Whether we like it or not, wrinkles are a fact of life. As we age, our skin begins to produce less and less collagen and elastin. These are two basic elements of healthy, plump and young looking skin.

Since genetics play an important role in the aging process, it may not be possible to prevent face wrinkles, however, there are a few things you can do to help slow it down.

Common Factors that Accelerate Aging

Two habits that are enjoyed by millions but that pose a threat to the aging process are smoking and sunbathing. Both habits are known to produce free radicals which eventually destroy healthy tissue.

Smoking is one of the worst habits you can acquire. Not only does it affect your lungs, but it also leads to skin wrinkles all over your body. This happens because while you smoke you have to make repeated facial expressions that will eventually lead to wrinkling.

Sunbathing and exposing your skin to too much sun are also responsible for skin wrinkles as well as for age spots and dry, leathery skin. To minimize the possible effects of the sun, use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Nevertheless, if for some reason you need to stay in the sun for prolonged periods of time, remember to wear protective gear such as wide brimmed hats and long sleeved tops.

Consuming large amounts of alcohol is also a way of accelerating the aging process. Alcohol dehydrates the body and can actually dry out the tissues in your body and skin. It is important to moderate your alcohol intake and increase your consumption of pure water.

The Best Wrinkle Creams for Your Skin

A good wrinkle cream will help you skin resist the signs of aging. Some people will notice that they are developing wrinkles as early as their twenties. Because dry skin has a lower level of natural oils, it tends to wrinkle faster than other skin types.

Oily skin is much more resistant that dry skin. You may not notice fine lines until your mid thirties. Whichever is the case, look for products that contain one or more of the following ingredients: coenzyme Q-10, hyaluronic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and/or copper peptides.

Coenzyme Q-10 is known to help promote skin growth and smooth the skin due to its firming properties. Hyaluronic acid has been clinically proven to diminish fine lines and wrinkles due to its water holding capacity. As a matter of fact, it has the ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) promote exfoliation, stimulate skin repair, increase skin thickness and collagen production. AHAs such as glycolic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, malic acid and citric acid are some of the most commonly found in skin care products. Copper peptides are another key ingredient that can help boost the healing process and increase the production of collagen.