Avoid Wrinkles

What you can do

• Don't smoke; moderate your alcohol intake.
• Avoid stress and learn to relax.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Drink 2 litres of water a day.

The first visible signs of ageing usually appear on the face as wrinkles and shadows under the eyes. There may also be swelling and reddening of the upper eyelids.

Causes

Wrinkles are due to the loss of elasticity in the skin that occurs with age. Premature wrinkling can be caused by overexposure to the ultraviolet rays in sunlight.

The first lines to appear are usually 'crows'-feet', more generously termed 'laughter lines', which occur at the corners of the eyes as a result of repeatedly contracting the facial muscles. Frown lines may occur between the eyebrows and furrows may crease the forehead.

Bags under the eyes are due to a congestion of the area beneath the lower eyelid, when there are localised problems with the circulation of lymph. They often appear in cases of acute or long-term insomnia. Stress, headaches and fatigue can accentuate the problem.

Plant Remedies

To combat wrinkles

Evening primrose (soft capsules, 500mg). Take 1-2 capsules a day during meals with a glass of water.

Marigold. Apply marigold-based cream daily as directed on the label.

To treat bags under the eyes

Green/black tea. Infuse two sachets of dried leaves in boiling water for 5 minutes, allow to cool and then place one over each eye for 5-10 minutes.