Wrinkles are part of life, of course. And when you consider the fact that in part, wrinkles simply mean you have successfully lived to an old-ish age (well done! good for you!)  there’s nothing really so wrong with them. But still, most of us are hoping to age as gracefully as possible so a bit of effort put into natural prevention of wrinkles in simple healthful ways isn’t a bad idea. Here are a few basic ways to minimize wrinkles – or at least their appearance. They won’t cost you a dime and at least one will surprise you.

How to Avoid Wrinkles

Sleep on Your Back

What? Really? Yes, really. Think about it. We spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping (if we are lucky).  And I can assure you that gravity is hard at work even while you are sleeping.  So, if you spent 1/3 of your life smooshing your face sideways into a pillow, well, lets just say it’s not going to help out those upper-lip wrinkles or deeper grooves from your nose to the outer corners of your mouth. Now, don’t get me wrong – sleeping comfortably is really the most important thing.  (You won’t look better if you have fewer wrinkles but look exhausted…) But if you can manage to sleep on your back comfortably,  gravity will work with you and not against you as you sleep at night.

Drink Lots of Water

This will help in the short-run and the long-run. If skin is properly hydrated, it can better withstand the wear and tear of daily life and will stay looking better, longer. Water also gives your skin a plumped up appearance. Try it. Drink at least 6 glasses of water a day (try one before and after each  meal) and after about 3 or 4 days have a look. I bet you’ll notice fine lines along your lips and eyes have a markedly decreased appearance.

Don’t Smoke

This one is a well-known fact.  Smoke dehydrates the skin, takes its toll on elasticity and can give your complexion a prematurely gray palor – not to mention the many other health concerns. Avoid it at all costs.

Stand Up!

That’s right – your posture affects your overall appearance and that includes the appearance of some facial wrinkles. Ensure you’re standing (or sitting) tall with your shoulders back, chin up (this one is very important – remember: gravity!) and chest slightly out. You’ll find you breathe easier this way too.  And don’t worry if you have to constantly check  yourself  to correct your posture. That means you are paying attention and are that much more likely to adopt correct posture – and its many health and beauty benefits – as a habit!