Well over two billion dollars flow out of American pockets each year in the purchase of skin care products, particularly those marketed for their anti-aging and anti-wrinkling properties. Forbes.com reported the average price of the top ten products on their list of the world's most expensive facial products was $402.00 . . . per ounce!

It is, and has been for centuries, a nearly universal quest to not only prevent wrinkles, but to get rid of them once they arrive.

"Clinically proven" in the world of cosmetic manufacturers may mean nothing more than one component in an anti-aging wrinkle treatment has been shown in some study at some point in time to have had some biological action. The manufacturer's claims are not regulated by the FDA, so benefits need not be proven. But they certainly can be marketed.

If the clinical studies, unretouched photographs, and measuring instruments were repeated on such common ingredients as, say, honey, cucumber, and olive oil, might the results be similar -- after all, how much cucumber might you actually expect a 6 ounce bottle of facial toner which lists "cucumber" near the bottom of the ingredients list to contain?

Well, what if . . . the adage "fresh is better" holds as true on the cosmetic playing field as it does in your fresh-over-processed food choices for a healthy body.

Let's just take the cucumber -- the fourth most cultivated vegetable crop in the world -- it has been documented not only as a food source but also as a skin healer and soother in the ancient civilizations of southern Asia, India and Egypt. The cukes 95% water content makes it an excellent hydrator for skin, while its ascorbic and caffeic acids prevent water retention, accounting for its reputation as an excellent de-puffer for baggy eyes.

Olive oil may be the queen of anti-aging natural skin care treatments, as it has been used since biblical times as an agent for softening and beautifying the skin. Olive oil's antioxidant properties come from its phenol, polyphenol, hydrocarbon and Vitamin E contents, its chemical structure is small enough to penetrate pores, and its hydrophilic characteristics help attract hydration.

Honey is another friend of the skin in the organic skin care world; it is one of the oldest moisturizers known to man, having been softening and soothing faces for some 2,700 years. Honey's reputation for effectiveness has been validated by the recent regulatory approval of its use in wound care, and in fighting drug resistant strains of bacteria because of its antiseptic and antibacterial qualities.

Is it necessary that effective skin care and anti-aging creams and treatments come out of beautifully designed bottles and jars promoted in glossy ads with stratospheric price tags? Thousands of years of evidence say maybe not . . .