In North America today there is an increasing demand for a natural skin product because most of the skin care products available contain ingredients known to accelerate the aging process. While they are improving the appearance of the skin, they are also damaging it.

The main ingredient in these products contributing to skin damage and early aging is called mineral oil. It is considered the number two cause of premature aging. Another concern with using mineral oil is estrogen dominance. Continual exposure to mineral oil has been found to elevate estrogen levels causing side effects such as thyroid problems, weight gain, depression and breast cancer. It is not always easily identifiable by reading the product ingredients because it goes by over eighty different names.

The process of aging has a subtle effect on the skin. Just like an apple that has fallen from the tree and exposed to the environment, so is the skin vulnerable to the sun after the age of eighteen. The skin is made up of elastin and collagen which makes up the elasticity and strength of the skin.

Collagen and Elastin production slows down 65% between the ages of 20 and 80 and the thickness of the skin decreases 6% every 10 years. As the skin loses its thickness it also begins to lose its ability to hold and retain moisture causing it to age more rapidly than thick skin. The skin can be preserved in a healthy way just like the apple. Unfortunately, most skin care products on the market are promoting the visible signs of aging and accelerating sun caused skin conditions.

The most important aspect of any skin treatment program is whether it is good for the skin. The ideal skin treatment system will not only diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines but will prevent rapid aging. The ingredients will be a water emulsion with the ability to combat free radicals. Plant nutrients will be available to soften and condition, protect and adjust to the skin's specific needs and vitamin C will be available for the production of elastin and collagen.

The best natural skin product will contain the following ingredients; Kojic Acid which is a highly effective, natural skin lightening agent that reduces the appearance of long-term sun and environmental damage, BHA with antioxidant properties helps to visibly tighten and smooth skin, and reduce the appearance of brown spots and fine lines and Peptides, which increase skin thickness, produces significant quantities of collagen to restore the dermal matrix.

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids Alpha breaks down protein bonds, increasing cell proliferation. Alpha Lipoic Acid which is an antioxidant that penetrates skin quickly and absorbs into the skin's cells to increase cell metabolism There are few products on the market that meet all these criteria. Three companies worth checking out are Kiehls, Perricone MD and Arbonne.