Did you ever stop to think exactly what is in this stuff? We use it and many times we are unaware that some ingredients can be harmful. When you are dieting you are told to read the labels. You will be surprised if not alarmed to learn what's been going on when it comes to your skin.

Let's a look at some harmful ingredients first. Mineral oil has other names such as liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, or petrolatum. Mineral oil clogs the pores and your skin cannot eliminate toxic substances. Extended use may cause your skin to become dependent on it.

It can also irritate and dry your skin as well as cause signs of aging to occur prematurely. The substance is commonly used in skincare products because it is so inexpensive.

Parabens are used in products to preserve it so that it will last longer on the shelves.

Other names of parabens are ethyl parabens, methyl, butyl, and propyl. Research shows that they may cause cancer or affect your body's endocrine system and they can cause rashes and other skin problems.

Dioxane is a known carcinogenic in California. It is a synthetic by product of coconut.

Concentrations of 1,4-dioxane is easily absorbed into the skin and is often used in skin care products.

Alcohols cause drying of the skin and other irritations. You might see it on the label with names such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, SD alcohol among others. Alcohol tends to get rid of the natural mantle of acid in our skin. This results in an increased risk for bacteria, for viruses, and for moulds.

There should be no fragrances in skin care products like anti-wrinkle face cream products. While we all want to smell good, some fragrances may actually have toxins or carcinogenic substances in them. A little bit of body spray, perfume or cologne is just fine.

That was the "bad" news, now for the good news! There are natural ingredients available that are very safe and effective. There is a new ingredient called Cynergy TK which aids the body in making its own collagen as well as elastin. It could also maintain the natural moisture of your skin.

There is a powerful antioxidant called CoQ10 or Coenzyme Q10. There are different types of CoQ10. CoQ10 cannot be absorbed into your skin. There is a nano-emulsion type called Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10. Nano-Lipobelle can be absorbed into your skin, even to 7 layers deep.

An exotic type of kelp that is native to the Japanese Sea is called Phytessence Wakame. This particular substance blocks a destructive enzyme called hyaluronidase to prevent it from destroying the hyaluronic acid in your skin. With no hyaluronic acid, your skin would begin to wrinkle and dark circles would appear under your eyes. Hyaluronic acid helps to strengthen collagen fibers as well as elastin fibers. An essential element of your skin is called Hyaluronan and it aids the body in tissue repair.

The ingredients named above make up the strongest available anti-aging compound. They should be in anti-wrinkle face cream products and other skin care products. The concentration when high enough will give you good results.

Just one note of caution: be wary of claims that seem too good to be true. Some manufacturers may embellish the benefits or effectiveness of their products. There are others that add just enough of the good ingredients to be able to put them on the product label. If you have the resources available to you, check out the manufacturer of the product you are considering purchasing.