Delay The Onset Of Wrinkles - by Editor

Stop the hands of time! 10 great tips that will take years off your face.

1. Apply

moisturiser regularly. Dry skin tends to lose elasticity earlier than oily skin, so applying moisturiser helps combat wrinkles, as it keeps the skin supple. It helps to keep in mind that air-conditioners and room heaters tend to dry out the air, and consequently, your skin. Apply a heavier moisturiser if you are going to be sleeping in an air-conditioned room. If possible, place a humidifier in the bedroom.

2. Avoid

resting your face on your arm. This stretches your skin.

3. While removing

eye make-up, be very gentle. The eyes are the first areas of the face to develop wrinkles. Under no circumstances should you stretch or pull the delicate under-eye skin.

4. The ageing effects

of the sun are as severe as time itself. Make sure you stay out of the sun between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest. If you must step out in the sun, wear a cap or carry an umbrella. Apply sunscreen lotion even if you are indoors, during the day.

5. Wear sunglasses

if you step out in the sun. Not only do they look great, but they also prevent you from involuntarily crinkling your eyes due to the glare of the sun. This action causes premature wrinkling, and should be avoided.

6. Inverted yoga

postures like Chakrasana, Sirshasana, Sarvangasana, Adhomukha Svanasana, increase circulation to the face. Oxygen is pumped into the face, which helps rejuvenate skin. Inverted poses are of tremendous benefit, and also help delay the onset of grey hair. Your skin will look healthier and firmer.

7. Apply

nourishing face masks regularly to your skin. You could purchase them, or use ingredients from your kitchen shelf. Egg yolk is extremely beneficial, so if possible, apply it at least once a week. Leave on for ten minutes and wash off. Honey, olive oil, malai (at least a day old), unboiled milk, are all excellent for skin as well. Apply a nourishing mask twice a week. Years down the line, when your contemporaries faces are lined with wrinkles, you will be glad you did.

8. Don't smoke

By smoking, you are increasing the levels of toxins in your body. In addition, the constant puckering of lips around the cigarette, to draw smoke, causes lines around the mouth. Similarly, consume less alcohol. Alcohol, if had in excess, causes puffiness the next morning. This puffiness causes the skin to stretch, and consequently quickens the onset of wrinkles.

9. Anti-ageing creams

do help, though they are not the miracle workers they claim to be.

10. Chickpeas (channas) and soya beans

have been found to contain ingredients that combat wrinkles. This doesn't mean that you start eating channa bhatura for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and expect to look 25 when you are 50! Chickpeas are best eaten in sprouted form, or you could mash the chickpeas or soya beans and add it to your atta while making chapatti.