Intrinsic aging is the programmed tendency for cells to stop proliferating or dividing. The amount of collagen decreaes in the skin over time (about 1% a year) and the degradation of collagen increases so that overall, the dermis thins by 20% in the elderly. In addition, elastic fibers become damaged causing laxity.

Extrinsic aging is aging that occurs from external factors, most commonly ultraviolet radiation and pollution, particulary that from smoking. These factors cause degradation of collagen as well as other key elements of the skin leading to coarse wrinkling, increased risk of skin cancer, broken blood vessels, skin laxity, dryness, prominence of pores, and discoloration or uneven skin tone.

General advice: While there is little that we can do about our genetic make up and intrinsic aging, there are several things we can do to help prevent or minimize extrinsic aging.

Sun protection: First and foremost, you must protect yourself from the sun and ultraviolet radiation. Excess sun accounts for over 90% of all extrinsic aging changes. To learn more about this critical step in fighting wrinkles and other signs of aging, visit our sections on sun protection products and our sunprotection FAQ

Stop smoking: The effects of smoking can compound the adverse effects of the sun contributing to coarse wrinkling and an increased risk of skin cancer (not to mention what it's doing to your lungs). There are many prodcuts and prescription medications available to help individuals stop smoking. Consult your doctor for help.

Diet: Eating a balanced diet and drinking adequate water (8 glasses) daily will help to keep your skin looking young and healthy.

Rest: Getting adequate rest can help to fight the signs of aging.

Treatment: There are virtually hundreds of products available to help prevent photoaging and to help correct the damage that has already been done. Treatment should be incorporated into your regular routine. Remeber that it took years to accumulate sun damage, and the changes from treatment may take time to show their true effectiveness.

Key ingredients to look for:
Sunscreens: protection and prevention of ultraviolet radiation is critical to any skin care regimen
Retinoids: Perhaps the best studied agents to fight the signs of photoaging
Alpha hydroxy acids: Also very well studied, the AHA's help to exfoliate photodamaged skin while encouraging the production of new collagen.
Poly hydroxy acids: Similar to the alpha hydroxy acids, they allow for several benefits with the advantage of less irritation.
Antioxidants: These agents, including products such as Idebenone (Prevage), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Silymarin, Soy, Alpha Lipioc Acid, and Tea phenols, help by protecting against sun damage while correcting exising signs of photoaging
Nouricel-MD (TNS Recovery), Copper (Neova), Kinerase, pal-KTTKS: unique products that have been proven to help correct wrinkles and other signs of photoaging
Hydroquinone and kojic acid: Bleaching agents that can help smooth out the uneven coloration of photodamaged skin.

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