Health

How to Fight Wrinkles the Cruelty-Free Way

Vegans tend to eat more fruits and vegetables than their carnivorous counterparts—which is great news for their skin!

Vitamins C and E, which are commonly found in healthy vegan meals, are powerful antioxidants that neutralize skin-damaging free radicals and help fight wrinkles and brown spots, promoting an overall youthful appearance. Nuts and seeds are prime sources of vitamin E, and if you’re looking for a sweeter way to enjoy some antioxidants, eat a handful of berries.

When it comes to skin problems, the prevention and the cure are often one and the same. Here you’ll find the best foods to eat as well as some great skin-care products and DIY moisturizers and scrubs to help your skin feel smoother and prevent future damage to it.

Prevention

DIY Moisturizers and Scrubs

  • Here’s a quick recipe for a DIY facial moisturizer to help keep skin hydrated. It uses jojoba oil, which is effective because it’s similar to the oil that our skin produces.
  • Aloe vera is a good daytime moisturizer because it’s light and won’t weigh your skin down like viscous products do.
  • Olive and coconut oils are great for removing makeup—and they also work well as moisturizers. Another great tip is to apply a thin layer over your entire face before bedtime. Cover your pillow with a towel and reap the benefits of these miraculous oils while you’re off in dreamland.
  • You can also try our DIY Cup o’ Joe Facial Scrub. The coffee grounds help exfoliate, and the olive oil hydrates the skin, leaving a smooth finish—plus, it’s as easy as pie to make!

Diet

  • A study published by the Nutrition Journal reports that ascorbic acid is a building block of collagen, which is “the principal protein of skin, bones, teeth, cartilage, tendons, blood vessels, heart valves, inter vertebral discs, cornea and eye lens.” It can be found in citrus fruits as well as in watermelons, papayas, strawberries, cantaloupes, mangoes, raspberries, and cherries. Green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower, and cabbage also contain this important vitamin.
  • Flaxseeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which helps heal existing skin damage and prevents future damage. Try this kale-based smoothie (made with flaxseed oil, of course) for a sweet way to add this omega-3 fatty acid to your diet!
  • Protein is important for building healthy skin, too. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recommends “46 grams per day for women over 19 years of age, and 56 grams per day for men over 19 years of age.” It also recommends that vegetarians and vegans get their protein from a variety of sources in order to get all the amino acids that are required to build new protein—so be sure to mix it up, with legumes, beans, nuts, and dark leafy greens.
  • Avocado and avocado oil are also great to incorporate into your diet, as they contain vitamins D and E, beta-carotene, protein, lecithin, and fatty acids. Not bad for just one fruit!

Products

  • YouthSecret specializes in anti-aging products that promote healing and provide protection while brightening and soothing your skin for an all-around youthful and healthy glow.
  • DeVita is a great skin-care line that’s both cruelty-free and vegan. Try any of its Age-Defying products to help keep your skin looking healthy.
  • Aveda has several face cleansers that are great for treating those pesky deep wrinkles.
  • Hylunia, another vegan brand, carries the powerful Beyond Complex C Serum, which is packed with vitamin C to reduce fine lines. It also contains green tea, chrysanthemum, and turmeric to aide in repairing sun damage.
  • For a cruelty-free daytime moisturizer with sunscreen, try Murad’s Anti-Aging Moisturizer, which contains SPF 30 to help prevent sun damage.
  • Sircuit’s Secret Sauce uses ingredients that help moisturize and plump the skin, reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • And Lush has several moisturizers that are perfect for soothing dry skin, which can cause wrinkles if left untreated—and they smell great, too.

I hope this information will help you in your cruelty-free quest for radiant, healthy skin!