Wrinkle warriors: Tips for smoother skin

Every day your skin comes under attack from environmental factors that can wreak havoc on your complexion and cause fine lines and wrinkles.

Here’s your skin’s anti-wrinkle rescue mission.

Skincare regimen

By the time you’re 20, you’ve been exposed to ultraviolet light, pollution and other damaging environmental factors.

These factors cause inflammatory reactions, which will eventually start to destroy collagen fibres, causing fine lines and wrinkles.

• Related: 7 surprising things that age you

Good skincare can help reduce the damage.

Here’s what you should include in your at-home skincare routine:

SPF 30+

It not only protects, it makes skin look younger.

The skin has an incredible ability to heal itself once you start blocking UVA and UVB rays.

You’ll see an improvement in both texture and tone.

An antioxidant serum or moisturiser

Vitamin C is the best, but apply it at night because it is sun sensitive.

Vitamin C will brighten the skin and it helps with skin damage. Other antioxidants to look for include vitamin E, resveratrol and green tea.

Some form of retinol

You will notice a real transformation with this ingredient – it smooths wrinkles, retexturises, boosts collagen and lightens spots.

Exfoliant

Exfoliation is pivotal to facial rejuvenation – it increases dermal volume, making skin look less wrinkly and will also help brown spots.

You can use a physical exfoliant, such as a scrub, or a chemical exfoliant, such as a glycolic peel.

• Related: 5 best anti-ageing foods for younger looking skin

DIY face treatments

Gentle hydrating exfoliator

Mix two tablespoons of almond meal with one tablespoon of Manuka honey.

Apply to face in small circular motions then rinse off with warm water.

Enzyme peel for all skin types (except sensitive)

Using the skin of a papaya flesh side down, rub over face and neck.

Leave for five minutes then rinse off.

Moisturising mask

Mash 1/2 an avocado and mix in a tablespoon of full cream natural yoghurt.

Apply to face and neck and leave on for five to 10 minutes before rinsing off.

• Related: How to look after your skin as you age

Face-saving foods

Supplement your skin care with these wrinkle-busting foods:

• Strawberries: Water-packed berries hydrate the skin and their high vitamin C content may help stall the ageing process.
• Leafy greens: Vegies such as spinach contain antioxidants that keep the skin elastic.
• Poultry: These meats are high in zinc, which stimulates collagen production.
• Fish: Salmon and other cold-water fish have protein, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which repair the skin.
• Tofu: Soy products are loaded with amino acids that promote new cell growth.

Written by Nikki Yazxhi