No one wants wrinkles, but like it or not, everyone gets them sooner or later. The question is, how can you minimize the amount and the severity of the wrinkles you get? There are a host of miracle solutions there, but according to experts, many of them are simply wishful thinking. Find out the truth about common skin-care misconceptions, and learn about wrinkle-erasing tips that really work.

The Top 3 Wrinkle Myths


  • Drinking lots of water can minimize wrinkles.

    • Some people believe that drinking eight glasses a day plumps up skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. While drinking plenty of fluids is beneficial for overall health, it won't keep your skin smooth.

  • Massaging can smooth away wrinkles.

    • Massage is good for improving circulation, but according to dermatologists, it won't get rid of fine lines or wrinkles.

  • Hard scrubbing can rub away wrinkles.

    • Contrary to popular belief, using an abrasive cleanser or facial sponge to scrub away wrinkles is a waste of time. Wrinkles are caused by damage below the skin, not on the surface.

4 Ways to Save Your Skin

While you can't turn back time, there are steps you can take to prevent premature aging.

  • Wear sunscreen every day.

    • Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is by far the biggest cause of skin damage. So be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun-protective factor (SPF) of at least 15, and avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are the most intense. This will help you to minimize not only wrinkles, but also your skin cancer risk.

  • Score some shades.

    • Wearing sunglasses that screen out UV rays can help protect the soft, sensitive skin around the eyes, where crow's-feet often form. Sunglasses also help to minimize squinting, which can cause creases around the eyes.

  • Don't smoke.

    • According to one study, heavy smokers are almost five times more likely to show excessive skin wrinkling than nonsmokers. Squinting from smoke irritation can also cause or worsen crow's-feet, and pursing your lips to puff on a cigarette can contribute to vertical lines around the mouth.

  • Fine-tune your facial expressions.

    • Some people have a tendency to knot their eyebrows, frown, glare, or crease their brow, often without realizing it. Keeping your facial muscles relaxed can to help minimize wrinkles.