Skin aging is a result of programmed events, which are represented by modifications at the cellular and molecular level. Major external and internal changes affect tremendously the aging process. One of the major external factors is sun exposure. UV rays can irreversibly induced wrinkles and skin damage. A change in hormonal balance is one of the major internal factors. Due to menopausal hormonal changes, womens skin looses its elasticity and firmness becoming wrinkled. There are also changes in the skins barrier function, sebum (a mixture of waxes, free cholesterol, free fatty acids and other lipids) production and facial contour.

In this particular period of life a special skin care routine has to be developed to keep the skin protected and well moisturized. Sunscreen moisturizer creams are highly recommended at this stage to keep the skin protected. Vitamin C and Vitamin E are natural anti-oxidants with great sunscreen capabilities. Vitamin C has an important role in the elimination of free radicals from the skin, while vitamin E protects against free radicals. Moisturizers humectants are also of great importance in keeping the skin hydrated and smooth. Important natural humectants are: glycerin, honey, gelatin, some vitamins and proteins.

Aged skin is fragile, dry, and sensitive. Therefore, mild cleanser and no astringent skin care products should be used. You should be very careful in using chemical peelings especially those using trichloracetic acid or phenol, which are very strong and require long time healing. In addition, UV rays can damage irreversible your new skin layers.

Special care should be taken in the selection of light and heavy foundation make-up. Unfortunately, thicker facial foundation, which can cover the skins color abnormalities, only accentuates the deep wrinkles. Sometimes, avoiding heavy foundation makes you look younger and healthier.

Several rejuvenating products are now available on the market.

Among the rejuvenating products, creams containing hormones (progesterone and estrogen) are widely used. The progesterone and estrogen creams can decrease wrinkles, increase the sebum synthesis and improve skin elasticity. It is important to know that topical progesterone and estrogen are quickly absorbed and transported into the circulatory system. Concern may arise in using synthetic hormone creams, since the surplus remains in the system for up to two weeks and can trigger different ailments, such as cancer. Unlike synthetic hormones, plant hormones (phyto-hormones) are metabolized and easily eliminated from the body. They mimic the effect of human hormones and are similar with hormone therapy.

Collagen creams are also available on the market as rejuvenating products. The collagen is supposed to nourish the skin and reverse the signs of aging. But the collagen molecule is too large to be adsorbed into the skin. Thus, what do you possibly feel onto the skin is the effect of other ingredients from the same formulation. You can try injections with collagen instead, which are efficient to soften wrinkles. However, the effect last between 3-12 months and after that you have to repeat the procedure. You might also develop allergies related to different types of collagen.

Extreme rejuvenation therapies are also available.

Dermabrasion, is a type of plastic surgery that is meant to refinish your skin by replacing the abraded skin with new collagen and epidermis. However, Dermabrasion requires undergoing major surgery and in every major surgery there are risks involved. There is also a possibility of scaring infection and permanent change in the skins pigmentation.

Microdermabrasion involves blasting the surface of the skin with a mist of crystals under pressure to remove dead and damaged layers of skin. Using this procedure the skin becomes smoother and less wrinkled. The procedure should be repeated every 2-4 weeks, sometimes combined with a chemical peeling. Persons with skin ailments, such as rosacea, are not recommended to use this extreme rejuvenation procedure. And of course persons with diabetes should not attempt to use any of these extreme rejuvenation procedures. The skin healing may never be achieved.

In conclusion:

You cannot reverse the aging process but you can delay it by proper skin care, which does not have to be extreme. You have to know that if you start an extreme rejuvenation procedure you have to stick with it for the reminder of your life, which sometimes is not a convenient alternative.

Natural ways of delaying the aging process, with a proper skin balance of valuable micronutrients and natural hormones, are a long lasting and healthier alternative.