Ten Ways to Reduce Wrinkles

1. Remove your makeup before going to bed!

We've probably all skipped this important step once in a while, but it does have an aging effect on the face in general, and the eye area in particular. Your eyes and face need the time away from free radicals and even the weight of the products you have applied during the day!

As discussed in the section on facial cleansing, use a gentle eye-makeup remover that will dissolve even waterproof mascara without rubbing. Apply it to a clean cotton ball and let it soak on the eyelid, then gently wipe away. This will help reduce wrinkles and crow's feet. Be sure that it is safe for contact lenses, is oil free, hypoallergenic, and ophthalmologist-tested. Follow up by cleansing and moisturizing your face as usual.

2. Don't sleep with your face smashed into the pillow or mattress.

I have to plead guilty to this one. I tend to sleep on my right side, with my face buried into a soft pillow. I have a very distinct vertical wrinkle just under my right eye as a reward for years of this sleeping position!

3. If you need them, wear glasses or contacts.

Sometimes, the fact that your eyesight is no longer what it used to be can sneak up on you. One year, my normally meticulous boss had made not one, but two typos on a list she had given me. Turns out, her list was perfectly typed, as usual, I just couldn't read it accurately without my glasses. However, the act of trying to read the paper caused me to squint, and squinting causes wrinkles.

4. Wear sunglasses.

Not only to protect your eyes, especially if your eyes are light in color, but to prevent squinting which causes...wrinkles.

5. Don't smoke.

Obviously, there are a ton of reasons not to smoke, but for the purpose of this discussion, it is a one-way ticket to Wrinkle City! In addition to breaking down the skin's normal elasticity, smoke has a nasty habit of flowing directly into your eyes. When this happens, you are likely to (dare I say it?) squint!

6. Limit Sun Exposure.

If you have to be out between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., add a hat or cap to protect your face and neck and, of course, wear your sunscreen. Forgive me for repeating this over and over, but it is SO important both for your health and to reduce wrinkles, and so easy! Protecting yourself from sun exposure can reduce wrinkles up to 90%.

7. Know the shelf life of your skin care products.

In general, any skin care product in the form of a lotion or cream has a shelf life of about eighteen months to three years. If it is considered an over-the-counter medicinal product, like sunscreens or acne treatments, there should be an expiration date on the bottle or tube. Powder products are safe for an indefinite period. The one product to really watch is mascara - after three months, throw it away! And, of course, never ever share your mascara or any other product that must come in contact with your skin directly from the container. Being sure of the shelf life will make sure your products are working at their optimum capacity to help keep your skin healthy and reduce wrinkles!

8. Clean your makeup brushes once a week.

Use a mild shampoo to clean your brushes every week. Wash sponges more often. Wash them out in the evening, rinse thoroughly, and leave out to dry on a clean towel. They should be dry enough to use again the next morning. You will have protected yourself from any bacteria or mold which might be growing, causing the eyes and skin to itch and you to rub.

9. Don't pull on your eyes when applying makeup.

This is the hardest for me when I am applying eyeliner. Use short strokes, rather than trying to line the eye in one continuous motion. Use a pencil liner that is moist and glides on smoothly, or liquid - so long as the line is not too harsh-looking. Most imperfections in the eyeliner will be disguised once you apply your mascara, so try not to stress too much over it. If you use a pencil liner, you can always "smudge" and make mistakes blend in with the rest of the line!

10. Take care of yourself!

So many of us are so busy taking care of everyone and everything, we forget to take some time for ourselves. Taking the time to relax and pamper yourself a bit will serve to make you even more efficient, I promise! A relaxed, healthy you will promote positive interactions with the people around you.

Reduce wrinkles by taking a "health break" every day - whether you meditate, read, nap, or simply cuddle with your kids. It's the best anti age formula I know!