One of the signs of aging is wrinkling. Another sign is arrival of those brown spots on the skin, what Grandma called "liver spots." Skin dries out, thins and becomes less elastic and resilient. While no one has discovered a miracle anti-aging cure yet or the fountain of youth, doctors and scientists have discovered some ways to delay the onset of some of the symptoms of aging.

Wrinkles are caused by the loss of collagen in the middle layer of skin called the dermis. This layer is made up of collagen and elastin fibers. These proteins are what support the skin and make it resilient.

Other components of this layer are capillaries, lymph nodes, hair follicles, nerve and muscle cells, seat glands and, most importantly for this discussion, sebaceous glands. These sebaceous glands produce an oily protective substance that that lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair. As they get older, they produce less and less of this lubricant, the skin dries out and wrinkling occurs. Another symptom is the loss of collagen that causes the droopiness and tired-look that comes with old age.

Regular exercise nourishes all three layers of the skin. It improves circulation, providing the skin with oxygen, fresh blood and nutrients. This increased blood flow also draws toxins out of the body and improve the condition of every organ, not just the skin. The increased blood flow created by exercise helps promote the growth of collagen that, in turn, plumps up the facial skin eradicating wrinkles and adding vibrancy to the skin. Sweating, a byproduct of exercise, improves the health of the skin by flushing out toxins, which also adds to a youthful glow.

Exercise has been proven to relieve stress. Stress is tied in very closely to the aging process and wrinkles. Prolonged stress increases levels of free radicals, speeds up the breakdown of proteins, can suppress the immune system and generally accelerates the process of aging.

Of course, it is important to exercise properly and keep hydrated while doing it. Moisturizing inside and out makes good sense.

No smoking. Not only does smoking constrict the blood vessels in the dermis that reduces the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the skin. The facial expressions caused by smoking also accelerate wrinkling. Pursing the lips, squinting to keep smoke out of the eyes and the sucking in of the smoke all put repetitive stress on the muscles of the face.

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