The skin condition changes as we grow older. The dead surface of the skin renews itself every three or four weeks when you are in your  twenties. In your mid-thirties and early forties, the renewal process takes twice the time. Changes occur in the complexion and the tone of the skin. The complexion looks dull and the skin’s tone (vitality) diminishes.
 
With age, the oil glands decrease in number and size, and become sluggish. While the entire mass of the body shrinks with age, the overlying skin remains the same in extent. The excess skin sags and creases in the form of wrinkles.

As we age there is a breakdown of collagen which gives the skin its elasticity. The body fluids dry out and the bones and muscles lose tissue. There is also a substantial decline in the number of blood vessels in the skin, resulting in the slowing down of circulation. The skin becomes increasingly sensitive to heat and cold.
Here are some home remedies to get rid of wrinkles.

Wrinkle banisher

This concoction is particularly effective against wrinkles caused by over-exposure to the sun. Orange oil helps rejuvenate and revitalise the skin. The almond oil will help replenish the skin’s moisture.

Ingredients: 2 drops hazelnut oil + 1 teaspoon almond oil + 8 drops sweet orange essential oil.

Method: Mix the oils and massage gently into the skin. Use morning and night after cleansing the skin.

Quick fix treatments

*Watermelon juice clears the skin of  blemishes, leaving it fresh and soft. Squeeze out the juice of a watermelon and apply it on your face for 15 minutes. Now wash it with warm water and then splash on cold water.

*Fenugreek leaves (methi) can cure pimples, blackheads, dryness and early appearance of wrinkles. Make a paste of methi leaves and apply it every night. Wash off with warm water the next morning. This improves your complexion.

*Tea leaves and lemon juice can prevent hairfall.  You need to boil the tea leaves in water and strain the decoction. Add a little lemon juice and wash your hair with this mixture. Rinse your hair thoroughly.

*Bengal gram flour (besan) mixed with curd can be applied daily on your face and hair. It will give you a glowing complexion, and long and lustrous locks.

*Orange juice is great for an instant glow. All you need to do is dip your fingers in the juice and pat your cheeks, chin, neck and forehead. Wash off after 10 minutes.   
Tackling trouble spots

The most common skin problems are tanning, pigmentation, dull and lifeless skin, excessive oiliness and tired eyes. Here’s what you can do to combat them:

*To remove grime and dirt from skin, cleanse your skin with a gentle face wash twice a day.

*Skin tends to get oily due to excessive sweating. Use a seaweed scrub to massage face and neck. Wipe off after 10 minutes and apply a moisturising lotion.

*To remove tan and pigmentation, mix one teaspoon of milk with enough body lotion to make a paste, apply all over the face, neck and other tanned areas. Leave for 20 minutes and rinse off. Apply an almond moisturising lotion.

*To revitalise dull and lifeless skin, mix one teaspoon of a seaweed pack and massage on the face and neck for a few minutes. The dead cells and black heads are exfoliated while the seaweed pack hydrates the skin without making it oily. Rinse off for a clear, soft, glowing skin.

*To avoid pigmentation, use a sun screen before going out in the sun. Mix sun screen with little water and apply on exposed skin. Re-apply every three hours if out in the sun for a long time.

*To nourish skin, use a non-greasy aroma oil. Apply two drops of skin oil (for normal skin) and dry skin oil (for dry skin) all over face and neck to instantly pep up the skin.

*The eyes tend to get tired very easily after a long days’ work. Use an under eye gel twice a day. Take a little eye gel and apply on the delicate are around the eyes. Make sure that you do not rub or pull the skin while applying the gel. You may use the under eye gel even in the day under the sunscreen. It cools the skin around the eyes and also keeps it smooth and supple.

*To cool tired eyes add a drop of rose essential oil to a bowl of cold water. Dip cotton pads in this water and apply to eyes.  Use as often as needed.

What’s your cool quotient?

*Twice a week, use under an eye gel and then cover it a cool wet pad. Leave for 20 minutes and then rinse off.

*Have a great start to the day with a refreshing bath with a citrus bath gel. Use bath gel with a body sponge for better effect.

*To keep feeling cool through the day add a few drops of oil to the last mug of water in your bath. After a shower, apply a few drops of an aromatic oil to your pulse points.