No woman wants wrinkles, but what hurts more than looking into a mirror full of wrinkles? Looking into an empty wallet, having spent the bank on drawer full of "miracle creams" that never worked. Cosmetic companies make billions of dollars by playing off of women's fears and insecurities, so why would they ever tell you the truth to fighting the signs of aging? Sadly, the truth behind 'timeless beauty' is very simple and very inexpensive: 1. Sunscreen- the depleting ozone layer makes the sun increasingly more dangerous everyday so it is essential to ALWAYS wear sunscreen and sunglasses!! It's a good idea to wear it, or at least makeup with SPF, no matter if you go outside or not because damaging UVA rays are potent year-round, on cloudy days, and even through window glass! Avobenzone is an excellent sunscreen to use because it absorbs the entire UVA spectrum, but it should always be supplemented with a sufficient UVB-blocker. Oxybenzone, dioxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide also provide some coverage of the UVA spectrum, in addition to protection from UVB radiation. 2. Exfoliation- skin cells die everyday and if they are not removed from the skin, they can clog pores and cause skin problems. Physically exfoliating the face and body allows for fresh, new skin to 'glow' and remain healthy. Dermatologists offer special 'microderm-abrasions' but those are quite costly and very similar results can just as easily be obtained at home with products easily found at a drugstore. Facial exfoliation can be done daily through the use of a facewash containing small particles to gently dislodge dead skin cells, or a specificly designed exfoliation cream (usually containing aluminum oxide crystals) can be massaged over the face up to 3 times weekly. The body can easily be exfoliated through the use of a loofah, scrubing sponge, or exfoliating gloves while showering. 3. Alpha Hydroxy Acids- these are the chemical versions of 'exfoliation' that can be used in conjunction with physical exfoliation in order to achieve optimal results against wrinkles, discoloration, and acne. Because all exfoliation causes a direct change to the skin by permanent removal of skin layers, the results are lasting, not mearly the appearance alone (as with most 'miracle creams'). The most common AHAs for easy use in cream form are glycolic acid (generally up to 15%) and lactic acid (generally for more sensitive skin). Dermatologists offer pricey chemical peels made of high percentages of these acids but those are quite painful when compared to their equally effective, but more time-consuming, at-home versions. AHAs work like this: think of your skin kinda like a notebook with a deep dent in its pages from being stabbed with a pencil- as each page is taken away the dent becomes less deep, until you get past the bottom of the dent and the pages are perfect from then-on! Also, though AHAs can be worn during the day under sunscreen, they are generally more often used during the night because they magnify the sun's rays and can cause serious sunburns. 4. Moisturizing- moisturizer is not going to give your skin any 'permanent' results, but it will be a soothing and visually appeasing antidote to the dryness caused by both physical and chemical exfoliation. Remember that these are only the physical things you can do to your skin, it is also important to eat healthy, drink plenty of water, and exercise- being beautiful on the inside is just as important as being beautiful on the outside!!