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The Secrets of Slowing the Aging Process

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Written by Brian Paul

Friday, 04 April 2008

by BrianPaul

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. Skin is important so a great deal of effort goes into the preparation of beauty products especially those that increase the production of collagen, which is the primary protein in skin.

Almost 25 percent of the protein in skin is actually collagen. Most anti-aging products (collagen included) fall into a category of natural everyday products we all use. Called antioxidants, they help flush out toxins from the body and help reduce the signs of aging.

Probably the best known of these anti-oxidants is vitamin C although no-one really knows just how much we should have each day. The main problem when using any skin care treatments which use vitamin C is that oxidization can occur as soon as they have contact with the air.

To get around this, some skin care treatments are based on derivatives of vitamin C, which are more stable and less expensive. However, these anti-aging skin care treatments are not as effective vitamin C based products, although vitamin E and lipoic acid are also anti-oxidants and have similar effects.

Vitamin E is found in the blood and is an antioxidant that is also used to increase the body's defenses against other health problems; it has been linked to resistance to a number of conditions including certain types of cancer. On the other hand, lipoic acid or alpha-lipoic acid is necessary for energy production which keeps us alive; it is also able to help reduce and restore the skin's aging process.

Another group of products used to reduce the visible signs of aging are phytochemicals which are compounds extracted from various plants and used in many anti-aging skin care products. Like lipoic acid, phytochemicals help reduce the occurrence of cancers; for instance prostate, breast and colon cancer. All three of these are on the increase in the world today.

It has also been discovered that there are anti-aging benefits to vitamins B5, B6 and B12. The field of anti-aging skin care products is vast and needs a great deal more research. While a great deal has been learned about this subject, it is only the tip of the iceberg. However, research is moving forward rapidly and it is only a matter of time before a new generation of products becomes available.

With the research that is now taking place, many people are confident that in time, more effective, cheaper anti-aging skin care products will be discovered. A person should never accept that everything science devises in relation to skin care and anti-aging is always going to be the best; it is doubtful if science can replace natural skin care remedies. Simple things that can make a difference in slowing the signs of aging; these include physical activity, restful sleep, maintaining good dietary habits and removing stress from your life.

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