My wrinkles are getting worse!  What can I do? How many times have you looked in the mirror and noticed something that millions of people also are observing.  We are getting older, and the tell tale signs are wrinkles.

The bad news is that we all will develop wrinkles.  The good news is that we can minimize the development of wrinkles and slow the appearance of aging by some very simple steps.

Anatomy of a wrinkle

There are two factors that affect the development of wrinkles.  One you don't have control of.  One you do.

The part you don't have control of is hereditary, or "intrinsic aging".

Intrinsic factors are the natural elements of aging.  Each year after the age of 20, we product less collagen (provides skin firmness), elastin (elasticity) and decrease our production of sweat and natural skin oils.  Skin oils are also referred to as GAGS or glycosaminoglycans.  These oils help to keep the skin hydrated or moist.

As we age, the skin becomes less elastic, begins to thin, loosen and form dips and depressions on the surface.  These depressions are what we refer to as wrinkles.

Now the stuff we do have control of called "extrinsic factors".

These are things we do that accelerate the formation of wrinkles.  Sun exposure, diet, exercise, smoking and skin care are all extrinsic elements that increase the risk of accelerating wrinkle formation.

So what do I do?

What do we do to address both of thee factors to reduce the chance of developing wrinkles, and even reversing the process?

Well, the quickest solution are treatments that are usually very expensive, sometimes with potential side effects.  Botox injections, fill in depressions in the skin by paralyzing muscles in the face. Plastic surgery removes excess skin and stretches the skin, reducing depressions.  There are other less invasive ways of achieving similar results, without the risks or expense of major surgery.

The easiest is just to take better care of "you".  Watch your diet, stop smoking, use UVA protection when in the sun and most important: take care of your skin!

Although you can't control your heredity predisposition to aging, you can slow it down and in some instances reverse it.

New Technology

Over the last decade, science and technology has come along way in the treatment of wrinkles.  Laser surgery, skin peels and other modalities have revolutionized the treatment of wrinkles, age spots & blemishes. Even with these treatments, after care with specialized skin creams is necessary to prolonged the treatment effects.

Due to extensive research, we know more about the aging of skin than ever before. And because of the research, various compounds have been discovered and added to various creams to combat and reverse the signs of aging.

Antioxidants are the latest discovery in the battle against wrinkles.  Free radicals that are present in the skin destroy collagen as they build up as we age.  These free radicals also increase due to the extrinsic factors we discussed earlier.

Any skin cream that contains antioxidants will help remove these free radicals.  Some of the most popular antioxidants found in skin cream are Vitamin A & C derivatives.  Please consult with your physician before using some of these creams, especially if you are pregnant.

The Ideal Skin Cream

So when looking for the best skin cream to battle wrinkles, age spots and other unsightly blemishes on your skin, look for creams that contain the following.

1. Antioxidants

2. Hydration Compounds

3. Vitamins & Minerals

4. Collagen & Elastin Compounds

Your skin will thank you.