Even though the skin maintains a relatively uniform outward appearance, skin cells are being replaced continually. In the dermis this process proceeds rather slowly, but in the epidermis, as in other epithelial tissues there is a rapid rate of cell turnover. The production of new cells and the shedding of dead cells from the surface occur at the same rate, thus preventing any change in the overall number of epidermal cells. Cell division takes place exclusively in the lowermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum germinativum.

Many of the signs of "aging skin," such as wrinkling of the skin is a natural process of aging, as a person age the skin becomes thicker, drier and less elastic. This is because there is less fatty tissue under the skin, the skin sag and wrinkles form, development of "age spots, is another sign of aging which are actually due to the cumulative effects of sunlight. However, some skin changes are specifically related to aging. The most striking manifestations of aging are due to changes in the dermis. Also, the skin becomes less firm, because of a decrease in the amount of mucopolysaccharides. There is both a reduction in the number of active sweat glands and a diminished sweat output per gland. As we age the sweat and sebaceous glands that for so long have provided moisture and oil for the skin, begin to wear out and stop working little by little which causes the skin to lose its elasticity and moisture. This produces a dryness and cracking of the skin. The skin also begins to lose collagen. Collagen keeps the skin on the face and body in good shape. The lack of it causes sagging tissues, double chins, lines on the neck, around the mouth, and around the eyes (crow's feet), the bags under the eyes, etc.

Main causes of Wrinkles:

• Lack of moisture (dehydration)
• Formation of free radicals that oxidize the tissues due to sun rays (UV rays) which are strongest between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.
• Smog and dry, damaging environment.
• Facial expressions
• The rough surface of your pillowcase is another cause of wrinkles.
• Lack of vitamin A, B, C, E as well as minerals.

Recommended Treatments :

• Avoid excessive sun tanning
• Always apply sunscreen protection 30 minutes before going out of the sun.
• Wear sunglasses with larger lenses to block sun rays on the skin around the eyes.
• Drink a lot of water and fresh fruit juice to rehydrate the skin.
• Take multi-minerals and Vitamin A, B, C, E, Beta carotene (provitamin A). Vitamin C and E are excellent at blocking free radicals.
• Use a pillow with a soft fabric or sleep with your face upright.
• Use an egg white with lemon and olive oil mask at least 2x a week, this will make your face firm and moisturized.
• Use a moisturizing cream with vitamin A and C as active ingredient.
• Skin peeling (eliminating the top layer of skin) another less harmful method of skin peeling is the use of Retinol and Retin-A this substance eliminate this layer of skin more slowly.