The use of anti aging skin care products continues to rise each year; this is due primarily to the fact we are all living longer and want to continue looking younger as we age. This is achieved in beauty products by promoting the growth of connective tissue using the protein collagen which is the most abundant in the skin of all animals; collagen makes up approximately 25 percent of the total protein in the skin. Collagen is related to other natural substances which help to slow down the ageing process; known as antioxidants, they are the body's method of slowing down the ageing process.

Although the benefits of vitamin C (an anti-oxidant) are well documented, it is still debated as to what our daily amount should be. The main problem when using any skin care treatments which use vitamin C is that oxidization can occur as soon as they have contact with the air.

To overcome this problem, manufacturers use alternative skin care treatments that still provide the same benefits but not the high manufacturing costs. These alternative products are not as effective as vitamin C but vitamin E and lipoic acid are anti-oxidants and are now being used.

Vitamin E is found in the blood and is an antioxidant that is also used to increase the body's defenses against other health problems; one particular disease it may help to prevent is certain types of cancer. Lipoic acid is found in every single human cell and helps provide energy; it can help reverse much of the damage caused to the skin by ageing.

The use of plants has not been overlooked either with many types able to provide essences called phytochemicals which have proved successful in anti aging skin care products. A further benefit of these phytochemicals is their ability to prevent the onset of certain cancers; examples of these are:

* Prostate Cancer

* Cancer of the Breast

* Cancer of the Bowel

These three types of cancer are also becoming a global problem.

It has also been discovered that there are anti aging benefits to vitamins B5, B6 and B12. This is a vast area that has the potential for many new anti aging skin care products and services in the future but research needs to continue. There is no doubt that what has been learned so far is only a small part of the jigsaw puzzle; there is still a long way to go however, before methods that successfully reduce the effects of age are commonplace.

The amount of research going on in this field will undoubtedly bring results in time, hopefully bringing down the cost of these anti aging skin care products in addition to increasing their reliability. A person should never accept that everything science devises in relation to skin care and anti aging is always going to be the best; it is doubtful if science can replace natural skin care remedies. Simple things that can make a difference in slowing the signs of ageing; these include physical activity, restful sleep, maintaining good dietary habits and removing stress from your life.