Botox is considered the most popular cosmetic procedure, and for good reason. This neurotoxin effectively paralyzes the facial muscles, allowing wrinkles and fine lines to appear much less deep (and, in some cases, temporarily disappear). But Botox isn’t everyone. You may not love the idea of this procedure. You may not love the idea of paying $500 every four-to-six months for this procedure. Both are plausible reasons why you may be searching for some other ways to prevent wrinkles so that Botox becomes less of a concern as the years go by.
Botox-free beauty lovers are turning to other ways to prevent signs of aging. These four hacks work almost as well as Botox — and they’re much, much cheaper.
Wrinkle-Free Straws
Using regular straws can actually age your skin faster. The motion of puckering up to use a straw can create little lines around the lips (otherwise known as smoker’s lines, even if you’ve never had a cigarette). These small etchings around the mouth are notoriously difficult to treat, so preventing wrinkles in the first place is your better course of action here.
Luckily, there’s a solution. Companies like LipSips have come up with wrinkle-free reusable straws that are designed with a wide mouth base that keeps you from needing to pucker up to enjoy your smoothie. Lipzi is another brand that designed a unique reusable straw with a bent flute design that obviates the need to pucker up.
Face Tape
Pulling back your skin using face tape is a long-time Hollywood trick that starlets used to turn to so that they could look more youthful on screen. It’s come back in a major way, with beauty influencers showing in their social media posts how they effortlessly tape back loose jowls and crow’s feet to appear as if they’ve had a facelift.
Using face tape can be fun when you get the hang of it. But it’s a temporary solution, of course. Some experts say it won’t reduce wrinkles, but can slow the rate at which they form (not that there are millions of studies about this, keep in mind). Frownies has been creating wrinkle patches for the forehead and between the eyes. These patches are NOT worn to events — they are worn to bed and removed in the morning.
Sleeping On Your Back
Here’s a hack that won’t cost you a single cent: switch from sleeping on your stomach or side to your back. When you sleep with your face smashed up against a pillow all night long, this friction can create fine lines and wrinkles — it can also contribute to the spread of acne-causing bacteria. You’re basically doing your skin a world of good by simply switching sleep positions so that your face isn’t in contact with your pillowcase all night long.
Another good tip is to switch to a satin pillowcase that is softer and gentler on your skin and hair.
Wear Sunscreen
We saved the most important wrinkle-preventing tip for last. There is nothing more effective for preventing fine lines and wrinkles than wearing sunscreen, each and every day. Whether it’s summer or winter, sunny or overcast, getting into the habit of applying SPF 30 or higher to your face each day can ward off the effects of UV light that can include fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. No other wrinkle-reducing step — even Botox — will matter much if you still aren’t committed to wearing sunscreen.
No one can stop the hands of time and aging is normal. If you want to slow down its effects, these tips are cheap or free and many say they work.
