You’ve probably noticed as you get older that your skin isn’t as elastic and firm as it used to be. Although it shouldn’t be a goal in itself, everyone wants to get rid of loose skin and wrinkles which can make you look older than you are. However, we also want a natural-looking result and not to go overboard with face skin tightening. There are a number of ways, both in terms of diet and skincare, to try to slow down or reverse the ageing process.
For the smoothest and most youthful-looking skin, we spoke to Dr Hakan Gundogan, from Clinic Center, who outlines the 10 most effective ways of tightening the skin around your face.
Massage your face
Gently massage your face once a week to stimulate the growth of skin cells, increase blood flow, and improve lymph flow, thus reducing water retention and improving your complexion. Start by cleansing your face and then apply a facial oil (a natural moisturiser will work best). Then rub in a circular motion from your chin to your forehead, and from the centre of one cheek to the other, pressing firmly until you feel that your skin is warm. Always use an upward motion when rubbing in product to ‘lift’ the face during your massages. Daily massaging will improve the texture and appearance of the face.
Invest in collagen
To keep your skin looking young and healthy, you need to take care of it. Collagen is naturally found in the skin and can help to keep it soft and elastic; therefore, increasing its ability to rejuvenate itself. Using a product that contains collagen will increase the amount of it in your skin, which will reduce the look of wrinkles. Products that contain collagen include creams, vitamins, face masks and stimulation therapy.
Don’t scrunch your face
Repeated facial expressions – especially frowning, scrunching, squinting, and pursing your lips for long periods of time – can leave lines and wrinkles on your face. Wearing prescription glasses or sunglasses to stop squinting, avoiding stressful situations to stop frowning, and making sure you smile often can reduce the appearance of these signs of ageing.
Eat less sugar
If you eat a sugar-heavy diet and don’t get enough healthy fats, you may lose firmness in your skin. This can make you look significantly older, with dark circles under your eyes and wrinkles on your face. Eating a lot of processed sugar can also lead to dehydration and fast-track the ageing process. Strive for a healthy diet that includes lots of fresh produce and lean protein to help keep your skin looking and feeling youthful.
Protect your skin from the sun
The sun can damage your skin, causing it to wrinkle and age prematurely, so you should protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses with UV protection. To keep your skin looking young and healthy, apply sunscreen every day, even in winter – and make sure you use a product with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Invest in a vibrating facial roller
You’ve probably seen the face roller trend on Instagram. The little gadget is most commonly made from jade or rose quartz and has roller balls of varying sizes fixed to both ends of the handle. Vibrating facial rollers are fantastic for decreasing puffiness, improving blood circulation, and distributing skincare products deeper into the skin. Using this for just five minutes a day will undoubtedly enhance the look of your skin.
Try a vampire facial (PRP)
A vampire facial is a non-surgical treatment that can fight the effects of ageing. It may sound daunting, but this is a relatively easy and quick procedure. To begin, your doctor will draw blood from your arm and separate the platelets from your blood using a centrifuge. The remaining Platelet-rich Plasma, hence the name PRP, is injected back into the face, along with fillers if your doctor recommends. This procedure will help you reduce wrinkles, acne scars, and also improve dull skin.
Drink less alcohol
When you drink alcohol, it dehydrates your skin, making it appear dull. In addition, heavy drinking causes your skin to age prematurely. By cutting back on your alcohol consumption and staying hydrated by consuming more water and green tea, you can restore a healthy glow to your skin.
Use a hyaluronic acid serum
Hyaluronic acid, a natural ingredient found in skin, supports cell renewal and acts as a water-binding agent to keep skin hydrated and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The hyaluronic acid serum contains moisture-retaining properties that can boost skin elasticity and firmness. It is quickly absorbed by the skin and moisturises from within
Botox
You’ve probably heard much about Botox and how it is a popular method for fighting wrinkles. It works by blocking the nerve signals that tell your muscles to contract. The most common areas for Botox injections are in the forehead and around the eyes, but there are other possibilities as well. The procedure itself is quick and painless, but you should discuss this with your doctor before getting it done.
Many people opt for Botox injections because they’re an easy, relatively painless way to keep their skin looking smooth and wrinkle-free. Depending on what you’re looking to achieve with your injections, there’s a good chance your first treatment will be enough to keep those frown lines away for up to six months.
