Our skin is the largest, and one of the most important, organs of our bodies. The average sized adult has about 20 square feet of skin surface area, with an overall weight of approximately 15% of total body weight.

Skin is made up of multiple layers of epithelial tissues that protect the underlying muscles and organs. Within each square inch of skin there are about 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, and more than 1000 nerve endings.

Skin plays a very important role in protecting us against pathogens and ultraviolet radiation. It provides the barrier between us (what’s inside the body) and our environment (what’s outside the body). Skin also insulates us, helps to regulate our internal temperature, provides much of our sensory perception, and synthesizes vitamin D.

Because it is exposed to the environment, our skin is under constant attack. Diseases of the skin are common, and insults from heat, drying, various chemicals, and radiation have damaging effects at both the tissue and cellular levels.

As skin ages, it becomes thinner and more easily damaged; and as the rest of our body ages, we gradually lose the ability to repair the damage. The appearance of aging skin is often the result of loss of elasticity, decreased blood flow and glandular activity, as well as increased inflammation within the tissue.

The American Academy of Dermatology defferentiates between intrinsic and extrensic causes of skin aging:

"Intrinsic aging, also known as the natural aging process, is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid-20s. Within the skin, collagen production slows, and elastin, the substance that enables skin to snap back into place, has a bit less spring. Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. While these changes usually begin in our 20s, the signs of intrinsic aging are typically not visible for decades."

"A number of extrinsic, or external, factors often act together with the normal aging process to prematurely age our skin. Most premature aging is caused by sun exposure. Other external factors that prematurely age our skin are repetitive facial expressions, gravity, sleeping positions, and smoking."

There are a number of FDA approved surgical, topical, and sub- or intra-dermal injection methods available for improving the appearance of aging skin. Besides the "facelift", there are both prescription and over-the-counter topical treatments, dermabrasion procedures, lasar "resurfacing", chemical peels, soft-tissue augmentation, "Botox" injections, etc.

Topical treatments are, by far, the most widely used, and least expensive among these alternatives. Within this category, there are a wide variety of products containing one or a combination of these common ingredients:

• Retinol. Retinol is a vitamin A compound and is the first antioxidant to be widely used in nonprescription wrinkle creams. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause wrinkles. Retinol is less potent than the vitamin A derivative tretinoin, a prescription topical treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating wrinkles. Avoid vitamin A derivatives if you're pregnant or may become pregnant because they increase the risk of birth defects.
• Hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and poly hydroxy acids are all synthetic versions of acids derived from sugar-containing fruits. These acids are exfoliants — substances that remove the upper layer of old, dead skin and stimulate the growth of smooth, evenly pigmented new skin. Because hydroxy acids increase your susceptibility to sun damage, wear sunscreen during use and for at least one week afterward.
• Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is a nutrient that helps regulate energy production in cells. Some studies have shown reduction in fine wrinkles around the eyes with no side effects. Other studies show that application before sun exposure protects against sun damage.
• Copper peptides. Copper is a trace element found in every cell. In products applied to the skin, it's combined with small protein fragments called peptides. Copper peptides enhance wound healing. They also stimulate production of collagen and may enhance the action of antioxidants.
• Kinetin. A plant growth factor, kinetin may improve wrinkles and uneven pigmentation with minimal irritation. It's unclear how it works, but it may help reduce wrinkles by helping skin retain moisture and by stimulating the production of collagen. It may also be a potent antioxidant.
• Tea extracts. Green, black and oolong tea contain compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea extracts are the ones most commonly found in wrinkle creams.

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A whole new array of plant-based products, containing potent antioxident properties, have entered the marketplace.

Names like Mangosteen, Noni, Goji, and Acai have joined the lexicon alongside Pomegranate and Grapeskin extract. These have appeared in a wide variety of diet and energy drinks, aimed at improving health through dietary enhancement.

These same potent antoxidants are about to appear in combination with the ingredients listed above to produce a new generation of topical skin care formulations. The first product to appear is called Ageless Anti-Aging Serum, available only through direct sale from distributors of Rejuvenate Worldwide. For a free tour of the company website, follow the link and type DrCraigS where it says "Free Tour".