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We all get wrinkles but why does this happen? The skin has three layers called: * The Epidermis This is the very first layer of the skin and the one that protects us by acting as a barrier. Cells that are in the epidermis called keratinocytes actually travel from the very bottom layer of the epidermis to the top layer. As they do this they build up a great amount of keratin in the process and in so doing protect the body and the skin itself. When these cells finally reach the uppermost layer they then flake off. If this process is somehow corrupted or abnormal in some way the skin can take on a somewhat scaly appearance. * The Dermis This is the second layer of skin and it is here that we find the structural elements which are the connective tissues. There are different types of connective tissues and each has its own function. For instance, collagen is found here and is a connective tissue. It provides strength to the skin and gives it its plumpness and so on. We also find Glysocaminoglycan which are proteins, and of elastin which ensures that the skin is flexible. As we age we lose the ability to produce as much collagen and elastin and this results in the skin looking older and being more susceptible to the signs of aging. Despite what many skin care manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies may say and advertise it is not possible to put collagen and elastin back into the skin using a cream or lotion. That is because these two proteins are produced naturally within the body. However it is possible to stimulate collagen production. * The Subcutaneous Tissue The very bottom layer is the subcutaneous tissue and this is where we find the fat cells. They offer insulation for the body and also help to ensure that the skin appears full and plump. As we grow older the cells in the epidermis actually undergo some changes. They become thinner and they are not as sticky as they used to be. Because the cells are thinner the skin looks thinner. As the stickiness decreases the moisture levels in the skin also decrease because it is not being kept in the skin which means that the skin becomes dry. As we age epidermal cells actually start to divide more slowly than before and so the skin is not able to repair itself as quickly. Added to that is the fact that we lose epidermal cells by about ten percent every ten years. All of this leads to wrinkles. The dermal layer also becomes thinner and there is less collagen being produced. The elastin fibers that make the skin elastic start to wear out and the skin shows creases, lines and sags. The sebaceous glands get larger but they do not make as much sebum. Our sweat glands also decrease and this contributes to a dry skin. The skin becomes less tough and more fragile as the rete-ridges of the dermal and epidermal junction become flatter. Less nutrients become available and the skin's ability to repair itself is greatly impaired. The older we get the smaller the fat cells in the subcutaneous layer get and we notice that our sagging skin and wrinkles are far more easier to see. Other causes of premature aging of the skin that result in lines and damage are: * Over exposure to the suns UV rays. * Free radicals * Hormones * Muscles that are not used enough. * Dehydration * Gravity There is help available, however. We all know that there are literally hundreds of different anti-aging and anti-wrinkle creams available on the market today. Unfortunately one needs to exercise care when selecting a product to use. What you rub onto the skin gets absorbed into the body and many of the skin care and cosmetic products today contain frightful chemicals that are known to be dangerous and even carcinogenic. Very often they do more harm than good. It is therefore vital to be aware of what ingredients should be avoided and which should be used. The Internet is a great resource to turn to when you want to learn about harmful chemicals in skin care products. You will find a wealth of information about this and about natural products that do not contain harmful and dangerous chemicals. Beware of products that contain chemicals and natural ingredients. Many people make the mistake of thinking that such a product is safe and more effective because there is the added component of a natural ingredient such as avocado oil. Unfortunately, while avocado oil is excellent for the skin and hugely beneficial, these types of products contain such a little as to render it virtually useless. This is why it is safer and wiser to purchase a skin care product range that only uses active natural ingredients. If you would like to know more about how to reduce the wrinkles on your skin be sure to visit my website at http://www.naturalbeautyandskincare.com/. You will have the opportunity to learn about a fantastic skin care product line that uses only natural ingredients and which will be beneficial in helping you to fight the signs of aging. By Kalpana Rajagopalan - supporting natural skin care choices.
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