The process of skin aging has been divided into two categories; intrinsic and extrinsic ageing. Intrinsic (natural ageing) is caused by changes in elasticity of skin over time. It is completely related to genetics and chronological age. Extrinsic ageing is caused by environmental conditions such as exposure to UV rays, diet, and life style choices etc. While it’s impossible to completely prevent signs of aging, there are many cosmetics ingredients that can slow the process.

At this time the most important areas of focus of cosmetic anti-aging treatment relates to skin’s major matrix proteins (collagen and elastin). Collagen is responsible for tensile strength of the skin while Elastin is responsible for skin’s elasticity. Degradation of skin’s matrix proteins (collagen and elastin) results in wrinkling and roughness of the skin called aging. An effective anti-aging treatment should therefore be one that that helps to safely and effectively conserves or replenishes collagen and elastin.

Aging also affects men, women, black and white, but in different ways. For example, Caucasian skin may tend to wrinkle faster than darker skin types which on the other hand tends to loose elasticity and sag much more quickly. Chronological age also plays a very important role in appearance of visible signs of aging, for example facial sagging only appears in the elderly and therefore is truly a hallmark of aging.