Before putting any homemade preparation on your face, perform a small patch test on an inconspicuous area of skin. Homemade botanical preparations can cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially on mature or sensitive skin. Never apply a preparation to broken skin or around the eyes, and stop immediately if burning, swelling, redness, or significant irritation develops.
If the skin tolerates the preparation, a small amount can be applied gently to clean skin with a cotton pad. Do not rub aggressively. Mature skin can be more delicate, and excessive rubbing can make irritation worse. Afterward, a fragrance-free moisturizer can help reduce dryness and support the skin barrier.
Hydration is one reason homemade skincare can sometimes make the skin appear temporarily smoother. When dry skin receives adequate moisture, fine lines can look less noticeable because the outer layer of the skin becomes softer and more hydrated. This visual improvement, however, is very different from permanently removing wrinkles.
For people over 60 or 70 who are serious about anti-aging skincare, the most important step is usually not a kitchen ingredient. Daily sun protection is far more important. Ultraviolet radiation contributes significantly to premature skin aging, including wrinkles, pigmentation, rough texture, and loss of elasticity. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF every day can help protect the skin from further sun damage.
A moisturizer containing ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid can also be useful for mature skin. These ingredients help support hydration and can make dry, crepey-looking skin appear smoother and more comfortable.
Another ingredient with considerably more evidence behind it is retinol, a form of vitamin A used in many anti-aging skincare products. Retinoids can help improve the appearance of fine lines and skin texture over time by influencing skin-cell turnover and supporting collagen-related processes. They can also cause dryness and irritation, particularly when first introduced, so starting gradually and choosing an appropriate formulation is important.
Vitamin C serums are another popular option in anti-aging skincare. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and is commonly used to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and protect against environmental oxidative stress. A properly formulated skincare product is generally more predictable than applying homemade fruit or plant mixtures directly to the face.
If wrinkles are deep or skin laxity is significant, topical skincare may provide only limited improvement. Dermatologists and qualified cosmetic professionals can discuss treatments such as prescription retinoids, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, microneedling, radiofrequency skin tightening, dermal fillers, or Botox depending on the person’s goals and medical history.
Botox works very differently from a bay leaf preparation. Botox temporarily reduces the activity of specific muscles responsible for certain expression lines. It does not work because it hydrates the skin or provides antioxidants. The treatment must be administered appropriately by a qualified professional, and results are temporary.
Likewise, no natural ingredient can realistically be described as “one million times stronger than Botox.” Such claims are marketing language rather than an established scientific measurement.
For someone over 70, a simple skincare routine can often be more beneficial than constantly experimenting with aggressive homemade remedies. In the morning, gently cleanse the skin, apply a hydrating moisturizer if needed, use an antioxidant serum if desired, and finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen. At night, cleanse gently, apply a suitable anti-aging product such as a retinoid if appropriate, and moisturize.
The most important rule is consistency. Wrinkles do not normally appear overnight, and they cannot realistically disappear overnight either. Healthy skin improvements generally require regular care over weeks and months.
Lifestyle also matters. Staying hydrated, eating a varied diet rich in vegetables and fruits, getting enough protein, avoiding smoking, limiting excessive alcohol, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep can all contribute to healthier-looking skin.
A diet containing adequate protein is particularly relevant because collagen is a protein, although simply eating collagen-rich foods does not mean that collagen will travel directly to facial wrinkles. The body breaks dietary proteins down into amino acids and uses them throughout the body.
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