WITH age come all sorts of changes — one of the more noticeable ones being wrinkles on our skin. But instead of turning to Botox or some other anti-aging treatment, why not opt for a more natural route? New York City plastic surgeons Stephen Greenberg and Michael Fiorillo let us in on some secret at-home treatments if you don’t want to turn to the needle.

    Trick: Apply pineapple

    to the face

    Why it works: “Pineapple contains citric acid, which can be used to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells,” Greenberg says. “You can apply a pineapple slice or chunk directly to the face in order to remove dead skin cells that can exaggerate the presence of wrinkles.” He suggests mixing equal parts green pineapple and apple juice and dipping a cotton swab or ball into the mixture. Apply this to areas where you see wrinkles, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse your skin with warm water.

    Trick: Drink water

    Why it works: Hydration is key when it comes to achieving radiant skin. “Many do not realize how dehydrated they are because they are not drinking enough water each day,” Fiorillo explains. “It’s important to drink enough water so your skin is well-hydrated.” Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day helps skin keep its moisture and elasticity.

    Trick: Use lemon juice to reduce age spots

    Why it works: If your wrinkles are diminished and you’d still like to look younger, it’d be a great idea to target age spots as well. “The vitamin C present in lemons is a strong antioxidant,” says Greenberg. Plus, “its bleaching action works wonders on age spots and freckles.” Just squeeze out the juice from a lemon, apply, and leave it on your skin for about 15 minutes every day, and then rinse with plain water.

    Trick: Sleep it off

    Why it works: When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies produce more of the stress hormone cortisol, which breaks down skin cells. But it doesn’t just matter how much you sleep — how you do it matters, too. Sleeping on your face can lead to wrinkles, so Fiorillo recommends sleeping on your back.

    Trick: Try a papaya mask for skin firmness

    Why it works: You may have heard that papaya is good for the eyes because it’s rich in vitamin A. Well, the fruit is good for the skin for the same reason, Greenberg says. Plus “the enzyme called papain in papaya can digest the dead cells on the surface of the skin and makes skin more elastic and firm,” he adds. To make a papaya mask, cut a few pieces of a totally ripe papaya fruit and mash into a smooth paste. Apply this on the face and after 15 minutes, wash it away with warm water. (SD-Agencies)