How to Treat Wrinkles Naturally at Home

Research from 2019Trusted Source 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 studyTrusted Source, 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 studyTrusted Source 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 studyTrusted Source, 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 studyTrusted Source, 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 studyTrusted Source, 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.