Many factors add to a person’s disposition to develop wrinkles. Also called “rhydtids,” wrinkle development is highly dependent upon genetics, age, skin care routine, UV exposure, habits, nutrition and repetitive expressions.
Two types of wrinkles exist—dynamic wrinkles and static wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles occur when the underlying muscles move and the attached skin moves with them, as when a person frowns.
Dynamic wrinkles are temporary. Once the movement is complete, the wrinkle disappears. Repetition of the same contraction, over time, can cause the wrinkle to change from a dynamic wrinkle to a static wrinkle. Static wrinkles do not smooth out. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center explains that static wrinkles are dynamic wrinkles that have deepened and become persistent. You can help treat these static wrinkles with a few natural treatments.
Lip Balm
To naturally treat the lips themselves, Janice Cox, author of “Natural Beauty at Home,” recommends her Chapped Lip Cure. Mix 1/2 tsp. of glycerine with 1/2 tsp. of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 tsp. of castor oil. Spread this on lips and leave overnight.
Natural Exfoliation
As people age, skin cell regeneration slows down and accumulated sun damage increases skin roughness. Therefore, you must exfoliate the skin to reveal the younger-looking skin beneath. The first step, then, in a natural treatment for wrinkles around the mouth, is to gently exfoliate the skin around the lips.
Alpha hydroxy acids can be used as peels (to exfoliate skin) and their use can give skin a more youthful appearance.
Alpha hydroxy acids are organic acids that naturally occur in such things as fruits, sour milk and sugar cane. To make a natural exfoliant based upon the alpha hydroxy acid found in citrus fruits (citric acid), combine 2 tbsp. of lemon juice with 1 tsp. of sugar. Using your fingertips, gently massage the mixture into the skin around your lips. Take care not to exfoliate the lips themselves.
Honey Mask
As reported in “Milady’s Skin Care and Cosmetics Dictionary,” honey offers anti-bacterial properties that protect wounded skin. When used as a mask, it creates a water tight film and permits skin to rehydrate itself. Dr. Molan, Senior Lecturer of the Biochemistry Department at the Waikato University in New Zealand, reports that honey provides vitamins, minerals, amino acids and sugars important to growing cells.
Dr. Neil Sadick, a dermatologist featured on Fox News, recommends a honey/egg/olive oil mask for rejuvenating skin. To make the mask, beat 1 egg yolk. Combine the egg yolk with 1 tsp. of olive oil. Mix well. Add 1 tbsp. of honey. Brush this on the skin around your lips and allow to set for about 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.
