Aging skin is a natural process and is a direct result of many factors in the environment, as well as overall health. Aging skin is a problem for many people who are looking to maintain a youthful and attractive appearance. Time, climate, seasons, and diet are all contributors to the sagging, wrinkling, and general deterioration of skin. This is a cyclical process that can be prevented in many ways. Although many anti-aging treatments and creams are available in the marketplace, preventative action and a regular, healthy skin maintenance regime are critical in reducing the chances of aging skin from even occurring.

About Aging Skin

Skin ages slowly, but this process is accelerated from toxins in the environment and a lack of antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants are readily available from a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, in addition to supplements and engaging in regular exercise. Genes and nature play a role in the speed and impact of aging, and these are generally irreversible. Aging skin is more vulnerable to skin cancer, infections, and other skin diseases so extra maintenance and care is often necessary. Deep wrinkles can form just from excessive sun exposure, and sun spots and some forms of skin cancer are very common.

Signs of Aging Skin

Common signs and characteristics of aging skin include:

•Wrinkles around the eyes and mouth
•Dark circles and light pigmentation under the eyes
•Drooping eyelids and emphasized creases on the eyelids
•Excessively dry and thinning skin
•Decreased circulation in the face, resulting in a pallid complexion
•Rough or rugged complexion
•Prevalence of spider or varicose veins
•Increased hair loss
•Ridges on the nails, and thinning nails
•Hollowed cheeks and eye sockets, resulting in skin pulling away from the face
•Liver spots on the hands and face

Key Contributors of Aging Skin

Although there are many intrinsic factors that contribute to aging skin, there are also many external factors that can decrease skin's natural defenses and ability to reproduce healthy cells. Toxins in the external environment can include:

•Cigarettes and smoking
•Sleeping positions that result in sleep lines and wrinkles simply from pressing the face against a rough material on a regular basis
•Dirt and sand from the environment, particularly in smog-filled or rugged environments
•Facial expressions that over-stretch the skin continuously and leave wrinkles
•Gravity and time: both are factors that cannot be controlled in and of themselves
•Sun exposure
•Lack of water or moisture that results in excessive drying
•Excessive humidity that leads to sweat and toxic buildup, which in turn may lead to warts or breakouts that dull the skin's complexion
•Lack of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the diet
•Excessive alcohol or caffeine
•Too much tanning from tanning booths

All of these factors can cause considerable damage to the skin cells that makes them incapable of restoring themselves. Skin cells repair and restore themselves when they are healthy and strong. Antioxidants in the body can help create resistance against some of these factors, but others may be difficult to control or prevent.

Preventing Aging Skin

A healthy skin maintenance regime is vital for preventing aging skin, and reducing the risk of premature wrinkles and fine lines. Fine lines and wrinkles develop quickly when the cells cannot restore themselves frequently enough. Skin restoration and rejuvenation is a natural way that the skin rids itself of toxins and is able to create new cells. If this process is damaged or blocked, it will lead to premature aging and deterioration of skin health. Preventing aging skin will involve:

•Wearing plenty of sunscreen when outdoors
•Moisturizing and applying allergy-free skin products on a regular basis
•Engaging in light exercise to sweat out toxins on a regular basis
•Adopting a healthy, balanced diet that includes a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and water
•Maintaining a steady skin care regime that includes regular cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and exfoliation
•Reducing stress naturally and getting plenty of sleep on a regular basis
•Eliminating harmful toxins such as cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine
•Reducing sun exposure and visits to the tanning booth

Treatments for Aging Skin

There are a variety of treatments available for aging skin, and the specific type of treatment will be recommended by a dermatologist, physician, or even cosmetologist. Most aging skin is continuously dry, so a part of the maintenance program will involve plenty of moisturizers and infusions of moisture-rich products. Common treatments for aging skin include:

•Cosmetic wrinkle fillers
•Botox treatments
•Skin rejuvenation and buffering treatments
•Facials and chemical peels
•Face lifts and surgery that reduces sagging skin
•Hair restoration
•Laser peels
•Photo rejuvenation using pulsating light
•Natural treatments and organic products to infuse skin with essential vitamins and minerals
•Dietary changes that introduce high-antioxidant fruits and vegetables daily