Prevent Fine Lines and Wrinkles

In today's article we have some great advice for tho who have fine lines and wrinkles forming on their face, and for those who would like to prevent them

The lips are surrounded by a sensitive layer of skin (similar to the area around the eyes). It is for this reason that wrinkles and fine lines appear in this area more than any other on the face. Continue reading to learn how to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Fine Lines around the Lips: Why, Where, How

When marks appear above the lips, they’re known as “bar codes”. There are many causes of fine lines around the mouth. Some of them are:

• Excessive stress or anxiety that leads to pursing of the lips.
• Licking the lips repeatedly throughout the day.
• Poor skin care habits.
• Lack of moisture.
• A diet low in vitamins and minerals.
• Not getting enough antioxidants.
• Excessive exposure to the sun, wind or cold without proper protection.
• The muscles around the lips not getting enough exercise.
• Drinking with a straw or smoking (puckering the lips).
• Poor circulation in the area.

How to Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines around the Lips

If the first signs of wrinkles are beginning to appear on the sides of your mouth and they’re beginning to detract from your appearance, a good idea is to first tackle their cause by following these tips. If they’ve not yet started to appear, you should pay attention because these tips can also help you prevent fine lines and wrinkles (they’re also good if you suffer from dry, chapped lips).

Exercises for the mouth

How do you exercise the mouth? Don’t worry, you don’t have to go to a special school to learn. You can do these exercises at home (or wherever you like). This exercise routine will strengthen the muscles around the lips and promote blood flow. Slowly open your mouth like you’re going to say “O” or yawn. Then open your mouth as if you were going to pronounce “A”. Alternate between these two positions without closing your mouth.

You will feel a little tension when you move your lips because they’re not used to it, but this is normal. If the cause is due to dry lips, apply a few drops of almond oil before starting and you’ll notice the difference.

Body Awareness

Pay attention to the position of the lips as you go about your daily activities: at work, school, home, while watching TV, reading a book or chatting with a friend. Often we’re not aware that we’re pursing our lips, especially if we’re angry, tense or nervous. If you find yourself pursing your lips, relax them immediately.

Essential oils

Like the example above with almond oil, there are other interesting methods to keep your lips healthy and wrinkle free. When you’re bathing, the hot water causes your pores to open up. Use this time when you’re having a bath to apply walnut essential oil, for example.

If you don’t plan on taking a bath, you can moisten a towel with hot water and massage around the mouth. Remember that this is a very sensitive area and can be burnt by using towels that are too hot. Choose essential oils with a high vitamin E content to fight and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Masques

There are many different options to nourish and care for the skin in order to avoid the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We’ll share a few of our mask recipes:

Recipe 1

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• A tablespoon of sugar

Directions

Firstly, mix the three ingredients together and spread around the lips with smooth, circular motions. Allow it to work for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Recipe 2

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons beeswax
• 5 drops apricot oil
• 5 drops camphor essential oil

Directions

Mix well and then apply this ointment around the lips. Not only will it help prevent fine lines and eliminate wrinkles, it will also hydrate dry, chapped lips.

Creams

Creams are great for moisturizing and avoiding those horrible lines that appear. A good method is to mix aloe vera and rose hip.

Ingredients

• 1 aloe vera stalk
• 1 handful rose hips
• A cup of water

Directions

Firstly, warm the water and rose hips together. Meanwhile, extract the gel from the stalk of aloe vera. Then allow the rose hip mixture to cool and strain it. Add a little to the aloe vera gel and then apply to the lips. Don’t overuse this cream because it could cause the opposite of the desired result.

Nutrition

A good diet is essential for beautiful skin, and to prevent fine lines, whether around the mouth or anywhere on the body. Juices and fresh salads are very beneficial for your health, inside and out. Include these foods in your diet for healthy, beautiful skin:

• Avocado
• Alfalfa
• Sesame
• Carrots
• Brocolli
• Lemons
• Guava
• Tomatoes

They’re all great sources of vitamin E, antioxidants, vitamin C and enzymes that are necessary for smoother, younger looking skin.