Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
Though face wrinkles are a natural part of aging, it doesn’t make it any easier to see them staring back at you in the mirror. This is proven in the fact that anti-aging products and services make up a multi-billion dollar industry every year. Unfortunately, as we get older, the skin loses elasticity and collagen, resulting in sagging skin and lines appearing. While this is true and mostly unavoidable other lifestyle habits can contribute to aging facial skin. Below are 7 different types of facial wrinkles, how they are formed, and what you can do to reduce their appearance.
Forehead Lines
Forehead lines are usually seen more often in women who are expressive and raise their eyebrows frequently. However, they can also be brought on early by factors such as stress, sun exposure, and poor lifestyle choices such as smoking. I’m saying to stop expressing yourself with facial expressions, but you can be aware of how tense you are. Things like reducing stress and making a point to relax throughout the day can ease tension and help the skin to appear less wrinkled in this area. I am also a fan of facial massage and reflexology that has helped me to look younger than I am. And though I am not a fan of chemical injections to ward off wrinkles, it is an option.
Frown Lines Between the Eyebrows
Frown lines are the two vertical lines that form on the forehead between the eyes. As the name suggests, they’re intensified by years of habitual frowning. For this, we have to consider why do people frown in the first place. Well, to be honest, it’s for many reasons such as pain, sadness, stress, and overwhelm. Gee, sounds like life, huh? So, you have to wonder what any of us can do about “life”. Actually, it does help to stop worrying about everything so much, including how deep your frown lines are. Intentionally trying to stay calm and even in your mood is one way to stop making frown lines worse. This is also another area that responds well to regular facial massage.
Crow’s Feet
Crow’s feet are wrinkles that form around the outside corners of the eyes. They tend to develop largely as a result of smiling and squinting. That said, these fine lines can also be worse for those with dryer skin and those who live in colder, dryer areas. I’ve also seen crow’s feet more apparent on women who sunbathe or go to tanning beds frequently.
I recommend wearing sunglasses in the sun to help reduce the need to squint, as well as preventing unnecessary sun damage to the delicate area around the eyes. Additionally, using sufficient light when reading and wearing prescription glasses when necessary can also reduce squinting and help reduce the appearance and development of these wrinkles. This is also an area that can likely be improved by quality skincare products that target fine lines. BTW, I won’t ever tell anyone to stop smiling and laughing!
Marionette Lines
Marionette lines are the name for the wrinkles that connect the corners of the mouth with the nose. They can develop naturally after years of simple facial expressions such as smiling and frowning, however, certain lifestyle factors can make them worse such as smoking or sun exposure. This area is especially prone to showing age as the skin’s elasticity diminishes and struggles to hold up as it did in youth. Those who are overweight can also have more pronounced marionette lines.
Some women opt for facelifts, dermal fillers, and other invasive therapies, but there are some more natural alternatives. I recommend trying facial exercises to strengthen the underlying muscles, as well as massage, facial reflexology, and anti-aging serums to tighten skin.
Lip Lines
Wrinkles on the lips (upper and lower) develop as we age but can be exacerbated by extensive pursing of the lips. While actions like kissing and drinking through a straw can be contributors, the biggest no-no is smoking. In fact, non-smokers are much less likely to develop these lines early. So, I highly recommend letting go of the smoking habit to help your skin and overall health. You can also try facial massage and exercises to see if that helps to relax this area.
Looking young and staying that way is something that most women want or at least think about on occasion. Yes, I think about it, and I do what I can to help reduce their appearance as they no doubt will continue to show up. The best overall advice I can give for keeping skin happy and healthy is to use sun protection, drink a lot of water, don’t smoke or drink excessively, and reduce stress. Also, consistently use the best skincare products you can afford that don’t contain bad chemicals. And, one more thing… choose happiness and love yourself just the way you are!
