The signs of aging are usually first seen and most obvious on our skin, which is why anti-aging skin treatments have become practically a necessity for most people. While aging is a natural process that cannot be stopped, there are certainly ways of delaying it and you shouldn't wait until you are 40 to start. Premature aging is the real problem for younger people, especially with increased negative elements in the environment speeding up the process.

Perhaps the most harmful of these are the UVA and UVB rays from the sun that can damage our skin cells. Aside from these, toxins from the air we breathe and the food we eat also cause unhealthy skin, as well as inadequate amounts of sleep and stress. But all of these are almost impossible to avoid, and can result in wrinkles, fine lines, impurities, pigmentation, roughness, dryness, and dehydration of our precious skin. So what to do?

Some of the solutions are quite obvious. To begin with, a proper diet is key to maintaining youthful skin. Most anti-aging diets recommend five servings of fruits and vegetables per day to get sufficient amounts of antioxidant nutrients. These antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E fight cell damage and can help delay the onset of skin aging.

Essential oils or fatty acids that are found in certain seeds and nuts are also vital elements of an anti-aging diet. Nutrients such as polyphenols found in grape seed and coenzyme Q10 found in peanut oil are some examples. Sesame seeds, walnuts and almonds are also good sources of anti-aging nutrients. It is recommended too that you eat more fish than meat if you want younger looking skin. Of course, you can always take oral antioxidant supplements to ensure you are getting enough anti-aging protection.

Aside from a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep and drinking lots of water are about the most practical ways to improve your skin's health. Regular exercise and massage likewise help by stimulating our cells to rejuvenate. Sun protection is also as important, so make sure you are wearing SPF 15 at the very least when going out into the daylight.

Lastly, having the right skin care regimen can also do wonders. The first rule is: Don't go to bed with your make-up on. Cleansing should always be the first step of your nightly anti-aging skin routine, followed by toning and applying the right moisturizer.

There are various products that are formulated to produce anti-aging effects. A lot of cleansers, moisturizers, and bath products are made from natural ingredients with antioxidant vitamins, essential oils, and collagen, which restores the skin's elasticity. Alpha hydroxy acids and tretinoin are also ingredients that have been used as anti-aging skin treatments for years; while more and more beneficial substances are being included in the newer products.

Some of these include idebenone (an organic antioxidant), ceramides (lipids that replenish lost collagen), argireline (a combination of amino acids that has the same effects as botox), palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3, and kinetin (a substance that promotes cell regeneration and is a gentler alternative to tretinoin).

You can also choose to go really natural and whip up your own anti-aging skin treatments at home. Oatmeal, honey, egg whites, almonds, and milk are the most common and effective ingredients you can use.