For some reason we tend to be reminded that we are not getting any younger as the autumn leaves start to fall and the humidity levels start to drop. And probably the most blatant reminders are newly discovered fine lines and wrinkles.

Fine lines and wrinkles are a direct result of our bodies’ aging process, but they can be accelerated by many other factors including: habitual facial expressions, sun damage, smoking, environmental pollutants, poor skin care, genetics, hormones and medical problems.

From our mid-20’s on, our skin starts to thin and become more susceptible to age. But there are ways to fight back.

 ~ Stay in shape. The better you keep your body in shape (good diet, plenty of exercise) the better shape you'll keep your skin in.  In addition, avoid excessive sun exposure and smoking.

 ~ Start a professional skin care regimen. This would include daily use of gentle cleansers, antioxidant creams, and moisturizers with SPF.

~ Look for proven antioxidants (preventative) and reparative (corrective) agents in anti-aging products. Antioxidants that are proven to fight the effects of aging include retinol (Vitamin A), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), tocopherol (Vitamin E), alpha lipoic acid, idebenone (Prevage) and Coenzyme Q. Reparative agents that actually rebuild sun-damaged skin include glycolic acid and retinoic acid.

~ Consider professional skin services. They include glycolic acid skin peels, microdermabrasion, enzyme peels, skin firming masks, exfoliating skin masks, and other in-salon facial treatments. There are skin treatments available with intense pulsed light, lasers, radio frequency and combination machines which utilize more than one energy source. These require special training and generally are in physician offices or medical spas with a medical director.