Exposure to the elements shows on your skin. Beginning with your twenties the impact of elements and aging may lead you to consider an anti-aging skin care regimen.

Fine lines and wrinkles appear on all faces with aging. If you want to minimize the visible effects of aging on your appearance try an anti-aging skin care regimen to restore a fresh, youthful look.

It is an inevitable fact your skin will change with aging. These changes can be attributed to a host of culprits including sun exposure, frowning, laughter (we all know about laugh lines) and even biological changes. Biological changes that occur with aging include slower cell regeneration, break down of collagen (which supports elasticity) and fats under the skin (which leads to sagging). There are a number of anti-aging skin care treatments on the market designed to slow the visible effects of aging.

Anti-aging skin care programs need not be about trying to look twenty when you are forty. You have earned those years. At the same time you don’t have to look older than your years either. You can look your best without spending a lot of time or even a lot of money. For starters, make sure that you always wear sunscreen. Sun damage is not only a problem for beach combers. Each time you go outside, even when you are riding in your car, your skin is exposed to harmful rays that can accelerate skin aging. Go for a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and apply it religiously. You may be surprised to learn after a few weeks that you don’t need that injection after all.

On of the most basic skin care practices you should adopt is simple, keep your face clean. Oil and dirt can accumulate on your face throughout the day and contribute to problems such as outbreaks, dullness and clogged pores. Whether or not you wear makeup you should wash your face before you go to bed each evening. It is also important to wash your face before (if you wear makeup) and after you work out.

As skin ages it does not slough off dead skin cells as readily as it once did. You can speed up the process and earn a healthy glow by exfoliating. Try a gentle treatment and use gentle, upwardly circular motions. For extra help with fine lines consider a product containing retinol. Rentinol has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen. Rinse thoroughly and pat lightly with a clean, dry cloth. Finally, don’t forget the moisturizer, skin dries with aging and the area around your eyes is especially vulnerable. Many skin care products now contain moisturizers, retinol and antioxidants, all powerful anti-aging ingredients.

You probably did not expect to experience acne with aging but, surprise, acne isn’t just for teenagers anymore. More adults are experiencing mild to moderate outbreaks. To minimize outbreaks be sure to get adequate rest each evening, practice stress reduction techniques, and again keep your face clean. Salicylic and glycolic acids, found in many over the counter skin care treatments, can be an additional line of defense against blemishes. Talk with a skin care professional if you don’t realize noticeable results within 4-6 weeks.

While you are taking such great care of your skin don’t forget your throat. It will benefit from the same treatment you give your face. Also, set off your great skin with a dazzling, white smile. Go for natural colored crown and bridge work and try over the counter tooth whitening preparations. If you need a little extra help to keep your smile looking great, talk with your dentist or hygienist about strategies for putting your best face forward.