Aging of the skin occurs when collagen becomes hard and gets meshed with neighboring collagen fibers. This prevents the collagen from holding water and plumping up. Instead, it collapses on itself, binds with other collagen fibers, and forms a kind of fishnet below the surface of the skin, which is manifested as wrinkles.

Causes of Aging Skin

Research shows that there are, in fact, two distinct types of aging. Aging caused by the genes we inherit is called intrinsic (internal) aging. The other type of aging is known as extrinsic (external) aging and is caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to the sun's rays.

Though other skin care experts have identified free radicals and cellular inflammation as key triggers to the breakdown and aging of healthy skin, there is a way to prevent these culprits from developing in the first place-rather than just treating the unwelcome symptoms they've caused.

Tips

Eat a diet low in fat, high in complex carbohydrates. The standard advice from the US government is to consume 5 fruits and vegetables and 3 servings of whole grains daily for vitamins and minerals and the other healthful micronutrients in plants. Drink five to eight 8-oz. glasses of water.

Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and you'll do your skin a very big favor! Lacking vitamins is the next major cause of body deterioration. You must pay attention to your meals more often, by that meaning you have to supply it with antioxidants (vitamins A, E, C and selenium), zinc and copper. You need a daily quantity of 60 miligrams of C vitamin (about as much as an orange has). It is recommended to give up sweets, meat and fat-rich food. Don't forget breakfast!

Exercise - Regular exercise can keep you fit and slow the aging process. Experts recommend 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily for most people.

Take supplements of anti-oxidant vitamins and calcium - Certain nutrients, known as antioxidants, can help you look younger and feel healthier. fight free radicals and boost the body's defenses against aging. The main sources of antioxidants are vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A, plus its precursor beta carotene, as well as Bioflavonoids (vitamin p) and other powerful anti-oxidant sources such as Selenium, Coenzyme.

Essential oils are highly concentrated essences of various plants known for their health benefits. A number of them are used to help keep the skin looking young.

Jojoba oil is extracted from a plant. This serves as an excellent moisturizer for both skin and hair.

Avoid the sun.

Sun exposure is the number one cause of premature wrinkles. If you must be out in the sun, wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Tanning beds have also been proven to cause cancer and wrinkle your skin.

Anti-aging therapy is actually a combination of different therapies used to slow and/or reverse human aging. One of the fastest growing segments of medicine today is anti-aging and longevity medicine. The methods showing scientific promise in slowing the aging process and extending the lifespan in mammals is caloric restriction, decreasing cellular inflammation due to free radicals, exercise and the power behind social relationships.