Why we love it: This serum is formulated with skin-brightening PhE-Resorcinol (100 times more effective than kojic acid) and exfoliating lipo hydroxy acid (aka LHA—4 times better than salicylic acid). It also features soothing niacinamide to keep sensitive skin comfortable.

STEP 2: BRIGHTEN YOUR EYE AREA
There are generally two types of under-eye circles: blue circles caused by poor circulation and dehydration, and brown circles, or “panda eye,” which is linked to overproduction of melanin. While you can always turn to makeup to conceal these dark circles, there are eye treatments available out there that can give you both instant and long-term results.
We recommend: Pigmentclar Eyes
Why we love it: Pigmentclar Eyes is formulated with PhE-Resorcinol to help visibly improve dark circles over time. The bonus? Light-reflecting pearl pigments brighten the entire eye area upon application so you can see results instantly.

STEP 3: PROTECT YOUR SKIN ALL YEAR ROUND
To keep skin bright and even-toned, it is essential to use sun protection throughout the year, even on cloudy days. To protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays, reach for a product with an SPF of at least 15 on a daily basis.
We recommend: Pigmentclar Dark Spot Correcting Moisturizer with SPF 30
Why we love it: This product offers a two-pronged approach to uneven skin tone: correction and protection. Featuring PhE-Resorcinol, LHA and niacinamide, this multitasking daytime treatment visibly reduces dark spots, delivers much-needed moisture and calms sensitive skin as it helps prevents future sun-induced dark spots with broad-spectrum SPF 30.

AWARENESS ON ACNE ROSACEA

                         Acne Rosacea

Please permit me to write short article on Rosacea .It is a common, long-term and non-contagious skin disorder. It is unrelated to acne and many dermatologists are still unclear about exactly what causes it, with sunlight, alcohol, extreme temperatures, prolonged stress, certain foods or medication and strenuous physical activity all cited as possible causes. Symptoms vary and are often intermittent, but are generally denoted by facial redness and flushing, frequently resembling a permanent blush or sunburn. Skin may also look bumpy with tiny red spots (that can sometimes be mistaken for acne) and small blood vessels may appear. Sometimes burning, stinging or itching can be felt.

EASY WAYS TO REMOVE DEEP FACIAL WRINKLES

How to Remove Deep Facial Wrinkles

We are going to shed more light on this three ideas:* Following a Good Skin Regimen,*Choosing the Right Wrinkle Treatment ,*Adjusting Your Lifestyle.

While it may be impossible to completely get rid of wrinkles — particularly deep ones — it’s definitely possible to minimize their appearance. Through maintaining a healthy lifestyle and using effective wrinkle treatments, you can greatly reduce the appearance and formation of deep facial wrinkles.

Part 1 of 3: Following a Good Skin Regimen

1. 1
   Wear sunscreen. Studies have named the sun as the No. 1 cause of wrinkles. Wear a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. There is no need to go above SPF 50.

   • You need to wear sunscreen even when it’s not sunny. If you’re tanned, this doesn't mean that you’re protected from the sun. Wear sunscreen no matter what!
   • Wearing sunscreen will not only prevent wrinkles; it will also reduce your risk of getting skin cancer.
   • Reapply your sunscreen often — at least every 2 hours.
   
   
2. 2
   Wash your face every day. Doctors recommend washing your face twice a day — no more than that. Over-washing your face can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture so that wrinkles appear deeper; it may even cause new wrinkles to form.

   • Even if your skin is oily, don't wash your face more than twice a day, as it can irritate your skin and, if you have acne, it can cause further breakouts.
   • People with mature skin (ages 40 and up) can likely get away with washing their faces with a cleanser each night, and only rinsing with cool water in the morning.
3. 3
   Use a toner after you wash your face. Applying a toner to your skin after you’ve washed your face can help balance your skin’s pH and keep it looking healthier. Just be sure to avoid toners containing alcohol, as this can dry out your skin.
4. 4
   Use a good-quality moisturizer that targets wrinkles. Many moisturizers contain ingredients aimed at fighting and preventing wrinkles. Apply a moisturizer to your face twice a day: once after your morning face-wash and once after your evening face-wash.

   • There is little evidence to suggest that day and night creams are particularly different; however, some ingredients in moisturizers are made ineffective by the sun. For example, retinol, a highly effective wrinkle-fighter, is rendered inactive by sunlight.
5. 5
   Use a good eye cream. The skin around your eyes is different from the rest of your facial skin: it is thinner and more delicate, quicker to wrinkle and droop. For this reason, it’s worthwhile to use an eye cream in addition to your facial moisturizer.

   • Look for an eye cream that contains collagen, vitamin C, peptides, and/or retinol.
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Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Right Wrinkle Treatment

1. 1
   Treat your wrinkles with retinoids. Some health professionals claim that retinoids are the best proven way of reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging. At first, medications containing retinoids can cause redness and peeling, but once the peeling stops, your wrinkles should be improved. You can get a retinoid cream as a prescription from your doctor.

   • Many drugstore skincare brands offer creams containing retinol, a less irritating form of the prescription acid, retinoid. These do not require a prescription. They vary in quality, so it’s important to know what to look for.
   • Retinol degrades with exposure to light and air, so choose a product whose packaging blocks out both. Seek brands that offer retinol treatments in single-dose capsules, opaque glass bottles with air-tight pumps, or aluminum containers.
2. 2
   Use skincare products containing idebenone. Idebenone is a powerful antioxidant. A recent study showed that in 6 weeks of topical use, idebenone was able to reduce lines and wrinkles by 29%.
3. 3
   Use skincare products containing alpha-hydroxy acids. Alpha-hydroxy acids will not irritate your skin as much as retinoids, but they also won’t give you the same results. These skincare products will only subtly reduce your wrinkles.
4. 4
   Use skin products containing antioxidants. Skincare products containing vitamins A, C, and E plus beta carotene can mildly improve wrinkles.
5. 5
   Try a skin peel. There are a variety of skin peels available both through medical professionals and over the counter.Note that the deeper the peel, the more likely it is to irritate your skin. Peels can even cause scarring and changes in skin color.
6. 6
   Glycolic acid peels are superficial and can subtly reduce the intensity of fine wrinkles.

   • Peels with ingredients like salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid go deeper than glycolic acid peels; as a result, they are better at removing fine lines.
7. 7
   Consider laser resurfacing. Lasers can stimulate collagen production, making the skin look plumper. If your wrinkles are particularly deep and you’ve found that nothing else works, ask your doctor to see if this might be an option.
8. 8
   Consult a medical professional. If you have tried everything and are still struggling to reduce or remove your wrinkles, speak to a doctor or a dermatologist. A medical professional may be able to help you select a wrinkle-removing option that’s right for you — for example, a medication, a medical procedure, or a prescription cream.
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Part 3 of 3: Adjusting Your Lifestyle

1. 1
   Avoid the sun. Dozens of studies have named the sun the No. 1 cause of wrinkles. One study even found that sun exposure was more important than heredity in determining wrinkles.Best stick to the shade!

   • If you must go out in the sun, ensure that you’re covered up: wear sunglasses, a hat, and at least SPF 30 sunscreen.
   • Particularly avoid going out in the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when its rays are at their strongest.
2. 2
   Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, hear’s another reason to quit: many studies have confirmed that cigarette smoke ages skin; it does this primarily by releasing an enzyme that breaks down collagen and elastin, which are important to keeping your skin looking young.
3. 3
   Avoid alcohol. Excess alcohol consumption can damage blood vessels in the skin. It can also harm the liver, which can cause wrinkles.
4. 4
   Drink enough water. When you’re dehydrated, your wrinkles can appear deeper. Staying well-hydrated will keep your skin looking healthy. If you’re unsure of how much water you should be drinking, divide your body weight (in pounds) in half: that’s how many ounces of water you should drink each day.

   • A 150-pound woman should drink 75 ounces of water each day.
   • If you exercise or live in a hot climate (i.e. if you sweat a lot), you’ll need to increase your water intake.
   • A reliable way to tell if you're getting enough water is by paying attention to your urine: if it’s bright yellow or has a strong smell, you’re likely not getting enough water.
5. 5
   Eat healthy, anti-inflammatory foods. Some doctors have linked inflammation to poor skin quality (including wrinkles) as well as diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, raw nuts, whole grains, and lean proteins.

   • Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar — particularly processed foods.
6. 6
   Get enough antioxidants. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, C, A, and B are essential for healthy skin. To ensure that you get enough of these vitamins, eat 5 to 7 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day.

   • Some recommendations in case you’re unsure of where to start: tomatoes, citrus, green leafy vegetables, and carrots.
   • In addition to eating foods rich in vitamin C, using vitamin C as a topical agent can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The most potent form of topical vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid; search for this ingredient in face creams.
7. 7
   Get enough vitamin K. Some studies have linked vitamin K to improving skin elasticity. Load up on vitamin K with leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and broccoli.
8. 8
   Get enough sleep. When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies produce excess cortisol, which breaks down skin cells. When you get enough sleep, your body will produce more human growth hormone (HGH), which will help your skin look thicker and more elastic.

   • The average adult needs between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Teenagers need between 8.5 and 9.5 hours of sleep each night.
   • When you do sleep, sleep on your back if possible. Sleeping on your back can help prevent wrinkles on your cheeks and chin if you’re a side sleeper, and on your forehead if you sleep on your stomach.
     
9. 9
   Reduce stress. Cortisol, which breaks down skin cells and promotes wrinkle formation, is the primary stress hormone. Beyond that, physical expressions of stress can also lead to deep facial wrinkles: frown lines around your lips and forehead, wrinkles between your eyebrows. Try these techniques for reducing stress:

   • Meditate for a few minutes each day. Sit up straight on a chair or in a cross-legged position on the floor. Close your eyes and focus your attention on reciting a positive mantra — for example “I feel at peace” or “Breathe in love, breathe out fear”. Place one hand gently on your stomach to remind yourself to breathe deeply into it.
   • Practise deep breathing. Sit straight with your eyes closed and your hand on your abdomen. Slowly inhale through your nose, imagining that you are inflating a balloon deep down in your stomach. Slowly exhale through your mouth, paying attention to how your body feels as the breath moves out of you.
   • Do something nice for yourself. Light some candles and poor yourself a nice hot bath with some stress-reducing lavender oil. Go for a slow, mindful walk and take in the scenery around you. Watch 10 minutes of cute animal videos. Whatever makes you feel good, do it!
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Tips

• Use makeup to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles: moisturize; use a silicone primer before your foundation; use a light, moisture-rich foundation; dust a loose mineral powder over your face; and then go natural with the rest of your makeup, highlighting your eyes and using a smudge-proof lipstick that won't creep into the lines around your lips.
• Many people say that silk and satin pillowcases can help reduce and prevent wrinkles, but little to no scientific evidence exists to back this up.
• If you only do one thing to prevent wrinkles, wear sunscreen.
• Having a bit of extra weight on you can fill in and soften wrinkles, making you look younger.This is particularly true for women over the age of 40. This doesn’t mean you should necessarily gain weight, but it’s something to be aware of you’re thinking of losing weight.

Warnings

• Be careful when choosing a sunscreen as some of them contain potentially dangerous ingredients. Avoid sunscreens containing retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, and nanoparticles such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
• Note that avoiding the sun, while good for your skin’s appearance, may reduce your vitamin D absorption. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones and can also help keep your mood up. Other sources of vitamin D include fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks, and fortified dairy and grain products. You can also take vitamin D supplements.
• Many home remedy sites recommend putting lemon juice and other fruit juices high in vitamin C on your face. Doing this can actually cause more harm than good, as it can dry out your skin and make it more likely to burn in the sun.