5 Big Reasons Behind What Causes Wrinkles

If you're like me, every so often you look at yourself in the mirror, and wonder where these new wrinkles came from. Sometimes it seems as if they just show up overnight. After doing a bit of research, I can assure you, they have been a long time in the making. Let me share with you a little bit of what I have learned about what causes wrinkles.

Sunlight

Exposure to the sun can account for a good number of the wrinkles that appear not only on the face, but on the rest of the body, as well. Besides the sun drying out your skin, the UV rays can also damage skin cells, cause collagen to break down, and lead to the outer layer of the skin becoming thinner. As the collagen is broken down, the body attempts to repair the damage, but what you end up with is called "solar scars" in the collagen fibers. This is what causes wrinkles to develop.

Smoking

We have all heard that smoking is bad for you, but did you know it could also be a major cause of wrinkles? Every time you light one up, several things begin to occur that contribute to wrinkles. And I am not just talking about facial wrinkles either, but also wrinkles on the arms and torso, due to cigarette smoking. As if protecting your lungs wasn't a good enough reason to quit smoking, here are some more.

First, smoking results in a decrease in blood flow though the capillaries, which deprives the skin of oxygen and vital nutrients. This, in turn, causes a loss of moisture and elasticity in the skin, leading to wrinkles.

Second, the smoke itself tends to irritate the eyes, which makes the smoker squint. This action can lead to increased wrinkles around the eyes.

Third, the process of taking a drag off the cigarette causes the smokers cheeks, over time, to become sunken in and wrinkles to develop at the corners of the mouth.

Gravity

As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity, and firmness. This is where gravity plays a roll in helping to create more wrinkles. With the loss of the ability for our skin to "bounce back" into shape, gravity starts pulling on the loose skin. As the skin is pulled out of shape, it forms fine lines, which eventually turn into wrinkles.

Muscle Use

Everybody has certain facial expressions they use that make them who they are, one example being actor Jim Carrey. We've probably all seen his crazy facial antics, but these facial expressions can sometimes come at a cost, when it comes to wrinkles. When certain muscles of the face are used frequently in the same manner, eventually, it will cause wrinkles like crows feet, frown lines and brow wrinkles. Unfortunately, even the best anti wrinkle creams won't be able to do much to help wrinkles caused by muscle use. Botox injections are one solution, as they paralyze the muscles underneath fine lines, and slow down the progression of wrinkles due to muscle use.

But, on the downside, Botox is a toxin that comes from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, which causes muscle paralysis, so this should not be used by anyone with a previous neurological condition, that is pregnant, or that is allergic to albumin. There have also been reports of the paralysis spreading from the injection site to other areas of the body. Though the procedure is quick and easy, serious thought should be given, before deciding on this method.

Free Radicals

Free radicals are very unstable molecules, with unpaired electrons. They quickly search out other molecules from which they can "steal" an electron in order to become stable. The act of taking that electron then creates a whole chain reaction of new free radicals, which in the body can wreak havoc on healthy cells, including skin cells. If the skin cells are not healthy, they cannot produce enough antioxidants to fight the free radicals, and also maintain levels of other nutrients to keep skin firm and wrinkle free.

Antioxidants like vitamin A, C, E are very helpful in combating free radicals, and the best place to find them is in fresh foods, like fruits and vegetables. While supplements can provide these nutrients, they are better found in the foods you eat, as your body will more easily absorb them.

If you are like me, and want to do the best you can for your body, your health, and your skin, then take a look at the factors I discussed above into what causes wrinkles, and see where you can make some simple changes. Then, do a little of your own research into what quality products are available to help you keep your skin healthy, young and wrinkle free.By Jennifer J. King

Simple Home Remedies For Wrinkles - Supercharge Your Skin

These home remedies for wrinkles are effective yet deceptively simple. We all hate those wrinkles, and each year we discover more of them and some have even become deeper and longer. Wrinkles occur due to many things. It could be the use of bad skin care products that contain cheap ingredients that harm your skin (this happens more than you think). It could also be due to stress, pollution, smoking, too much sun and many more. You're here now to learn some simple home remedies for wrinkles and how you can supercharge your skin.

Here are 3 simple ways you can reduce your wrinkles and look younger:

#1 - Egg White Wash

Take an egg white and put it on your face. It will help your skin tighten and look younger, keep it there for around 15 minutes before washing it off (do not use soap) and patting dry.

#2 - Coconut Oil

For this, you need some extra virgin coconut oil, you want it to be cold-pressed and unheated. If it is heated then it has no use to your skin and will only clog it up.Gently massage the coconut oil wherever you want. My routine is to usually massage coconut oil in the morning and a good natural skin care product containing Cynergy TK before bedtime.

#3 - Natural Skin Care Product

You can get ingredients like jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, and even Cynergy TK and make your own mix, but I really like to find good ethical companies that make excellent natural skin care products. And I've found a great one that is all of those things, and it contains ingredients that are incredibly effective for wrinkles.

Cynergy TK is a breakthrough ingredient that is almost like cheating, it is really that good and it will rejuvenate your skin naturally and make you look incredible, and don't just believe what I say. Go out and research it for yourself, and ask people who have used it how they liked it. I am sure that they will respond positively.

With all this in mind, now it is your turn to find the best natural skin care product that you like.

By Rebecca S. Purple

Anti-Aging Cream -- Is There Danger Lurking Within?

The anti-aging industry is booming. Aging baby boomers seem to be obsessed with preserving their youthful look. Anti-aging preparations claim to make you look younger as you get older. But are the ingredients in these products safe?

Here are 10 ingredients to avoid in anti-aging preparations:

Propylene glycol is a strong irritant, a neurotoxin (toxic to the nervous system) and may cause kidney and liver damage. It may cause delayed allergic reactions, acne and contact dermatitis. It absorbs quickly and is a penetration enhancer, i.e. it increases the absorption of other ingredients in the product through the skin into the bloodstream.

Diazolidinyl urea is a skin irritant and a potential cause of dermatitis. It is a formaldehyde releaser. Formaldehyde is a Group 1 carcinogen (known to cause cancer) as determined by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Imidazolidinyl urea is a strong irritant. It causes contact dermatitis. It's also a formaldehyde releaser.

Phenoxyethanol is a skin and eye irritant with a rose fragrance. It can cause contact dermatitis and is harmful if absorbed through the skin.

DMDM hydantoin is another formaldehyde releaser. It may cause contact dermatitis and has cause caused cancer in experimental animals.

Triethanolamine (TEA) is an irritant, a sensitizer and causes contact dermatitis. It may cause the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in products containing nitrogen compounds. It may also contain nitrosamine contaminants not listed on the label.

Parabens (ethyl-, methyl-, butyl- and propylparaben) are endocrine disrupters. They disturb the hormonal balance in the body. They are absorbed through the skin and may irritate the skin. They have been found in breast cancer tumors, but it is not known if they had a part in causing the tumors.

PEG-n (4-200) is an eye and skin irritant and is hazardous on large areas of the body. It may be contaminated with dangerous levels of the carcinogen, 1,4-dioxane.

HGH is human growth hormone. Some products may contain HGH or ingredients that stimulate the body to produce it's own HGH. Ironically, the hormones don't slow the aging process, they just hide the symptoms. Animal studies have shown that those animals which produce more growth hormone in old age have a shorter life span, not longer. Studies have also shown that HGH causes carpal tunnel and diabetes. And it has not been adequately tested.

Ultrasomes, keratinocyte growth factor and DNA enzyme complex are known bioengineered ingredients that are used in some anti-aging products. The biotech industry is not very open about bio-engineered or genetically modified ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products. They're not required to identify ingredients that are bioengineered and they're not required to state on the label that a product contains bioengineered ingredients. The safety of bioengineered ingredients has not been adequately studied.

Look for products with safe ingredients like aloe vera, essential oils, shea butter, grape seed oil, emu oil, antioxidants like vitamins A,C and E, green tea and Co-Q10. But also remember, it's more than just skin care. Slowing the aging process involves eating a healthy diet with lots of healthy anti-oxidant rich foods and enzymes, regular exercise, stress reduction and adequate rest. It's vitally important to pay attention to your whole body, not just your skin.

By Christine Farlow

Home Remedies for Laugh Lines - 7 Natural Tips to Reduce Lines and Wrinkles

Are you annoyed by that the laugh lines you see when you look in the mirror? Then it's time to do something about them. You can reduce them with natural home remedies for laugh lines. You really don't need any face lifts or injections to look beautiful and have smooth skin.
1. Facial Exercises
By exercising your facial muscles regularly they stay toned and the skin is firmer. So by all means don't stop laughing. It is great for your facial muscles. But do other exercises as well, for example making a surprised expression and hold it for 10 to 20 seconds. Then switch to another extreme facial expression, for example with your mouth wide open.
2. Get Rid of Chemicals
Many of the chemicals you find in today's face creams can actually cause more signs of aging. Products containing alcohol, mineral oil, and chemical preservatives should not be used if you want to keep your skin smooth.
3. Nutrients for Rejuvenation
Much of the rejuvenation of your skin is actually an inside job. Without the right nutrients your body can't create healthy skin cells and keep your facial skin firm and smooth. But most of the food today contains less nutrients that it did before so it is wise to take a natural multi vitamin supplement as well as molecularly distilled omega-3 fish oil, which is vital for healthy youthful skin.
4. Stay Hydrated
You may know that most of your body is actually water, but it is also true that a lot of us walk around dehydrated most of the time. Dehydration causes your skin to age prematurely so be sure to always keep those water levels up. You can do it with other liquids to, for example fresh fruit juice or fruit smoothie.
5. Say NO to Toxins
For effective rejuvenation of your skin avoid toxins as much as you can. This naturally means avoiding things like smoking cigarettes, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, eating junk foods on a regular basis, and even stressing. Yes, even being in a state of stress and worry impacts your skin.
6. Try a Face Mask
It is good to give your skin an extra intensive treatment every now and then. You can even make your own face mask at home with nourishing ingredients like oatmeal, raw egg, and cold pressed plant oil.
7. Moisturize with Natural Cream
Daily care of your laugh lines should include moisturizing with a natural cream. It should be made of ingredients that are proven safe and effective. For best effects on laugh lines and wrinkles, the cream needs to stimulate the growth of collagen and elastin, so that your skin becomes smoother and firmer.

SECRET BONUS TIP!
If you want to find the best cream for laugh lines, strip years away from your age and banish wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin for good: you need to do your research! Find proven natural skin care products that do what they say and you will discover, like I did, that staying young and beautiful is not as difficult as brand name manufacturers would have you believe!

By Ingela M. Johansson