As women age, there is a decline in the body's estrogen production. Ultimately, women will enter into menopause. During this phase of their life, skin aging is accelerated due to low blood levels of estrogen. The skin becomes thinner and less elastic. The thinning and loss of elasticity causes the skin to wrinkle and sag. An effective wrinkle cream will improve the appearance of the skin by diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Thus, a good wrinkle cream is essential to any anti aging skin care program.

The softness and flexibility of the skin is dependent on its moisture and oil content. As the skin ages, it becomes drier. There is a decreased production of oil and perspiration by the skin. Dry skin is more prone to wrinkling than oily skin.

Dry, aging skin requires daily moisturizing. Daily moisturizing of the skin can make it softer, vibrant, and healthier. Thus, a good moisturizing cream is essential to any anti aging skin care program.

• Anti-aging -

Nothing causes the skin to age faster than excessive sun damage. Over exposure of the skin to sunlight can cause a form of premature aging known as photoaging. Photoaging is caused by the release of free radicals into the skin from ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that destroy proteins essential to the maintenance of healthy and firm skin. As a consequence, the skin begins to wrinkle and sag. Thus, an effective sunscreen cream or lotion is essential to any anti aging skin care program.

Because aged skin is thinner and more fragile, it is at increased risk of injury from the sun. It is important that you shield your skin from exposure to the sun by using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, wearing protective clothing, and staying out of the sun when its rays are the strongest (between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM). Avoiding overexposure to sunlight is essential to any anti aging skin care program.

Cigarette smoking is the second major cause of wrinkles, after sun exposure. Cigarette smoking can cause premature aging of the skin. Nicotine constricts the skin's small blood vessels and decreases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the epidermis (outer most layer of the skin). The health of the skin is dependent upon an adequate flow of nutrients and oxygen to it.

According to medical experts, the tars that are emitted from cigarette smoking are absorbed into the skin and cause a decrease in the production of the body's estrogen. The loss of estrogen causes the skin to become dry, less supple and duller. If you smoke cigarettes, you should stop immediately. Avoiding cigarette smoking is essential to any anti aging skin care program.

Nutrition and fitness are essential to any anti aging skin care program. Medical experts recommend a diet rich in fruits, green leafy and brilliantly colored vegetables to help the skin stay healthy and youthful. Green leafy vegetables are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants can destroy free radicals that damage the skin's major supporting proteins (collagen and elastin). Also, health care professionals recommend drinking plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated from the inside as well as on the outside. It is also recommended that you avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

• An effective anti aging skin care program will include fitness. Your skin benefits from a good blood supply. Regular exercise increases circulation and aids in the distribution of nutrients and oxygen to the skin. Thus, a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential to any any anti aging skin care program.