Peoples' preoccupation with anti-aging skin care products that claim to make you look younger is not surprising; as we are living far longer than previous generations it is a good idea to look after your physical appearance. The skin care industry uses beauty products that increase the synthesis of the protein collagen, the main protein in skin which becomes less elastic as we age; with around a quarter of our skin protein being collagen, the importance of this substance has not gone unnoticed. Collagen is related to other anti-ageing substances found in the body and other substances; called antioxidants, they help flush out toxins from the body and help reduce the signs of aging.

One of the best known anti-oxidants is vitamin C and despite continual research, no-one body involved can decide just exactly how much our body should consume on a daily basis. Skin care treatments that are based on vitamin C, pose the problem of becoming oxidized themselves as they come into contact with air during their usage.

To overcome this problem, manufacturers use alternative skin care treatments that still provide the same benefits but not the high manufacturing costs. These alternative products are not as effective as vitamin C but vitamin E and lipoic acid are anti-oxidants and are now being used.

The body uses vitamin E as an antioxidant and to increase the natural defense we have against sickness; it has many functions including inhibiting the formation of cancer cells. Lipoic acid, which is found inside every cell of the body, helps generate the energy that keeps us alive and functioning; it is also known to combat the signs of aging very effectively by repairing skin damage caused by the aging process.

The use of plants has not been overlooked either with many types able to provide essences called phytochemicals which have proved successful in anti-aging skin care products. A further benefit of these phytochemicals is their ability to prevent the onset of certain cancers; for instance:

<ul> <li>Prostate Cancer</li> <li>Cancer of the Breast</li> <li>Cancer of the Bowel</li> </ul>

All of which are on the increase globally.

For some time now it has also been known that the vitamins B5, B6 and B12 also have anti-ageing skin care properties. This is a vast area that has the potential for many new anti-ageing skin care products and services in the future but research needs to continue. Gradually, new discoveries will be made to advance our understanding of the aging process; however, research is moving forward rapidly and it is only a matter of time before a new generation of products becomes available.

Hopefully, these challenges will get resolved in due course and better and cheaper anti-ageing skin care products will be produced. However, man-made skin care regimes should be used only as a supplement; it is doubtful if science can replace natural skin care remedies. Simple things that can make a difference in slowing the signs of ageing; these include physical activity, restful sleep, maintaining good dietary habits and removing stress from your life.