Wrinkles

[little monkey]

Oh no, wrinkles

I'm 33, and for the first time, the wrinkles are looking like they want to take over!

Especially around my eyes, a whole network of fine wrinkles, my neck and face looking saggier, especially in the last year.

Long given up smoking (was infrequent in any case), and I eat skin foods like coconut oil, avocado, eggs ...

Been using all-natural skin products for some time ...

What can I do to firm up my face and reduce wrinkles? please help

[shelley]

Unfortunately, as we get older the percentage of facial tissues changes. We have much less subcutaneous (under the skin) tissue than in our youth. This is why it looks like our nose gets bigger - it's all relative to where our cheeks USED to be!

However, you don't have to succumb to wrinkles. You should still have enough elasticity at this age for the skin to handle the slight change in supporting tissues. All you need to do is to massage your face regularly, increase circulation any way you can before you do, and give your skin direct doses of certain skin foods including protein-based solutions, Vitamin C based facials, and toners like rosemary/witch hazel/peppermint. I have one of those percussive massagers and it's easy to use it on the face, feel great. I keep it by the TV so that when I'm relaxing I remember to give myself a quick facial.

Another option that can really do wonders are facial exercises. I rented video on this once and it made lots of sense. The more muscle you have the better!

[little monkey]

Thanks for that Shelley, it's good to hear there are things that I can do to improve my skin. It's quite scary when wrinkles suddenly seem to get a lot worse ... makes me realise what I've taken for granted for so long!

After my wrinkle shock this morning I actually went down to the chemist to buy an anti-wrinkle cream (yep, succumbing to the media hype). There's one by Oil of Ulay that's recommended as the best anti-ageing cream on a budget, here in the UK. Tried it on my hand, and I could tell it was sitting just on the surface, plus it had shimmery colourants added. The list of ingredients was very long, chemical after chemical. These creams are made the the lab to appear to do your skin good, but the effect is cosmetic as far as I can tell. Anyway, it went back on the shelf!

What do you think about raw egg white as a protein pack - or do you have a different product in mind?

Is this good for a vitamin C pack?
http://www.amazon.com/Jason-Ester-Hydrating-Masque-2-Ounce/dp/B000FU0JD8

Do you find that the percussive massager gives better results than self-massage with your fingers, and what model of machine do you have?

Thanks

[shelley]

I've got the "Thumper MiniPro2" and it's lasted more than 5 years now. I think I got it at one of those Sharper Image or Brookstone stores for about 90 bucks?

Egg protein is good, there are lots of facial recipes for protein packs on the 'net and in this forum. The problem with going the natural route is the proteins are too large to penetrate the skin. That's where engineered cosmetics do one better. Just make sure it's a cleansing/replenishing mask, not something that promises to end wrinkles, you want to feed the skin. I don't have a favorits skin product that's protein based. I like Philosophy products - their exfolliant mask is Vit C based but the crystals are pretty sharp.