If you’re tired of using expensive creams and serums for wrinkles, you can try several natural options at home, such as topical treatments like aloe vera and homemade masks, or eat nutrient-rich superfoods.
The natural aging process causes everyone to develop wrinkles, especially on body parts frequently exposed to the sun, like your face, neck, hands, and forearms.
Some at-home treatments may help ease the appearance of wrinkles and help you age gracefully, but no product can “cure” wrinkles.
Before you seek medical treatment, you might want to try home remedies, some of which are scientifically proven to help improve the appearance of wrinkles.
Aloe vera
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More studies are needed on the benefits of topical aloe vera, but it’s well-known for its soothing and healing properties.
Banana mask
Bananas contain natural oils and nutrients, such as potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and traces of vitamin A, that may help boost skin health.
To reap the potential benefits of bananas for your skin, apply banana paste directly to your skin:
- Mash a quarter of a banana until it becomes a smooth paste.
- Put a thin layer of the banana paste on your skin.
- Allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Superfoods
Foods rich in health-benefitting nutrients are often referred to as “superfoods.” Many superfoods may help prevent wrinkles and boost overall health.
In the same study, women who ate more fruit had fewer wrinkles than those who ate more meat and snack foods.
Here’s a list of superfoods:
Egg whites
While egg whites might contribute to a small improvement in your skin’s appearance, the thin membrane that separates the white from the shell is more effective.
In a 2020 study, supplementing with 450 milligrams of oral hydrolyzed eggshell membrane for 12 weeks was associated with improved appearance in crow’s feet, a type of wrinkle that develops near the outer corner of your eye.
Participants were between the ages of 35 and 65 years.
But little evidence supports applying egg white directly to your face for smoothing wrinkles. Any benefits you see from doing so are likely temporary. It may also cause skin irritation.
People with an egg allergy should avoid using them to treat wrinkles.
Essential oils
Applying a small amount of essential oil mixed with a carrier oil to your skin may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
According to a 2024 research review, essential oils with the potential to smooth wrinkles may include:
- lavender
- rose
- neroli
- geranium
- sandalwood
- carrot seed
- ylang ylang
- citrus reticulata leaves
- rosemary
To help reduce irritation since essential oils are highly concentrated, always dilute them with a carrier oil, such as:
- almond
- fractionated coconut
- argan
- evening primrose
- jojoba
Before using an essential oil, always perform a patch test:
- Apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist or forearm and wait 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, check if there’s any sign of irritation.
- Avoid using it if you experience redness or other discoloration, burning, or stinging.
While research suggests there are health benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils, and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products.
Facial exercise and massage
Many people turn to massage to help prevent and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. A handheld facial tool, such as a jade roller or gua sha may help prevent wrinkles.
Spas and massage salons often offer facial massage treatments. You can also give yourself a facial massage by applying firm pressure with your fingers to either side of your face and moving them in circular motions and upward strokes.
Adding a facial massage to your skin care routine may also help reduce stress, another potential cause of wrinkles.
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However, most evidence for the benefits of facial massage and exercise is anecdotal, meaning it’s based on user opinion and observation, not concrete evidence.
Olive oil
has been used for its moisturizing, wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Olive oil and its byproducts are healthy sources of:
- fatty acids
- vitamins and minerals
- antioxidants
Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which may contribute to signs of skin aging, to help support healthy, fuller skin. Research suggests it may boost skin elasticity (firmness) and have regenerative properties.
Topical vitamin C
Applying a topical vitamin C serum may help improve the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of sun damage on your skin.
In a
- crow’s feet
- skin pigmentation
- fine lines around the eyes
- skin sagging
- skin radiance
But because the study used a product with collagen and vitamin C, it’s impossible to say if the effects were due to vitamin C alone.
Minerals
Like vitamins, minerals are micronutrients that your body needs in small amounts. In your skin, minerals help:
- filter sunlight
- promote healing
- prevent damage
Zinc and selenium are especially important for skin health. A topical cream containing zinc and selenium may block some UV radiation, helping protect your skin from sun damage that causes wrinkles.
Dietary supplements containing selenium may provide the same protective effects. However, if you eat a balanced diet, chances are you get enough zinc and selenium already.
Too much zinc and selenium can harm your health, so talk with a doctor before adding supplements to your diet.
Probiotics and yogurt
Regularly consuming probiotics, such as those found in yogurt or supplements, may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and boost your skin’s overall health.
A 2024 research review of 709 past studies supports this claim. Authors found that probiotics may benefit:
- skin aging
- wound healing
- acne
- hair loss
- moisturization
Sleeping habits
Preventing and reducing the appearance of wrinkles may be as easy as choosing to sleep with the right pillowcase and in the right sleep position.
Silk contains proteins and is hypoallergenic, so it’s easier on your skin than cotton, for example, which is more abrasive. A copper-oxide pillowcase may also reduce fine lines in the skin.
If you sleep on your stomach or side, you may wake up with sleep lines. While these lines are often temporary, they may set in, or you may see changes in your skin texture if you favor one side over the other.
To help prevent sleep position-related wrinkles, try sleeping on your back or switching your position often.
While wrinkle treatments can help improve their appearance, the best way to prevent premature wrinkles is to protect your skin from the sun.
Limit the time you spend outside when it’s sunny, wear protective clothing, like a hat and long sleeves, and apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 daily (even if you’re staying indoors or it’s cloudy).
Lifestyle choices also affect the appearance of your skin:
- Apply moisturizer regularly to help keep it hydrated.
- Avoid smoking, if you currently smoke, which can dry and wrinkle your skin prematurely. Speak with your doctor about a smoking cessation program if you want to quit.
- Stick to a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods.
Wrinkles may be a natural part of aging, but there are many ways to prevent them and reduce their appearance.
Research supports the use of some at-home wrinkle remedies. You may want to try certain essential oils, supplements, and topical skin care products with specific ingredients to help.
Erica Cirino is a writer, artist and researcher who works globally. While on assignments in places as far-off as the South Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Circle, she covers science stories that often meet at the intersection of human and wildlife health, and environmental conservation. In particular, Erica is highly focused on uncovering the depths and health effects of the global plastic pollution crisis.
