Anti-aging skin care

The largest growth area in cosmetic facial treatment is related to aging. People are living longer and healthier and want their appearance to reflect their vital state of mind and health. The aging process begins when we enter the world and the effects of aging are evident in our bodies through out our lives. Looking forever young has never been so important than it is today, and with role models from for example film, stage and music displaying everlasting young features, it is not surprising that women of all ages are becoming increasingly aware of societies perception of the perfect woman. The aging of the skin is mainly due to solar exposure and loss of hormones for example growth hormone, testosterone and estrogen. These two factors lead to excessive oxidation of collagen and elastin fibres resulting in ’crossing’. In newer skin, these fibres are usually found in thick bundles spread evenly under the skin surface. This 'crossing' leads to dimples and sagging of the skin.

It is impossible to stop the natural aging process, however it is possible to delay it. There are many options available to achieve this, including cosmetic surgery and medical treatments, however the most popular and most cost efficient solution, other than eating well and exercising regularly, is the use of anti aging products. These products can be for both cosmeceutical internal and external treatment.

Many women, and some men too, use anti aging skin care products. There are several different philosophies and beliefs behind the science of anti aging. Some people believe there is a lot of hype on the skin care creams frontier, when it comes to claiming the ability to reverse aging. Others believe firmly in the science and clinically proven studies. Two things are for certain: you should always read about products before purchasing them, and the only way to know for sure if a product works is to try it.

All your life, your skin has been making a first impression for you. It can reveal whether you're hot or cold, tired or rested, sick or healthy. Your skin provides protection from potentially lethal bacteria and viruses, and shields you from the sun's ultraviolet rays. To some extent, your genes determine how well your skin stands the test of time. But environmental factors, especially sun exposure, play the largest role. As the population ages, more and more people who are middle-aged or over will be diagnosed with skin disorders, some that will be life-threatening.

Depending on your age, skin type, genetic makeup, and sun exposure you may have begun to see the effects of skin damage including lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Other conditions that become more common with age include precancerous skin changes known as actinic keratosis. This report reviews these and other common conditions associated with aging skin and describe their treatments. There has been significant progress in treating aging skin. Advances in skin care techniques have made it possible to minimize and, in certain cases, reverse some of the damage that time and the environment have caused. New cosmetic techniques and procedures offer the possibility of a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. From chemical peels and Botox injections to powerful lasers that can vaporize wrinkles and discolored spots, physicians and skin aestheticians have an array of tools in their arsenal to fight the signs of aging.

Firming cream may also be beneficial, which stabilises body contours and tones the skin. Revitalising cream is generally applied before going to bed, as it assists the skin renewal process, therefore regenerating and smoothing the skin, reducing wrinkles. Internal products should contain oxidants for example vitamins C and E, pyenogenol and grape seed extract. External products should be exfoliating to enable the superficial removal of dead skin cells.

Vitamin A (Retinol) - Topical Vitamin A has been suggested to help build collagen fibers within the skin in addition to its more superficial exfoliating property. This is the basis for its use in minimizing the appearance of fine wrinkle lines.

Vitamin C - Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen. When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns.

Vitamin E - Vitamin E is another antioxidant that shows to have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. When applied topically, vitamin E has been shown to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provides modest photo protection.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - AHAs are designed to smooth fine lines and surface wrinkles, to improve skin texture and tone, to unblock and cleanse pores, to improve oily skin or acne, and to improve skin condition in general.

Glycolic Acid - Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHAs) in skin care. Once inside the cells, the acid triggers new formations of collagen to plump cells and the ground substances in the skin to reduce wrinkles on the skin’s surface. Glycolic acid is proven to be very effective in the treatment of acne as well as in cosmetic uses.