Try These Techniques for At-Home Wrinkle Repair (2024)

For most, wrinkles develop between the ages of 40 and 50 as the skin loses moisture and thickness.

As you get older, your skin naturally becomes weaker, less hydrated, and less stretchy, causing lines to form.

Other causes include:

• exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, like sunlight
• smoking
• squinting, smiling, frowning
• lack of sleep
• pollution
• stress
• excessive cosmetics
• poor diet
• genetics

Sun exposure appears to be the biggest cause, especially in people with fair skin. A 2013 study found that 80 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun.

Wrinkles may also be caused in part by smoking and an unbalanced diet.

Over-the-counter (OTC) skin creams containing vitamin-A derived retinoids, antioxidants, and a protein called collagen can reduce fine wrinkles and even out skin texture and color.

So before you seek medical treatment, you might want to try home remedies, some of which are scientifically proven to improve the appearance of wrinkles.

Generally speaking, there are two major types of wrinkles.

Dynamic wrinkles

These develop from repeated facial movements. If you pucker your lips around a straw frequently, for example, you might get lip lines.

Static wrinkles

These result from a loss of elasticity and the takeover of gravity. Wrinkles that come with jowls are static.

There are plenty of simple home remedies that may help prevent wrinkles.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera has numerous healing properties. An older 2009 study suggested that taking a daily aloe vera gel supplement significantly reduced the appearance of wrinkles in just 90 days.

In a 2015 study, scientists found that applying aloe gel to the skin significantly reduced the appearance of wrinkles and also added collagen and hydration.

Banana mask

Bananas contain natural oils and vitamins that can boost skin health.

Experts recommend applying banana paste to the skin:

1. Mash a quarter of a banana until it becomes a smooth paste.
2. Put a thin layer of the banana paste on your skin.
3. Allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.

Superfoods

Foods rich in health-benefitting nutrients are often referred to as “superfoods.” There are many superfoods that appear to prevent wrinkles and boost overall health.

Research from 2019 that looked at the diets of older Dutch men and women found that those men with healthy eating habits had fewer wrinkles. In the same study, women who ate more fruit had fewer wrinkles than those who ate more meat and snack foods.

Many superfoods, such as those in the following list, may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles:

• artichokes
• avocadoes
• chia seeds
• cinnamon
• egg whites
• ginger
• miso
• oatmeal
• salmon
• sardines
• sweet potatoes
• tomatoes
• walnuts

Egg whites

While egg whites might contribute to a small improvement in the skin’s appearance, the thin membrane that separates the white from the shell is more effective.

In a 2016 study, using a cream made with egg membrane led to a significant reduction in wrinkle depth and increased production of collagen, which makes skin smoother and stretchy.

However, people who are allergic to eggs should avoid using them to treat their wrinkles.

Essential oils

Applying small amounts of essential oils mixed with a carrier oil on wrinkles may help reduce them. Often, essential oils are applied in specific combinations that heal skin without causing irritation, so long as they’re diluted with a carrier oil.

Carrier oils include:

• almond oil
• fractionated coconut oil
• argan oil
• evening primrose oil

Here are some essential oils that may help improve the appearance of wrinkles when used in different combinations with a carrier:

• argan
• carrot seed
• clary sage
• frankincense
• geranium
• grapeseed
• helichrysum
• jojoba
• lavender
• neroli
• pomegranate
• rose
• rosemary
• sandalwood
• ylang ylang

Some people are sensitive to essential oils, which are highly concentrated. Before using an essential oil, perform a patch test:

1. Apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours.
2. After 24 hours, check if there’s any sign of irritation.
3. Avoid using it if you experience redness, burning, or stinging.

Always use a carrier oil when applying essential oils.

Massage

Many people turn to massage to prevent and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In fact, the use of a handheld facial massage device may help prevent wrinkles by increasing proteins that keep the skin smooth.

A daily facial massage for 3 to 5 minutes done with your fingers can give the same effects on the skin. It can also reduce stress, a common cause of wrinkles.

Many spas and massage salons offer facial massage treatments. At home, you can give yourself a facial massage by applying firm pressure with your fingers to either side of your face and moving them in circular strokes.

A small 2017 study supports this. Participants used an anti-aging device that stimulated massage alongside a cream on their face and neck for 8 weeks. The effects of the cream were enhanced when used with the facial massage. Improvements were seen in wrinkles, skin sagging, and texture.

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 an older 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.

The researchers also found that vegetables, like broccoli and tomatoes, and legumes, such as lentils and beans, may have a similarly protective effect against wrinkles.

All of these foods can be part of a balanced diet, so it’s safe for most people to consume them. But be cautious and read labels if you have any food allergies.

Topical vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps create collagen in the skin. It can be found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, such as rosehips, chili peppers, guava, and kale.

Applying a topical gel containing vitamin C can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of sun damage on the skin.

In a small 2008 study, 10 people applied a vitamin C gel to one side of their face and a gel containing no additional ingredients to the other side.

All people in the study showed less wrinkling and signs of sun damage on the side of their faces treated with vitamin C gel. The vitamin C gel hydrated the skin, increased collagen production, and decreased inflammation.

Minerals

Like vitamins, minerals are micronutrients found in the foods you eat that your body needs in small amounts. In the skin, minerals help filter sunlight, promote healing, and prevent damage.

Zinc and selenium are two minerals that are especially important for skin health. Using a topical cream containing zinc and selenium can block some UV radiation, helping to protect the skin from the sun damage that causes wrinkles.

Dietary supplements containing selenium may provide the same protective effects. However, if you eat a healthy diet, chances are you get enough zinc and selenium.

Zinc can be found in:

• oysters
• beans
• almonds
• oatmeal
• peas
• cheese

Foods containing higher amounts of selenium include:

• sunflower seeds
• yogurt
• spinach
• oatmeal
• bananas

Getting too much zinc and selenium can harm your health, so talk with a doctor before adding supplements to your diet.

Probiotics and yogurt

Research suggests that regularly consuming probiotics, such as those found in yogurt or sold as supplements, may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and boost the skin’s overall health.

In a 2013 animal study, older mice that were fed probiotic yogurt developed healthier skin and fur than mice that weren’t. In human studies, researchers have noticed applying probiotics to the skin helps make it stronger against stressors like sunlight.

Silk or copper-oxide pillowcases

Preventing and reducing the appearance of wrinkles may be as easy as choosing to sleep with the right pillowcase.

Silk contains proteins and is hypoallergenic, so it’s easy on the skin. A copper-oxide pillowcase can reduce fine lines in the skin.

If you’re concerned about the appearance of your skin, you may want to visit a doctor that specializes in conditions of the skin (dermatologist) for further treatment.

The dermatologist will examine your skin visually. They’ll probably ask you questions about your health and lifestyle habits, such as your time spent in the sun and if you smoke.

Some treatments a dermatologist might recommend for wrinkles include:

• prescription topical vitamin A retinoids
• prescription topical antioxidants and collagen
• OTC wrinkle creams
• laser skin resurfacing
• light source and radiofrequency treatments
• chemical peel
• dermabrasion or microdermabrasion
• Botox
• soft-tissue (dermal) fillers
• skin-tightening techniques, such as ultherapy
• facelift surgery

While wrinkle treatments can improve your skin’s appearance, the best way to avoid wrinkles is to protect your skin from the sun. Limit the time you spend outside when it’s sunny out, wear protective clothing, like a hat and long sleeves, and apply a daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Lifestyle choices also affect your skin’s appearance. Apply moisturizer to your skin regularly to help keep it hydrated. Avoid smoking, which can dry and wrinkle your skin. Stick to a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods.

Wrinkles may be a natural part of the aging process, but there are many ways to prevent them and reduce their appearance. You may want to try some home wrinkle remedies before heading to a doctor.

Erica Cirino is a writer, artist and researcher who works globally. While on assignments in places as far-off as the South Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Circle, she covers science stories that often meet at the intersection of human and wildlife health, and environmental conservation. In particular, Erica is highly focused on uncovering the depths and health effects of the global plastic pollution crisis.