Let’s face it; wrinkles and aging is a packaged deal. The places on your body that are mostly exposed to the sun like your face, hands, neck, and forearms will get their fair share of lines.
Wrinkles typically start laying their groundwork around age 40 because, as we age, the skin loses moisture and thickness. If you come from a family of folks who doesn’t look their age, you will most likely join them.
Is it true Black don’t crack?
According to various bodies of research, the higher concentration of melanin in darker skin is resistant to aging from the sun, and it can take around ten years longer for darker skin to show signs of photoaging (fine lines, creases, and wrinkles) than white folks.
For one, Black skin tends to have a thicker dermis layer than white skin, founder of the non-surgical treatment company NaturaSKIN, Dr. Jasmeet K. Baxi, who is also a clinician and aesthetic doctor based in the UK explains: “By being thicker it contains more collagen. By having more collagen in the skin, in effect, it can delay the visible signs of aging.”
But hold on…!
Let’s not get it twisted, our Black skin may not crack as early as our white counterparts, but it does fall, sag, and dull. White skin shows signs of aging around their mouths, forehead, while Black people are prone to hollowing under the eyes and dullness of the skin.
There are lots of OTC creams containing ingredients like vitamin-A derived retinoids, antioxidants, and a protein called collagen that claim to reduce those pesky fine lines and even out skin texture and color.
Before you plop down your hard-earned cash for these “miracle anti-wrinkle creams,” try going the home remedies route first.
Aloe Vera–Aloe vera extract is recommended for skin tightening, skin brightening, acne, and dry skin. It is said to increase collagen production which helps with wrinkle reduction resulting in youthful-looking, radiant skin.
Bananas–These fruits contain antioxidants and vitamin C that helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Mash a quarter of a banana until it becomes a smooth paste. Put a thin layer of the banana paste on your skin and allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Egg whites–Egg white is considered an excellent food that can be used when making facials to look young. Egg whites contain protein, riboflavin, magnesium, and potassium. These aspects promote youthful, hydrated, wrinkle-free skin, and protein has properties that boost facial tissues’ healing and growth. People who are allergic to eggs should avoid using them to treat their wrinkles.
Beat an egg white until it is stiff when it will appear white and foamy, and mix in 1 teaspoon (tsp) of lemon juice and 1 tsp of honey. Wash face with warm water. Apply the mask to the skin using a fan brush or cotton pad. Leave on the skin for 15 minutes.
Olive oil–Research suggests that consuming olive oil may protect the skin from developing more wrinkles. Olive oil and its byproducts, like the stems and leaves, contain compounds that can increase the skin’s collagen levels.
In a 2001 study, people who ate a diet rich in olive oil were less prone to wrinkles than people who ate a diet higher in meat, dairy, and butter.
Yogurt–This creamy stuff is high in antioxidants, whey protein, probiotics, as well as nutrients including zinc, calcium, lactic acid, and riboflavin, all of which are known for their anti-aging, moisturizing, exfoliating, and skin renewal properties.
The only yogurt you’ll want to slather on should be a natural, live-cultured one. Greek yogurt is good but make sure it is natural and preferably organic. You can use it as a face wash or face masque after washing and leave on for as long as possible (at least ten minutes) to obtain the full benefits.
Bottom line–The best way to combat wrinkles is to protect your skin from the sun, so limit your exposure. While wrinkle treatments can improve the skin’s appearance, other ways to avoid those lines would be to stop smoking, squinting, moisturize, eat vitamin-rich foods, drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep.
