Caution: Wrinkles and Saggy Cheeks are Nearer Than You Think

Lines on the face are something we all have to deal with as we get older but there are ways of slowing down the process and keeping that saggy skin at bay for as long as possible. You don't have to be old to have wrinkled, or saggy skin, and inattention to skin care can start the process at a very early age.

SAGGY SKIN CAN START AT A YOUNG AGE

As we get older the skin loses its elasticity and facial muscles no longer support and hold the skin up. Clarinet, oboe and trumpet players who use their facial muscles to form the correct "emboucher", or mouth shape, have stronger facial muscles.

Saggy facial skin results in lines, wrinkles, crows feet around the eyes and even folds of skin when most of the elasticity is lost. There are very expensive treatments available, skin peels and creams, but these seem to be a temporary solution and have to be repeated after a short time. Prevention is a far more effective and cheaper option.

CROWS FEET FORM AT THE EYES

There are four main ways of preventing the early onset of saggy facial skin, wrinkles and crow's feet.

1. Drink plenty of water. An adult needs around eight glasses of water every day to keep the body and the skin properly hydrated. Water flushes the toxins through the system and keeps the whole system clean and fresh. This helps skin to have that fresh, plumped up appearance.
2. Sun damage is the skin's arch enemy so make sure that you use sun protectors with a suitable protection factor. Even in the more temperate regions like the northern parts of North America and the UK, it is essential to wear sun protection cream during the summer.
3. Don't smoke. Smoking is the worst thing you can do if you want to keep your skin looking young and fresh. It significantly increases the signs of ageing in the skin and can contribute to saggy skin.
4. Don't go to bed with make-up on as this clogs the pores. Wash the face with a very gentle kind of cleanser and never rub the skin, or use anything that is at all abrasive. Treat your skin gently to avoid signs of stress.

This easy, inexpensive skin care routine will help to fight the signs of ageing and stop you looking like this: