Laugh Lines - Ha!

What happened to my face? I guess mom was right, keep making that face and it will freeze that way! Whatever they're called…..laugh lines, worry lines, character lines, frown lines and one of the most unflattering descriptions, crows feet...not so cute nicknames. Ugh! They’re just another one of life’s cruel jokes, sneaking up on you over time, but seemingly appearing overnight. Over time, some lines form due to habitual facial expressions or movements, such as frowning or squinting, and some of the other lines are caused by outside factors like air pollution and sun exposure. I'll just check ' all of the above.'

Preventing and eliminating lines and wrinkles in our aging skin has become somewhat of a preoccupation among many people today, largely due to the premium our society places on a youthful look. Aging with dignity for some, cannot be accomplished without the help of a myriad of cosmetic products or even plastic surgery! It’s never too late to learn which elements can expedite wrinkles, and what you can do to slow down the inevitable aging process. Believe it or not, some of the solutions are very simple and won't break the bank.

Cigarette smoking, besides leading you to an early grave, has been known to contribute to wrinkles and aging skin disorders. Smoking for a number of years can lead to those deep lines radiating from your lips.

Air pollution and the effects on our ozone layer have been known to deplete important antioxidant (vitamin E for example) in our skin.

Sun exposure (both UVA and UVB rays) causes damage to your skin, which leads to wrinkles, along with other skin disorders and cancer. Even small amounts of ultraviolet radiation can start the chemical processes in your skin that leads to wrinkles.

What can you do? Well, it is really a matter of just using your common sense. Stop smoking – yes, easier said than done. Use sunscreen regularly (SPF 15 to 30) and make sure that it contains both UVA and UVB protection. There are many inexpensive moisturizers on the market that contain sunscreen, so it's not an added step in your routine, since you should be moisturizing after cleansing anyway. Eating well, getting plenty of rest, taking antioxidant supplements and making sure to drink plenty of water is vital in maintaining your skin's health and youthful glow. Eliminate caffeinated beverages, or at least reduce the amount you drink, and replace it with water. This was a hard habit for me to break, but now I really do prefer a nice cold glass of water over a soda and find it much more refreshing. Drinking water is probably the single most important aid in wrinkle prevention…think of it as moisturizing from the inside!