Skin aging is part of life, but you can try to prevent early wrinkles and smooth their appearance by adding a few steps to your skin care and daily routine, such as moisturizing, using sunscreen, eating well, and more.
There’s no shame in having wrinkles — it’s a part of life. A few facial lines can be endearing and add character to your face.
While there’s no way to stop skin aging, you can take steps early on and as you get older to help you age gracefully and lighten the appearance of wrinkles.
What Causes Wrinkles?
Everyone’s skin ages, which is why the skin of a young child and the skin of a 90-year-old look very different.
Skin loses elasticity as you age because collagen production slows down. Your skin may become thinner and retain less moisture. When your skin doesn’t have as much moisture or volume as it used to, wrinkles may stand out more.
Sun exposure, pollution, and certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking, may worsen or accelerate the development of wrinkles.
What Can You Do To Prevent Wrinkles?
Genetics may play a role in how your skin ages. But even if your family has skin that wrinkles easily, you can gracefully age.
Although wrinkles will appear at some point in life, taking good care of your skin from a young age is key. It’s best to implement these practices starting in your 20s, but skin care at any age can have a huge impact later.
Below are eight lifestyle and prevention factors that can help keep your skin looking healthy as you age.
Protect Yourself From The Sun
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), everyone can benefit from sunscreen.
Frequent or intense sun exposure without using sunscreen can damage your skin, potentially leading to:
- sun (age) spots
- wrinkles
- skin cancer
- other signs of photoaging
To protect your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, apply a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 every day, even if it’s cloudy or you stay indoors.
UV rays can penetrate clouds and windows, so don’t skip the sunscreen because it isn’t sunny or you’re staying inside.
For extra protection when you go outside, wear:
- a wide-brimmed hat
- light colored clothes that reflect the sun
- sunglasses with UV protection
Try Using A Retinoid
Retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A, are among the most studied skin care ingredients. Retinol, a type of retinoid, may increase collagen production and help plump your skin.
Retinoids may also help rejuvenate your skin and improve its overall appearance and texture, including lightening hyperpigmentation.
There are six types of retinoids, each with a slightly different degree of potency. Some are over-the-counter creams and gels, while others are available by prescription only.
Dermatologists recommend starting with a small amount to test your skin’s tolerance to the product and using it every other day to avoid peeling.
Talk with your dermatologist to determine which option is right for your skin.
Moisturize
Moisturizers help nourish and hydrate your skin. This is especially important as you get older and your skin becomes drier, which may make wrinkles more apparent.
Opt for moisturizers with:
According to the AAD and research, these ingredients are known for their moisturizing, hydration, and anti-wrinkle properties.
Ask your dermatologist for specific product recommendations for your skin.
Stay Hydrated
Your body needs water for almost everything. Drinking water is essential for staying hydrated from the inside out and for supple skin.
According to a 2024 study in 43 women, higher water intake may be related to improved skin barrier function.
However, the study authors note that applying moisturizers was better for improving skin hydration than water intake.
Other research also suggestsTrusted Source a possible connection — but a weak one — between skin hydration and additional water intake.
Eat Vitamin-Rich Food
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” When it comes to how well your skin ages, this is especially true.
A large Dutch study from 2019, with more than 2,700 participants, found that dietary habits are associatedTrusted Source with facial wrinkling, especially in women.
According to the study, women whose diets include a high amount of red meat and unhealthy snacks tend to have more facial wrinkles than women who include more fruit in their diets.
Foods high in anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties may also improve skin elasticity (firmness) and protect against damage and premature aging.
Some foods and drinks with these qualities include:
- green tea
- olive oil
- salmon
- avocados
- pomegranates
- flax seeds
- colorful vegetables, especially carrots, pumpkin, leafy greens, bell peppers, and broccoli
Sleep On Your Back
Your sleeping position may affect the formation of wrinkles.
Though sleep wrinkles are usually temporary, if you favor sleeping on one side of your face over the other, you may see a change in the texture of your skin over time on your favored side, according to the University of Queensland.
One way to prevent this is to try sleeping on your back instead of your side or stomach, or to switch your sleeping position often. This can help you avoid putting extra pressure on the skin of your face.
Silk pillowcases may also be kinder to your skin than cotton, as they create less friction and help prevent skin abrasion.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is a risk factor for wrinkle formation and skin cancersTrusted Source.
Cigarette smoke has been linked toTrusted Source accelerated skin aging, especially when exposed to the sun without proper protection.
A 2021 research review also found that smoking may decreaseTrusted Source your levels of vitamin D, which your skin uses to maintain its barrier and for tissue repair.
The repeated pursing of your lips to inhale may lead to premature wrinkling around the mouth.
If you currently smoke, talk with a healthcare professional about a smoking cessation program to help you quit.
Keep A Neutral Face
Repeated facial movements, such as squinting, frowning, or pursing the lips, may cause wrinkles to form in these areas.
If you frequently squint, it may be a sign that you need an eye exam or a different prescription. Another way to prevent squinting is to wear sunglasses when outdoors.
Stress may cause you to scowl or frown. You may want to look into ways to relieve your stress, such as:
- regular exercise
- deep breathing exercises
- yoga
- meditation
- mindfulness
Some people claim facial massage techniques, such as using a facial roller or gua sha, may help tighten and smooth wrinkles.
However, most evidence is anecdotal or observational, meaning little scientific evidence supports facial massage techniques for improving wrinkles.
Takeaway
Wrinkles are a part of aging, but you can take steps to slow their progress and prevent new ones from forming.
Lifestyle factors like eating a vitamin-rich diet, drinking plenty of water, protecting your skin from the sun, avoiding smoking, and managing stress play a key role in keeping your skin healthy as you age.
Using a retinoid and a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin may also prevent the onset of wrinkles.
If you have questions or concerns about products that may help prevent wrinkles, follow up with your doctor or dermatologist.
Sources:
- Akdeniz M, et al. (2018). Does dietary fluid intake affect skin hydration in healthy humans? A systematic literature review.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/srt.12454 - Arafa A, et al. (2020). The association between smoking and risk of skin cancer: a meta-analysis of cohort studies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32458137/ - Bravo B, et al. (2022). Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10078143/ - Chen HJ, et al. (2022). Moisture retention of glycerin solutions with various concentrations: a comparative study.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9205919/ - Grenier A, et al. (2023). The combination of cigarette smoke and solar rays causes effects similar to skin aging in a bilayer skin model.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-44868-z - Griffiths TW, et al. (2023). Skin ageing and topical rejuvenation strategies.
https://academic.oup.com/bjd/article/189/Supplement_1/i17/7333865 - Guan LL, et al. (2021). Sunscreens and photoaging: A review of current literature.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8361399/ - How to care for your skin in your 60s and 70s. (2021).
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-in-your-60s-and-70s - Mekić S, et al. (2019). A healthy diet in women is associated with less facial wrinkles in a large Dutch population-based cohort. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.03.033 - Seol JE, et al. (2024). Effect of amount of daily water intake and use of moisturizer on skin barrier function in healthy female participants.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11148315/ - Sleep wrinkles are real. Here's how they leave their mark. (2024).
https://medicine.uq.edu.au/article/2024/05/sleep-wrinkles-are-real-here%E2%80%99s-how-they-leave-their%C2%A0mark - Sunscreen FAQs. (2025).
https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen - Yang L, et al. (2021). Smoking behavior and circulating vitamin D levels in adults: A meta-analysis.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.2488 - Yazdanparast T, et al. (2019). Cigarettes smoking and skin: A comparison of the biophysical properties of skin in smokers and non-smokers.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7230126/ - Zasada M, et al. (2019). Retinoids: Active molecules influencing skin structure formation in cosmetic and dermatological treatments.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6791161/ - Zhao X, et al. (2021). Collagen peptides and the related synthetic peptides: A review on improving skin health.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464621003297
Important Notice: This article was originally published at www.healthline.com by Grace Gallagher, where all credits are due. Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C
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