Most research seems to suggest that some of the best anti-aging skincare includes quite a bit of prevention. Minimizing the amount of time spent in the sun is considered essential, as is wearing sunblock during times when sun exposure cannot be limited. Learning to deal with stress can also be important, as stress and the facial expressions associated with stress can result in lines and wrinkles. In addition, there are many facial treatments, both chemical-based and natural, that claim to have some affect on aging. Anti-aging skincare has exploded into a huge commercial market, but many of the products available have not been through clinical trials.
One natural supplement that has undergone a great deal of research is resveratrol, a substance found in some fruits and vegetables, primarily in their skins. Resveratrol acts to protect the plants from disease and fungus. Grapes, peanuts, and Japanese knotweed seem to have the highest concentration of resveratrol. Studies conducted on mice seem to indicate that resveratrol may have an impact on slowing down cell degeneration. Concentrated resveratrol in capsule form is available at most health food stores and pharmacies.
Some vitamins and minerals may also be important tools for anti-aging skincare. Vitamins A, E, and B complex are all thought to improve overall skin tone, and are considered to be powerful antioxidants. Vitamin C, used as a cream, may help to prevent some of the damaging effects of the sun. Free radicals, which are released by sun exposure, pollution, and other environmental sources, may cause the skin to produce less collagen. Without antioxidants to work to eliminate the free radicals, skin may wrinkle earlier, and the wrinkles may be much deeper.
Most studies devoted to anti-aging skincare seem to conclude that smoking, along with drug and alcohol abuse, can all lead to early aging. Smoking in particular, can cause wrinkles in two different ways. The contraction of facial muscles that occurs when puffing a cigarette can result in deep wrinkling around the mouth, and the pollutants in the smoke itself can cause collagen breakdown.
Stretching exercises involving the facial muscles may cause the skin to be more elastic, and may firm up muscles under the skin, leading to a more taut, youthful appearance. As people age, the muscles in their faces often lose tone, and the result is sagging skin, most commonly around the mouth, eyes, and neck. An important part of anti-aging skincare may be exercising these muscles to achieve the best possible tone.
